There are more than 1.2 million paraprofessionals working in schools across the United States—supporting instruction, building relationships with students, and keeping classrooms running every day. Many of them dream of becoming certified teachers, but cost, time, and access often stand in the way.

Gracelyn University is changing that.

In today’s episode, we talk with Dr. Matthew Flippen, Founder and President of Gracelyn University—an accredited, affordable online institution built specifically to help paraprofessionals earn their degrees and become certified classroom teachers. Dr. Flippen is a national leader in education innovation, partnering with districts across the country to transform paraprofessionals into high-impact educators.

In this episode:

• Why paraprofessionals are key to solving the teacher shortage

• How Gracelyn University makes earning a degree accessible and affordable

• Why “grow your own” teacher programs are the future

• Real success stories from schools using this pathway

• How parapros can apply and get started

If you’re a paraprofessional, school leader, or educator who believes talent already lives inside our schools, this episode will give you hope—and a pathway forward.

Connect with Dr. Matthew Flippen

Email: matthewaflippen@gmail.com

X: https://x.com/gracelynedu/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-matthew-flippen-9b831a180/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gracelynuniversity

https://www.gracelyn.edu/press/books/win-with-your-talent-pipeline/

Connect with Dr. Brandi Kelly

Email: bkelly@sparkhopeedu.com

X: @jbmrkelly

Instagram: @leadwithhope.23

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brandi-kelly-ed-d-lcsw/

Website: Sparkhopeedu.com

Check out the HOPE Fueled Leadership Kickstart, a short, powerful and private coaching experience. With expert guidance and key assessments, I’ll help you clarify your vision, gain confidence in your decision making, and build lasting connection and community—so you can finally get a clear roadmap to maximize your resources, people, and impact as a leader. https://sparkhopeedu.com/home--spark-hope-edu

Keywords: teacher shortage, paraprofessionals, how to become a teacher, teacher certification pathway, Gracelyn University, Dr. Matthew Flippen, grow-your-own teacher program, teacher pipeline, education leadership