BISMARCK — North Dakota high school students interested in education careers are being given the opportunity to pursue a certificate enabling them to work in classrooms as paraprofessionals.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said in a news release that students may take classes to earn a “general education paraprofessional certificate,” which would qualify them to work as an aide to a classroom teacher, giving them a head start in their future careers.

The certificate is earned by taking a combination of two general education or career and technical education classes that offer instruction in classroom teaching theory, methods and practices. Baesler said the certificate will help set these students apart on college and job applications.

“Earning a general education paraprofessional certificate gives students a chance to work in a classroom, explore teaching as a possible career, and see firsthand what a big impact a career in teaching can have on students,” Baesler said.