Idaho's Model Paraeducators Advancing to Certified Teacher (IMPACT)

IMPACT is provided at no cost to participants. Tuition, fees and books are all taken care of without cost to scholars and expenses related to the Intensive Summer Institute are covered. Participants are also provided with a laptop computer to complete coursework.

IMPACT is ideal for those currently serving as paraeducators in Idaho, those who have already earned approximately 50 college or university credits (transcripts will be reviewed for personalized guidance) and individuals who can commit to completing the required coursework as outlined in the Program of Study. As a requirement of the funding, IMPACT Scholars must commit to teaching special education for at least four years after completing the program.

Access the IMPACT Scholar Application.

Acceptance decisions will be made based on the quality of materials, not on a first-come, first-served basis.

Applications must include

Candidate Statement

Candidates must develop a written statement explaining why they are interested in applying for the program. This could include information about personal background, strengths, rationale for interest in IMPACT, career goals and experience working with students with disabilities. This statement should be approximately 500 words.
 
Resume

Include a current resume that shows education and employment history.
 
Supervisor References

Applicants must include the name, title, phone number, and email address of two supervisors at their current schools (e.g., principal, assistant principal, teacher, special education director). These individuals will be contacted by IMPACT staff and asked for information to support your candidacy.
 
Unofficial Transcripts

For this initial IMPACT application, applicants will be required to submit PDFs of unofficial transcripts for any college/university courses they have taken. For students accepted into IMPACT, U of I will require official transcripts as part of the university application.

Praxis Diagnostic Exam

Upon completion of the initial application requirements, you will be provided information about steps to complete a diagnostic assessment for the Praxis 7001 exams (required for the Idaho Exceptional Child Endorsement). This diagnostic exam will take approximately 4 hours to complete and can be done in multiple sessions (it does not need to be done all at once). Although no minimum score is required, results from this Praxis Diagnostic Exam will be considered as part of the IMPACT Scholar selection process. You will have access to the Praxis Diagnostic Exam for 7 days. It must be completed no later than Feb. 8, 2026 (two weeks after the initial application deadline).

Why do I need to take a four-hour diagnostic test as part of my application?

To earn an Idaho teaching credential, you are required to pass the Praxis 7001 exam, which assesses basic academic skills across multiple subject areas. This is a state requirement. While we do not require passing scores on this diagnostic screener, it helps us understand how prepared you are and how close you may be to meeting the Praxis requirement.

Because IMPACT coursework is rigorous and time-intensive, there is limited opportunity to prepare for these exams during the program. The diagnostic allows us to better support you and set you up for success before the program begins.

After I submit my application, will I receive information about the Praxis diagnostic screener?

Yes, but this information is not sent automatically. After an initial review of your application to confirm that you meet the minimum requirements, you will receive details about the Praxis diagnostic screener within 2–3 business days. The information will be sent to the email address you provided on your application.

If you have not received this information within three business days of submitting your application, contact Ozlem Oner at ooner@uidaho.edu to check on the status of your application.

What types of expenses are covered for IMPACT scholars?

Funding from the U.S. Department of Education covers all of your tuition and program fees. All expenses related to the Intensive Summer Institute will also be covered. This may include bringing family members to Moscow as well (see more below). Every IMPACT student will receive a laptop computer to use to complete coursework.

What if I don’t have college or university credits?

IMPACT is designed for working paraeducators to complete certification in two years. As such, potential IMPACT scholars need to enter the program with some university credits (approximately 50). If you are not close to this requirement, your application will not be approved. Please reach out to IMPACT program staff with individualized questions.

What if I don’t live in Idaho?

IMPACT is focused on Idaho paraeducators. If there is space in a cohort, we may be able to consider admitting individuals who meet requirements but live in other states. However, Idaho paraeducators have priority.

What if I have taken college courses, but have a GPA lower than 2.0?

University of Idaho has an admissions committee that will consider applicants with cumulative GPAs lower than 2.0. A GPA below this minimum may be a barrier but is not necessarily an unsurmountable barrier.

Is everyone accepted to IMPACT?

Funding is available for 10 IMPACT Scholars. For Cohort 1, we received nearly 40 applications for those 10 spots. While we wish we could support more students, current funding limits the cohort to 10 scholars, making the application process highly competitive.

Is there any possibility of me joining IMPACT without already having earned some college credits?

No, applicants need to have completed all, or most, of their general education requirements before applying. The IMPACT program includes only teacher education coursework.

If you’re interested in pursuing a degree, you could explore completing your general education requirements at a relatively low cost through a community college or through Independent Study in Idaho. You can also look into funding options such as FAFSA (federal need-based aid) or local resources like Idaho Launch to help cover costs. Connecting with these programs can help you better understand your eligibility and next steps. 

What if I already have a bachelor’s degree?

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, there are two paths to consider. You can enroll as a non-degree-seeking student and complete just the credits needed for endorsement, or you may choose to pursue a master’s degree. If you choose to pursue a master’s you may need to cover some additional tuition costs, as IMPACT funding applies only to undergraduate tuition.

Are courses online?

With the exception of summer courses connected with the Intensive Summer Institute (see below), all coursework can be done from a distance. IMPACT scholars are provided with a laptop, but individuals are responsible for providing or finding their own high-speed WiFi.

What is a mentor-supported course?

Each semester, students complete a specified 3-credit course with a local mentor. These mentors will need to be approved by IMPACT staff. The goal is to vary the format of the coursework and provide structured opportunities for IMPACT scholars to work with local people who have knowledge and expertise in that area. They will work though an online course shell and content will be graded by IMPACT faculty. Scholars will meet with their mentors regularly and mentors will be compensated for their time with a small stipend.

Can I take courses when I want to?

IMPACT is designed to be completed as a cohort and on a specific schedule. Be certain to review to program of study to ensure you can make the necessary commitment of time. The courses you’ll take are mostly set; if there are other courses you need to take to complete the bachelor’s degree, these will likely be your responsibility. IMPACT program staff can provide advising to let you know what you need.

What if I already have a bachelor’s degree? Can I take courses to earn a master’s degree?

The grant funding only covers the costs of undergraduate credits (graduate credits are more expensive than undergraduate credits). You’ll be able to take courses as undergraduate credits to fulfill teacher certification requirements. It may be possible to complete a master’s degree, but scholars may be responsible for the difference in tuition.

What courses are part of IMPACT?

You can find the tentative course of study here.

What is the Intensive Summer Institute (ISI)?

IMPACT is focused on cohort development, which will include a five-day in-person mandatory institute in both June 2026 and 2027 at the U of I campus in Moscow, Idaho. Students will work face-to-face with IMPACT faculty to explore course content associated with enrolled summer courses. Scholars will receive funding to cover expenses related to travel, childcare, room and board. More information is listed below.

What if I can’t make the ISI?

It is required for IMPACT scholars to attend the ISI. This is a key component of our program.

When is the ISI?

The 2026 ISI is scheduled for June 7-12. The 2027 ISI will likely be during a similar time frame.

What are accommodations like for the ISI?

Scholars will have a private room and bathroom/shower in the Wallace dorm. Each room has four beds (two bunkbeds), but nobody will be required to share with another scholar.

Can I bring family to the ISI?

Each scholar has four single beds in their room and may bring up to three family members. These costs, including meals, are provided by grant funding. Childcare during the day may also be available.

What costs are involved?

IMPACT Scholars will receive funding to cover expenses related to transportation, room and board (meals). Costs for any other activities will be the responsibility of IMPACT Scholars.

What is the required service obligation?

This opportunity is funded through the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) in the U.S. Department of Education. Their requirement is that scholars who receive these funds complete four years of service as a special educator (two years of service as a special educator for every one year of funding).

What happens if I don’t finish the program?

If you do not finish the program, then you are responsible for paying back the federal government for incurred tuition and program fees.

What happens if I do not complete my four years of service?

After completing the program, you will need to provide the federal government with annual evidence that you are completing the service requirement. If you do not complete the four years, the federal government will require you to reimburse them for all or some of the tuition and program fees.

What if I have additional questions?

Contact Ozlem Oner (ooner@uidaho.edu).

Do I have to complete my service obligation (four years of teaching special education) in a specific place?

IMPACT is funded by a federal grant. Although we’re focused on supporting Idaho paraeducators, you can complete your service obligation anywhere in the U.S.

Is there a grace period after certification is completed? Does the four-year service obligation need to be consecutive?

There is some flexibility in how the service obligation is fulfilled. Specific requirements, including any grace period and whether the four years must be consecutive, are determined by federal policy.

Do I need to remain a paraeducator for the duration of the program, or can I move into a teaching position while completing the program?

Due to the shortage of special education teachers in Idaho, a school district may ask you to serve as a teacher of record while you are completing your certification program. While this opportunity may be appealing, we believe you will have the greatest chance for success if you remain a paraeducator during the program.

The semester course load is intensive, and balancing a rigorous academic schedule with the demands and stress of a new special education teaching role could be challenging. For these reasons, we generally recommend remaining in a paraeducator role while enrolled in the program. That said, individual circumstances vary, and this option could be discussed on a case-by-case basis.