Paraprofessional SUBSTITUTES

Paraprofessional / Life Skills Substitute

Substitute paraprofessionals will work with individual or small/large groups of students to reinforce learning of material or skills initially introduced by the teacher. Ability and interest in working with students with learning and/or physical disabilities. $17.00 per hour 6.50 hours per day (could be scheduled in advance or on call, as needed). We also may be able to accommodate a shortened work schedule.

Please inquire.

Qualifications:

• Experience working with students
• Ability to work independently as well as with others
• Ability to keep information confidential
• Ability to follow and enforce school policies and procedures

Don't have a paraprofessional license? No worries! Take advantage of Short-Term Paraprofessional Approval until June 30, 2026! Requirements include:

• High school diploma (or equivalent), or higher
• At least 19 years of age to serve students in grades PK-22
• While obtaining the approval, educators must be working toward fulfilling requirements to obtain a license in (3) three years

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:

• Holds an associate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
• 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)
• Presents an official score report from Educational Testing Service (ETS) showing a score of 460 or higher on the Para Pro test (see process below); or
• 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:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).  

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.