Episode
Episode 74 | From Parapro to Teacher with Dr. Matthew Flippen
- Podcast
- Lead with HOPE
- Published
- Dec 24, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 2539
- Processing state
not_requested
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Summary
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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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 a…