So You Wanna Be a Superstar Paraprofessional in Illinois? Let's Get You Licensed!
Ever dreamt of wielding the mighty red pen of a teacher, but the whole lesson plan thing leaves you feeling a bit woozy? Fear not, my friend! The glorious world of paraprofessionals awaits, and it's about to become your oyster (or, you know, a slightly less messy metaphor). But before you can unleash your inner teaching rockstar on those impressionable young minds, there's a little hurdle to jump – the paraprofessional license.
Don't worry, it's not brain surgery (although explaining long division to a confused fifth-grader might make you feel that way sometimes). This guide will be your roadmap to navigating the exciting world of Illinois paraprofessional licensure.
 |
| How To Get Paraprofessional License In Illinois |
Step 1: Academic Muscle Up
Here's where you prove you've got the brains (or at least the perseverance) to be a paraprofessional. You have a few options:
- The College Whiz: Already got that Associate's degree or higher? You're golden! Bam! Licensed and ready to roll (almost).
- The Coursework Contender: Don't have a fancy degree yet, but you've got a good chunk of college credits under your belt (think 60 semester hours)? This might be your ticket.
- The Test Taker: High school diploma or GED in hand? Time to dust off those test-taking skills! You can choose between the ETS Parapro Exam or the ACT WorkKeys (Applied Mathematics/Applied Math and Reading for Information/Workplace Documents, both with a score of 4).
Remember: While you wait for your license to come through, you can still get your foot in the door by working as a paraprofessional assistant. Just be sure to meet the full licensing requirements soon after.
Tip: Reread complex ideas to fully understand them.
Step 2: Enter the ELIS Arena
ELIS, my friends, stands for Educator Licensure Information System, and it's where the magic happens. This is the online portal where you'll be applying for your license. Heads up, you'll need to create an account first.
Step 3: Show Me the Money! (and Other Important Documents)
Yes, there is a fee to apply for your license. Consider it an investment in your future rockstar paraprofessional self. You'll also need to submit some official documents, like transcripts (if required). Make sure they come directly from your regionally accredited institution.
Step 4: The Waiting Game (with Occasional Emails)
This is where patience becomes your best friend. The application process takes some time, but the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) will keep you updated via email.
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
Step 5: Licensed and ready to rock!
Congratulations! You've officially conquered the paraprofessional licensing process. High fives all around! Now you can get out there and make a difference in the lives of young learners.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How to apply for a paraprofessional license in Illinois?
Head over to the ISBE website and log in to your ELIS account. That's where you'll find the application.
QuickTip: Save your favorite part of this post.
 |
How much does it cost to get a paraprofessional license in Illinois?
The application fee is $100, plus a processing fee.
Do I need a college degree to be a paraprofessional in Illinois?
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
Not necessarily! You can qualify with an Associate's degree, 60 credit hours of college coursework, or by passing a specific exam.
How long does it take to get a paraprofessional license in Illinois?
The processing time can vary, but the ISBE will keep you updated.
Can I work as a paraprofessional while I wait for my license?
Yes, you might be eligible to work as a paraprofessional assistant while you wait for your full license to be approved.
 |
