Paraprofessional

Are you a helping person?
Do you want a job that has great benefits with weekends, holidays, and school breaks off?
This job is for you!

Take advantage of short-term approval! 

• Requirements for short term approval include a high school degree
• 19 years-old for high school work placement
• Commitment to complete the licensing requirements in three years.

https://www.isbe.net/Pages/paraprofessional-educator.aspx

Paraprofessional

• Paraprofessional license process (see below for process)
• Must be 19 years-old
• 180 day position (student attendance days and school improvement days)
• Medical Benefits, low annual deductibles, low out-of-pocket maximums, and low monthly employee contribution for premiums, Dental and vision benefits
• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund
• Starting pay: $16.47, regionally exceptional starting pay
• ****Years of prior service as a paraprofessional considered for further step placement****

License issuance process:   
How can I obtain an ELS endorsed as a paraprofessional educator?
A paraprofessional educator endorsement on an educator license with stipulations may be issued to an individual who is at least 19 years of age, holds a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and has met one of the following requirements:
1. Holds an associate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education;
2. Has completed at least 60 semester hours of credit from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (excluding remedial coursework) (coursework must be passed with a “D” or higher)
3. Presents an official score report from Educational Testing Service (ETS) showing a score of 460 or higher on the ParaPro test (see process below); or
4. Presents evidence of earning the following scores on the Work Keys test (offered by ACT): Reading for Information (4), Writing/Business Writing (3), and Applied Mathematics (4).

To apply for an educator license with stipulations endorsed as a paraprofessional educator, individuals may submit an application in the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS.) A $100 fee will be assessed electronically when the application is submitted. After submitting their application, individuals should have a copy of their high school diploma and official transcripts showing completion of any college coursework sent to ISBE. An educator license with stipulations endorsed as a paraprofessional educator is not valid until it is registered. Once registered, the license is valid until June 30 immediately following five years of the endorsement being issued and may be renewed.

Paraprofessional Testing
Working with students in a supportive role is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. Becoming a paraprofessional is a pathway to making a difference in students' lives.
Do you have a high school diploma (or GED) and less than 60 college credit hours? If yes, you can become a paraprofessional by taking the ETS Exam.
The testing fee is $70.00 (cash or check only if paying in person) and registration can be done in person or online
To prepare for the test, download free and low-cost study materials at: www.ets.org/parapro/testprep

Click Here to start your Journey as a Paraprofessional

The passing score in Illinois is between 460 and 480
The test can only be taken once every 28 days, not including the initial test date.