SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel led a new law that lets paraprofessionals who have a short-term approval license get a full license after their short-term license expires.
“Illinois’ teacher shortage is impacting children’s ability to learn,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “When we invest in the people already showing up for our students every day, we don’t just fill classrooms – we build careers, strengthen communities and deepen the roots of education from the inside out.”
Short-term approval licenses for paraprofessionals are valid for three years, but someone cannot have one multiple times. Previous standards allowed someone who had a short-term approval license to work as a paraprofessional while completing the full-time license’s qualifications.
The law creates another pathway for paraprofessionals to receive a full-time license. Paraprofessionals can now earn an educator license with stipulations once their short-term license expires if they meet the age requirement, have paid the renewal registration fee and have met certain educational competencies. The education standards include numeracy and literacy support, implementing behavior plans, and taking direction from teachers and administrators.
“We want children to learn as much as possible so they are prepared for life after school, and the best way to do that is to make the education system as robust as we can,” Loughran Cappel said. “By keeping and adding more paraprofessionals, we are increasing students’ support and lessening teachers’ workloads.”
Senate Bill 2773 was signed into law July 24 and takes effect Jan. 1.
