Four East Central College students stand together in front of a blue wall. From left: Elise Watson, Danielle Grotewiel, Caitlyn Hanna, and Chrissy Moffatt.

ECC Expands Free Sub Teacher/Paraprofessional Training Offerings

October 1, 2025 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College’s free substitute teacher–paraprofessional training program provides adults in the region with valuable options for their career path.

For some, it is an opportunity for classroom experience, while for others, it has offered a reliable alternative during a job search.

Washington resident Danielle Grotewiel is one of four students who completed the first round of courses. She explained that the training gave her a viable option during her job search and praised the program’s value.

“I think this free class is an amazing benefit to our community,” Grotewiel said. “It will open opportunities to those who may not have been able to take advantage of it otherwise. I would not have been able to afford the required courses without this program.”

The courses are part of the College and Career Preparation at ECC, sponsored by the Adult Education and Literacy Program.

Upcoming Class Schedule

Evening Classes – Rolla and Union will both host evening classes beginning Monday, Oct. 6, from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Class continues through Nov. 19, meeting Monday and Wednesday evenings, 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

Day Class — Union Only will begin with orientation on Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Classes will continue through Nov. 25, meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

2026 Day Class — Union and Rolla. Orientation is set for Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Classes will run Jan. 20–Feb. 12, Mondays through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Sessions will take place at the ECC Training Center in Union and at the First United Methodist Church in Rolla. A second round will follow in early 2026 with a Day


Pathways to Education Careers

The ECC program prepares adults to work in a K-12 classroom as a paraprofessional or substitute teacher. For some, the training also serves as a launching pad for careers as full-time educators.

For three of the four students who completed the most recent session — Elise Watson, Caitlyn Hanna, and Chrissy Moffatt — the training has been a first step toward college. Caitlyn and Chrissy have already enrolled, and Elise plans to begin classes in the spring.

Since the first round was completed, a second course in Union and another in Rolla have also concluded, with more students now prepared to step into classrooms.

Strong Foundations

Grotewiel added that the programprovided a strong foundation for classroom work.

“The courses were very thorough,” she said. “The most valuable lesson I took away was, ‘Know yourself and be confident. Once you find the age, subject, school district, learning level or grade you connect with, focus on it.’”

For more information or to register, visit www.eastcentral.edu or call 636-584-6533.