Paraprofessionals are personnel who assist in instructing pupils under the immediate supervision of a teacher who holds a valid license and is directly engaged in teaching subject matter or conducting activities.
To “assist in the instruction of pupils” means to support teachers through interactions with students that will help them master curricular content (e.g., tutoring) or to assist with classroom management (e.g., organizing instructional materials).
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A PARAPROFESSIONAL?
Must be 19 years of age or older;
Show proof of one (1) of the following requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree or higher; OR
60 semester hours of college coursework; OR
High School Diploma or High School Equivalency AND Passing score on ACT Work Keys Test OR Passing score on ETS ParaPro Test
Hold one (1) of the following licenses:
Professional Educator’s License (PEL); OR
Substitute License (SUB); OR
Educator License with Stipulations- Paraprofessional (ELS-PARA).
HOW DO I APPLY FOR A LICENSE?
Log in to your ELIS account.
Scroll down to “What do you want to do?” (on the right-hand side of the page).
Click on “Apply for a Substitute License (if you hold a Bachelor’s Degree or higher) or “Apply for a Paraprofessional Endorsement” (if you do not hold a Bachelor’s Degree or higher).
Answer the questions and follow the prompts.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO APPLY FOR A LICENSE?
Application fees for a license are $100 (one-time fee).
Registration fee for a license is $50 per five-year cycle.
Licenses MUST be registered in the county where you work to be valid for district/school employment.
