Teacher Assistant Pathway to Teaching Program (TAPT)
TAPT is a unique program that provides paraeducators, also known as teacher assistants, the financial support and mentoring needed to become fully licensed teachers. The purpose of the TAPT program is to provide a path for Special Education, Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, ESL or Bilingual employed teacher assistants or other employed school district personnel to become highly qualified, skilled teachers in area schools.
New applicants are added each year as funding is available. See application qualifications at the end of the page for more information.
The TAPT Program exists because of the generosity of private donors and the Utah State Board of Education who not only helped start the program, but also have been contributors along the way. The Crystal Dezember Memorial Scholarship Fund will donate specifically to the TAPT program at Weber State University.
The TAPT program began at the request from the superintendents of six school districts surrounding Weber State University. Superintendents had a critical need for teachers in their respective districts. Weber State complied with that request and thus the TAPT Program was born. And that need for teachers? Well, it still exists today.
The program survives because of the generosity of private donors and the Utah State Board of Education who not only helped start the program, but have also been contributors along the way. Our donors make everything possible. Without them, we could not continue on our path to provide these opportunities for our paraprofessionals or provide the necessary support to the teacher shortage that we face in our community.
Participant Requirements
Meet WSU admission standards
Complete WSU full application process (includes securing “W” number and taking the Accuplacer Test prior to registration)
Register for courses leading to teacher licensure
Pay all student fees, transcript fees, developmental fees or lab fees
Submit annual applications for scholarships and financial aid
Attend all monthly TAPT training sessions
Submit annual evaluations
Maintain 3.0 GPA
Application Qualifications
Be a paid teaching assistant in a qualifying school district
Complete TAPT application
Submit two (2) letters of recommendation (one from a supervisor and one from a district level administrator or principal)
Submit evidence of district employment
Show willingness to work with students who are from diverse backgrounds different from one’s own
Submit high school diploma or equivalency
Must not have a bachelor’s degree
Make A Donation.
Please help us keep Crystal’s legacy alive by donating and supporting future educators.
“I think I have learned that the best way to lift one’s self up is to help someone else.”