Empowering Education: The Vital Role of Paraprofessionals in Our Schools

Empowering Education: The Vital Role of Paraprofessionals in Our Schools

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, paraprofessionals play a crucial role in supporting teachers and students. These dedicated individuals work under the supervision of licensed teachers, providing invaluable assistance in various educational settings. Whether it's tutoring students, managing classrooms, or organizing instructional materials, paraprofessionals are the unsung heroes of our school systems.

Understanding the Role of Paraprofessionals

Paraprofessionals are essential in fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. They help bridge the gap between students and teachers, ensuring that every child receives the attention and support they need to succeed. By assisting with classroom management and instructional tasks, paraprofessionals allow teachers to focus more on personalized instruction and student engagement.

Pathways to Becoming a Paraprofessional

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) offers pathways for individuals interested in becoming paraprofessionals. One such pathway is the Short-Term Approval for Paraprofessionals, which is valid for three fiscal years and is non-renewable. This approval allows individuals to be employed full-time as paraprofessionals without any limit on workdays.

Requirements for Short-Term Approval:

• High school diploma (or equivalent) or higher

How to Apply for Short-Term Approval:

1. Log in to ELIS at apps.isbe.net/iwasnet/login.aspx.
2. Select "Apply for Credential" and click "Approvals."
3. Choose Short-term Approval for Paraprofessionals to complete the application and pay the $50 fee.
4. Submit a copy of your high school diploma to licensureforms@isbe.net.

ELS Paraprofessional Educator Endorsement

For those looking to further their career as a paraprofessional, the ELS Paraprofessional Educator Endorsement is a great option. This endorsement is valid for five years and is renewable, allowing individuals to continue their vital work in education.

Requirements for ELS Paraprofessional Educator Endorsement:

• Associate degree or higher
• 60 semester hours of coursework
• High school diploma/GED with a score of 460 or higher on the ETS Paraprofessional test
• High school diploma/GED with a score of 4 or higher on the ACT Workkeys Applied Mathematics and Reading for Information tests

How to Apply for ELS Paraprofessional Educator Endorsement:

1. Log in to ELIS at apps.isbe.net/iwasnet/login.aspx.
2. From the Action Center, apply for a paraprofessional license.
3. Complete the application and pay the $100 application fee and $30 registration fee.
4. Submit test scores to licensureforms@isbe.net or have your institution email official transcripts to transcripts@isbe.net.
5. Once issued, register your license in ELIS.

Paraprofessionals are the backbone of our educational system, providing the support needed to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. By becoming a paraprofessional, you can make a significant impact in the lives of students and contribute to a brighter future for our schools.

For more information, please follow this link.