Paraprofessional+ Pathway Program (Elementary & Special Education)
McKendree University’s Professional+ Pathway program provides teacher’s aides and
assistants, also known as paraprofessionals, a clear and easy way for them to become
licensed elementary (grades 1-6) or Special Education (pk-22) teachers quickly. The
program is fully online for your convenience and can help you become a teacher in
only two years.
Why Choose the Paraprofessional+ Pathway Program at McKendree?
If you’re already a paraprofessional and your goal is to become a teacher at the elementary
level or in special education, then the Paraprofessional+ Pathway at McKendree is
right for you. This program will allow you to attain a Bachelor of Science in Elementary
Education or in Special Education and an initial professional educator license (PEL)
in only two years. You can also expect to save up to $5,000 on program tuition. For
the elementary license there is also an opportunity to recieve a special education
endorsement through summer coursework.
Our faculty and staff have worked closely with many area superintendents to create
this unique online program in an effort to address the Illinois teacher shortage.
The Paraprofessional+ Pathway program is convenient, cost-effective, and the smartest
choice for any aspiring paraprofessional wishing to become a teacher in the state
of Illinois. Best of all, paraprofessionals can continue working throughout the program!
Requirements
In order to be admitted to McKendree’s Paraprofessional+ Pathway program, enrollees
must:
-
Be currently employed as a paraprofessional
-
Obtain approval from your administrator
-
Have 60-90 hours of bachelor coursework
Employment Opportunities
Students who earn their Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education or Special
Education through McKendree University’s Paraprofessional+ Pathway program will gain
the initial licensure that will allow them to teach in elementary schools throughout
Illinois. Many of our graduates are now teachers at nearby K-12 schools – you can
become one as well!
Academic Advisor
Academic Advisor for the School of Education
elketchum@mckendree.edu
Key Faculty
Dr. Amanda Downard
Paraprofessional Program Director
Piper Academic Center (PAC) 206
(618) 537-6860
Professor of Special Education
Piper Academic Center (PAC) 202
(618) 537-6552
Assistant Professor of Education
Piper Academic Center (PAC) 205
(618) 537-6953
Professor of Education
Piper Academic Center (PAC) 208
(618) 537-6559
Lecturer of Education
Piper Academic Center (PAC) 207
(618) 537-6485