Uh Oh! Don't Get Caught Napping in Class (Especially When You're the Paraprofessional)
Ever have that moment where you're mid-explanation about mitochondria being the powerhouse of the cell, and then BAM! You realize your paraprofessional certificate is about to expire? Relax, because freaking out won't bring back those funky high school dance moves you used to rock (although, a good freak out session can be therapeutic). Renewing your paraprofessional certificate in Illinois is actually a breeze, easier than explaining the Pythagorean Theorem to a fidgety fifth grader.
Here's the lowdown on how to keep your license shiny and your career on track:
Channel Your Inner Internet Explorer (But Not Really)
Head over to the Illinois State Board of Education's website, because that's where the magic happens. [Search Illinois State Board of Education] Just avoid getting distracted by all the fun educational resources they have (seriously, some of those math games are addictive).
ELIS, My Old Friend
You'll need to log in to your Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) account. Think of it as your own personal paraprofessional passport to continued awesomeness. If you haven't created an account yet, don't worry, it's a quick and painless process.
Side note: If you're having trouble logging in, don't panic. There's a handy "forgot password" button that will be your knight in shining armor (or should we say, knight in shining calculator, because hey, math!).
The Not-So-Secret Weapon: Money
Yes, there is a renewal fee, but hey, it's way cheaper than that time you accidentally ordered a whole box of glow sticks instead of glue sticks (we've all been there). The fee is a mere $25, which is a steal considering the joy you bring to those curious young minds (and the occasional impromptu glow stick dance party). You can pay with your trusty debit or credit card, so no need to break the piggy bank.
Teacher Tip: Make sure you have enough funds in your account before you hit that "pay" button. There's nothing worse than getting that "insufficient funds" error message, especially when your inner child is craving a glow stick extravaganza.
The Beauty of No Continuing Education
Unlike some of your teacher colleagues who are constantly racking their brains for professional development hours, the beauty of the paraprofessional renewal process is that there are NO continuing education requirements. This means more time to focus on the important things, like mastering the art of the perfect high five or becoming a pro at calming down a case of the Mondays.
You've Got This!
Renewing your paraprofessional certificate is a breeze, so you can get back to doing what you do best: making a difference in the lives of your students. High fives all around!
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions (Because We Know You Have Them)
How to log in to my ELIS account?
If you've already created an account, head to the Illinois State Board of Education website and click on "Log in to your ELIS account". If you haven't created one yet, there's a "First Time Access" option available.
How much does it cost to renew my paraprofessional certificate?
The renewal fee is a cool $25.
Do I need to complete any professional development hours to renew?
Nope! Renewing your paraprofessional certificate is refreshingly free of continuing education requirements.
Where can I find more information about the renewal process?
The Illinois State Board of Education website has all the details you need. Just search for "Illinois Educator Renewal".
What if I have other questions about my paraprofessional certificate?
You can contact your Regional Office of Education for further assistance.
