BCC Announces Second Cohort of Paraprofessional Educators Class

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announces that the second cohort of its Paraprofessional Educators class begins Monday, Feb. 24.

The six-week session is held Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The class is an entry-level course with no prerequisites. Students must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. To register, email workforce@berkshirecc.edu or call (413) 236-2115.

Paraprofessional or "para" educators, which are in demand in the Berkshires, play a vital role in supporting teachers in the classroom. The BCC program covers areas such as instructional techniques, classroom management, child development, special education, and effective communication strategies.

With support from experienced mentors, students learn how to assist in the delivery of educational content, provide one-on-one or small-group support to students, and help manage classroom behavior. They receive career preparation and job placement support, and with the successful completion of a certification exam, they may earn the industry-recognized ParaPro credential.

Upon completion of the course, graduates are prepared to work in a public or private K-12 education setting as effective, compassionate paraeducators, contributing to a positive and inclusive learning atmosphere.


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Public Meeting about Disaster Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation in Pittsfield

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield has scheduled a public meeting to discuss disaster preparedness and solicit input on the city's updated Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The meeting, scheduled for Monday, April 7 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center, located at 330 North Street, will address potential natural hazards affecting Pittsfield, including flooding, tornadoes, and earthquakes. The plan also outlines actions to mitigate the impact of these hazards.

The Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC), consisting of city leaders, will present information on vulnerable areas within the city and discuss strategies to minimize potential damage. The city aims to gather public input to prioritize risks and develop effective solutions.

A FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation Plan enables the city to access pre- and post-disaster mitigation grant funding from FEMA.

A virtual meeting option is available via Zoom for those unable to attend in person. The Zoom link is https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82500118599. Call-in options are available by dialing (312) 626-6799 and entering Meeting ID: 825 0011 8599.

Questions regarding the plan can be directed to Thomas Sammons, Fire Department Chief and Emergency Management Director, at 413-448-9764 or tsammons@cityofpittsfield.org.

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