Illinois § 21B-47

§ 21B-47.

(This Section may contain text from a Public Act with a delayed effective date) Sec. 21B-47. Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Program. (a) There is established the Paraprofessional Teacher Pathway Program. The Paraprofessional Teacher Pathway Program may be offered by a recognized institution approved to offer educator preparation programs by the State Board of Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board. The Program shall provide an expedited pathway for paraprofessionals to earn a Professional Educator License in a specific content area, including, but not limited to, elementary education or special education. The Program shall create a partnership with the institution and other entities, as defined by rule by the State Board of Education. (b) The Program shall meet all of the following criteria: (1) The Program shall include a program of study with coursework in instructional planning, instructional strategies, including special education, reading, and English language learning, classroom management, and the assessment of students and use of data to drive instruction. (2) The Program shall meet the criteria of 23 Ill. Adm. Code 25.25(a)(2)(A) relative to required coursework. (3) The Program shall include student teaching or an equivalent experience. (c) An individual shall meet all of the following requirements for entry into the Program: (1) The individual holds a valid Educator License with Stipulations with a paraprofessional educator endorsement or a valid paraprofessional approval. (2) The individual is employed as a paraprofessional providing service to one or more students within the licensure content area sought, such as elementary education or special education. (3) The individual has worked at least 2 years as a paraprofessional. (4) The individual has completed at least 60 semester hours of coursework from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. (d) The State Board of Education shall adopt any rules necessary to implement this Section, including, but not limited to, program proposal requirements. (Source: P.A. 104-128, eff. 1-1-26.)