| Title |
Bingham, Nathan MED_2026 |
| Alternative Title |
Sustaining Paraprofessionals to Teacher Pipelines: A 30-Year Evaluation of the Teacher Assistant Pathway to Teaching (TAPT) Program at Weber State University |
| Creator |
Bingham, Nathan B. |
| Contributors |
Gailey, Sara (advisor); Nixon, Jessie (advisor) |
| Collection Name |
Master of Education |
| Abstract |
This mixed-methods study evaluates the longitudinal efficacy of the Teacher Assistant Pathway to Teaching (TAPT) program at Weber State University, a Grow Your Own (GYO) initiative designed to transition paraprofessionals into licensed teaching roles. Spanning a 13-year period (2012-2025), the research utilized archival data from three distinct administrative phases to identify programmatic drivers of success and persistent structural barriers. Qualitative thematic analysis revealed that financial support serves as the primary critical access mechanism for non-traditional students, while high-touch mentorship and advising are the key factors ensuring candidate retention. Quantitative results demonstrate exceptional program outcomes, including a 96% graduation rate and a 95% long-term teacher retention rate after eight years, significantly outperforming state averages. Despite these successes, findings highlight financial ambiguity and a curriculum disconnect in professional development as primary areas for improvement. The study concludes with recommendations to modernize financial transparency through digital dashboards and to differentiate mandatory training to meet the needs of both novice and advanced candidates. Ultimately, the TAPT model provides a scalable blueprint for addressing teacher shortages by combining fiscal investment with robust emotional scaffolding. |
| Subject |
Education, Higher; Education--Standards; Education--Study and teaching |
| Digital Publisher |
Digitized by Special Collections & University Archives, Stewart Library, Weber State University. |
| Date |
2025-03 |
| Medium |
theses |
| Type |
Text |
| Access Extent |
35 page pdf |
| Conversion Specifications |
Adobe Acrobat |
| Language |
eng |
| Rights |
The author has granted Weber State University Archives a limited, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to reproduce his or her thesis, in whole or in part, in electronic or paper form and to make it available to the general public at no charge. The author |
| Source |
University Archives Electronic Records: Master of Education. Stewart Library, Weber State University |
| Format |
application/pdf |
| ARK |
ark:/87278/s6bqetrm |
| Setname |
wsu_smt |
| ID |
158364 |
| Reference URL |
https://digital.weber.edu/ark:/87278/s6bqetrm |
