After you graduate or earn your GED, there is no better way to explore education careers than to work as a paraeducator in our local schools. Multnomah Educators Rising (MER) will help you interview and get hired into a full- or part-time paraeducator position with a local school district where you’ll get paid and gain valuable experience. At the same time, you’ll enroll at Portland Community College (PCC) with financial support from MER and the Oregon Promise. From day one at PCC, you’ll be taking courses from BIPOC education faculty as part of a cohort of other diverse rising educators. You will then transfer to a Bachelor’s degree educator preparation program with support and funding from MER, where you will earn your teaching license. 

The MER Summer Academy is a unique opportunity for rising seniors and recent graduates made possible through a partnership with Nike, Portland Community College, and partnering school districts. To learn more, check out our Summer Academy program.

You’re already making a difference for students every day. If you’re ready to take the next step in your education career then we’re here to help! Whether you’re still building your English skills, have little or no college experience, or already have a college degree, there is a path for you – including funding and support from MER.

In addition to funding support from MER, Multnomah County districts also offer their employees varying levels of funding for college tuition. Many districts can also help you maintain your employment, income, and/or benefits during your required full-time student teaching experience. Contact your district’s Human Resources office or MER staff for more info about specific resources available to you as a district employee.

Several community-based organizations partner with MER to reach diverse aspiring educators from all backgrounds, neighborhoods, and communities.

The partners listed below serve as core members of the MER team and provide referrals and support for individuals from their communities who wish to become licensed educators:

• Latino Network – Ana Muñoz
• Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) – Auna Castellon
• Oregon Alliance of Black School Educators – Lurlene Shamsud-Din

For individuals interested in exploring teaching careers, one of the best steps is to become a paraeducator in our local schools. MER helps interested community members connect with job opportunities in local school districts where they can gain experience and earn income while they work toward their education degree.

If you’re a BIPOC community member looking to start an education career, reach out to one of the community organization contacts listed above, or fill out our interest form (En Español)

Students benefit when they see themselves reflected at all levels of school leadership. Are you a BIPOC educator ready to take the leap and become a principal or district administrator? MER has partnered with George Fox University to sponsor a cohort of BIPOC aspiring administrators from across our partner school districts. The program is fully funded for eligible participants through the Oregon Administrator Scholars program. Learn more about the Administrator License program here.