Bilingual Paraprofessionals in Transition
Allowing Chicago Public School paraprofessionals to earn an Elementary Education degree

Chicago Public School (CPS) paraprofessionals may earn an Elementary Education degree with Bilingual Approval from Illinois State University. The program is designed for people currently working within the public schools. Classes will be offered in the evenings and some weekends during the Fall and Spring semester. During summer months, students will take classes full-time. Upon successful completion of the summer courses, students will receive a stipend.

The program is designed to:

• prepare bilingual paraprofessionals for certification as elementary/bilingual teachers,
• help participating bilingual paraprofessionals understand the psychological and sociological setting pertinent to bilingual/bicultural children,
• develop theoretical competencies in participating bilingual paraprofessionals through specialized elementary/bilingual educational studies,
• address the shortage of certified bilingual educators, as program participants will commit to work in a high-needs school for three years.

About the coursework

The curriculum is based on the required curriculum for Elementary Education Type 03 Certification and the required courses for bilingual approval. All courses will be offered in a central Chicago location. The structure of the program includes a curriculum that leads to a baccalaureate degree and eligibility for state certification as teachers with bilingual approval.

Faculty for the program consists of educators who possess experiences in the various aspects of elementary teacher education and bilingual/bicultural educators with experiences in bilingual/ESL education. Other faculty members with appropriate academic preparation provide support through the delivery of courses and workshops.

Participants will need to have regular access to the Internet in order to complete a variety of assignments and for communication purposes. Illinois State will provide assistance and instructions for use. Additional travel may be required for supplemental support in training.

Selection criteria

The program is limited to 75 qualified candidates, based on a competitive application process. To enter the program, participants must meet the following criteria:

• be bilingual,
• have a two-year degree (or its equivalent) that meets Illinois State University's General Education requirements,
• currently hold a paraprofessional position in CPS or another public school,
• have two or more years or experience as a school paraprofessional,
• commit to at least two years of course study,
• submit a recommendation form completed by your school principal or immediate supervisor.

Expectations

Participants are expected to work three years in a high-needs school or repay the stipend. Participants are not guaranteed a job in their current school upon certification. They will be able to apply for a position at their school and within their school district, but if there are no openings, participants will have to find a position in another high-needs school in a high-needs district.

Costs

There will be minimal additional costs, such as certification tests and some class materials.

Apply to the program

As of May 2009, applications are longer being accepted for this program.

About the program

The Bilingual Paraprofessionals in Transition program is made possible by a grant from the United State Department of Education Office of English Language Acquisition. The course of study for bilingual paraprofessionals is provided by the College of Education at Illinois State University in cooperation with Chicago Public School District 299.

Project Director: (309) 438-8636

Project Coordinator: (309) 438-1488

Project Assistant: (309) 438-2094