Substitute Paraprofessional

New Lenox School District 122 is looking to hire substitute paraprofessionals for the 2025/2026 school year. You must hold a valid Paraprofessional Short Term Para Substitute or PEL license in order to serve as a substitute paraprofessional.

• Starting wage $110 a day
• No employee benefits are offered

• Paraprofessional (ELS-PARA or PARA)

  A Paraprofessional assists teachers within school districts. Under the supervision of a licensed teacher a Paraprofessional supports teachers and students in many ways. For instance a paraprofessional can tutor students or assist the teacher with managing the classroom and organizing instructional materials.

  What is a Paraprofessional

  Requirements:

  Age:

  At least 19 yrs of age to qualify for Pre-K- 12th grade.

  At least 18 yrs of age to qualify for Pre-K-8th grade. (Must be at least 19 yrs to qualify for the short-term PARA approval)

  Meet one (1) of the following requirements:

  • Associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution
  • 60 semester hours of non-remedial coursework from a regionally accredited institution
  • High School Diploma or equivalency and a score of 460 or higher on the ETS ParaPro test
  • High School Diploma or equivalency and the following scores on the ACT WorkKeys tests: Applied Mathematics/Applied Math - 4 Reading for Information or Workplace Documents - 4

  *Paraprofessional $100 application fee $30 registration fee. All fees processed and charged by ISBE.

  ISBE offers a Short-term PARA approval option. It is valid for 3 years and is non-renewable.

  Requirements:

  • 19 yrs. of age
  • High School diploma or equivalent

  *Short-term PARA $50 application fee no registration fee. All fees processed and charged by ISBE.

  **Not all school districts accept the Short-term PARA approval for employment.

  How to apply for the Short-term Paraprofessional
  

  Paraprofessional testing options:

  • ACT WorkKeys - Information for ACT WorkKeys testing offered byJoliet Junior College.
  • Educational Testing Service ETS

  How to Apply for the Paraprofessional License

1. Create an ELIS account How to create an ELIS account
   1. Apply for the Paraprofessional License How to apply for the Paraprofessional license
   2. Submit required documentation via email to the ROE Licensure Department at

• Submit Required Documentation:

  Official college/university transcripts may be submitted by:

  • Email
    • Electronic transcripts must be sent directly from the registrar to the ROE. Please address and email transcripts to the ROE Licensure Department at
  • Postal mail
    • Official transcripts must be enclosed in a sealed envelope as issued by the college Registrar. ROE Licensure Department 116 N Chicago St. Joliet Ill. 60432

  *The ROE does not have access to any documents submitted to ISBE.

  *ISBE or the ROE does not accept transcripts opened or forwarded.

  
  Please submit copies of test results and HS Diploma/HS Equivalency to the ROE Licensure Department at

  My license was issued! Whats next

  Log into your ELIS account and register in Will County and/or any county within Illinois that you will be serving.

  How to register license

  Begin applying at Will county school districts. A background check/fingerprint appointment will be required by the school district during the hiring process. Please contact the employing school district for further instructions.

  Do I receive an official certificate

  Licensure verifications can be printed from the credential page of your ELIS account. ISBE no longer issues certificates.