UPDATE: A groundbreaking program in Waukegan, Illinois, is reshaping the teaching landscape as 18 paraprofessionals near the completion of their transition to certified teachers. This initiative, aimed at addressing the urgent teacher shortage, highlights the vital role of local educators in shaping their communities.
The program, funded by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), has provided nearly $1.7 million over three years to support these dedicated paraprofessionals. Among them are Anita Tejada and Roz Hunter, both long-time employees of the Waukegan Community Unit School District 60, who are set to become certified teachers, fulfilling a long-held dream.
Anita Tejada, who immigrated to the U.S. at 15 and has worked in the district since 1998, described her acceptance into the program as “a moment I will never forget.” She expressed relief at finally overcoming financial barriers to pursue her dream of teaching. “This program has been a life-changing opportunity,” Tejada stated. “It has brought me one step closer to achieving the dream I have carried for many years.”
Roz Hunter, with nearly 20 years in the district, is currently student teaching at the Alternative Optional Education Center. She emphasized the importance of the program, saying, “I’m learning and working as a student-teacher with the very students I’ll continue to teach.”
The pilot program is not only aiding paraprofessionals but also enhancing the skills of 34 current teachers pursuing master’s degrees and certifications. Amanda Milewski, associate superintendent of strategy and accountability, noted that this initiative allows the district to recruit new teachers who are already familiar with its culture and values.
Across the district, teaching vacancies remain a pressing issue, particularly in special education, science, and math. This program aims to fill those gaps by transforming paraprofessionals into certified educators. As Milewski explained, “The best part of growing your own is they know our story and are already part of the community.”
The financial incentives of this career path are significant. Currently, a paraprofessional earns approximately $25,000 annually, while a first-year teacher with a bachelor’s degree starts at $52,279. This leap in pay reflects the increasing demand for qualified teachers, especially in underserved areas.
Tejada hopes to teach kindergarten or early elementary grades, having already worked at six of the district’s 15 elementary schools. Hunter, on the other hand, aspires to begin her career as a full-fledged teacher in the 2026-2027 school year, focusing on diverse high school learners.
Meanwhile, the North Chicago School District 187 is also participating in the ISBE program with a budget of $400,000 over three years. District Superintendent John Price mentioned that hiring an instructional coach has been instrumental in improving teacher retention and performance. “It’s the highest quality professional development a teacher could get,” Price remarked.
This dual approach from both districts highlights a proactive strategy to combat the national teacher shortage, ensuring that local educators are well-prepared to meet the needs of their students. As both districts continue to invest in their educators, the future looks promising for aspiring teachers and their students alike.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as these dedicated paraprofessionals take a significant step toward transforming their careers and the educational landscape in Waukegan and North Chicago.
