PARAPROF TO TEACHER PROGRAM
The program, slated to begin in the 2024-2025 academic year, will involve collaboration between the State Board of Education and the Board of Higher Education. Under the parameters of HB4787, selected public schools and universities will be tasked with developing a curriculum that not only provides coursework but also recognizes the work experience that paraprofessionals bring. Participants will be able to earn college credits for their classroom work, which could ease the financial burden of further education and increase the number of qualified teachers in Illinois.
House Bill 4787, known as the Paraprofessional Fast Track to Teaching Degree Pilot Program Act, establishes a structured pathway for paraprofessional educators in Illinois to transition into fully licensed teachers. The bill highlights the significant pay disparity between licensed educators and paraprofessionals, emphasizing the need for accessible licensure programs that align with the unique experiences of paraprofessionals. The intent is to create a two-year degree program that fulfills the educational requirements necessary to obtain a professional educator license, thereby contributing to the state's objective of addressing the teacher shortage crisis.
The bill raises discussions on the adequacy of current routes to teacher licensure and the attractiveness of teaching as a profession, particularly for individuals already working in schools as paraprofessionals. Some stakeholders may argue that while the program aims to mitigate teacher shortages, it must also ensure that the quality of educational training is not compromised in the pursuit of faster licensure pathways. Moreover, establishing a robust support system for the aspiring teachers within this program is essential for its success and effectiveness in actually filling teacher vacancies.