Waukegan Program Transforms Paraprofessionals into Certified Teachers

UPDATE: A groundbreaking initiative in Waukegan, Illinois, is set to address the critical teacher shortage by transforming 18 paraprofessionals into certified teachers, providing a crucial lifeline for local schools. This program, supported by the Illinois State Board of Education, is aimed at retaining educators within the community and enhancing educational quality.

Longtime paraprofessionals Anita Tejada and Roz Hunter are among those who will soon complete their college programs. Tejada, who immigrated to the United States at the age of 15, began her career in the Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 in 1998 and is now on the cusp of realizing her dream of becoming a teacher. “Receiving my acceptance email was a moment I will never forget,” she stated. “For the first time, I no longer had to worry about financial barriers standing in the way of my dream.”

Hunter, a nearly 20-year veteran in the district, is currently student teaching at the Alternative Optional Education Center (AOEC) campus of Waukegan High School. She expressed excitement about the program, saying, “I’m learning and working as a student-teacher with the very students I’ll continue to teach.”

The program, announced earlier this month, has received nearly $1.7 million over three years to support teacher education efforts. District 60 is also investing in the professional development of 34 current teachers pursuing master’s degrees, while 16 will earn certificates as learning development specialists, and 11 will become certified to teach English as a second language.

In neighboring North Chicago School District 187, Superintendent John Price has allocated just over $400,000 for similar initiatives, including hiring an educational coach to improve high school teaching. Price highlighted the importance of retaining quality educators, stating, “It’s the highest quality professional development a teacher could get.”

Milewski emphasized that promoting paraprofessionals into teacher roles not only fills vacancies but also strengthens community ties. “The best part of growing your own is they know our story and are already part of the community,” she noted.

The urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated. Teaching vacancies, especially in special education, English language learners, science, and math, are on the rise. By empowering current paraprofessionals and teachers, districts can swiftly address these shortages. A first-year teacher with a bachelor’s degree in the district earns approximately $52,279 annually, a significant increase from the $25,000 typical salary of a 10-year paraprofessional.

Tejada aims to teach kindergarten through second grade and has experience in six of the district’s 15 elementary schools. “This program has been a life-changing opportunity,” she said, as she moves closer to achieving her goal of inspiring future generations.

Hunter, hoping to start the 2026-2027 school year as a full-fledged teacher, is passionate about working with diverse learners. “I hope to help students develop the academic, social, and self-advocacy skills they need to succeed both in school and beyond,” she said.

The dual initiatives in Waukegan and North Chicago represent a proactive response to a nationwide teacher shortage, focusing on internal growth and community engagement. With strong support and funding, these programs are set to make a lasting impact on local education.

As the situation develops, both districts will continue to monitor the outcomes of this innovative approach to teacher recruitment and retention. The educational landscape in Waukegan and North Chicago is on the brink of significant transformation, making now the time to watch for further developments in this vital initiative.