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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Pittsfield Man Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Friday, Jan. 17, Laquan M. Johnson, 29, of Pittsfield, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and seven charges connected to the April 4 killing of Stephan Curley.
 
The Honorable Judge Agostini of Berkshire Superior Court sentenced Johnson to 12 to 15 years in state prison. The sentence exceeds sentencing guidelines, which recommend 9 to 13.5 years. The plea took place prior to the result of a jury verdict from a trial that began on Jan. 8.
 
The Commonwealth requested a state prison sentence of 15 to 20 years, while the defense requested a sentence of 10 years to 10 years and one day.
 
"My thoughts are with Mr. Curley's family during this difficult time," District Attorney Timothy J. Shugrue said. "While Laquan Johnson's lengthy sentence will never bring Mr. Curley back, I hope it offers some measure of comfort to his loved ones. Gun violence affects not only the perpetrators and victims but the entire community. Today's plea represents a step toward healing, offering Ms. Satrape, Mr. Curley's family, and the community an opportunity to look forward toward a new day."
 
Johnson also pleaded guilty to additional charges, with sentences running concurrently:
  • 5 to 7 years for armed assault with intent to murder.
  • 2 to 3 years each for two counts of assault and battery by discharging a firearm.
  • 2 years in the House of Corrections for possession of a firearm without an FID card.
  • 2 years in the House of Corrections for possession of ammunition without an FID card.
  • 2 to 4 years in state prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
  • 2 to 4 years in state prison for possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance.
On April 4, 2022, Johnson shot and killed 26-year-old Stephan Curley of Springfield and injured 28-year-old Dominique Satrape of Pittsfield.
 
At approximately 4:22 p.m., Pittsfield Police responded to ShotSpotter activation detecting five gunshot rounds near 71 King Street. At about 4:27 p.m., police were also dispatched to Berkshire Medical Center following a report of a person with a gunshot wound, later identified as Curley.
 
Police investigating the scene at 71 King Street observed Meilani Eurquhart, Johnson's sister, outside leaning over a garbage can. When questioned, she admitted to hearing gunshots but dropped several spent shell casings when asked to raise her hands. Officers also found additional spent shell casings on the porch.
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