Paraprofessional/ Teacher’s Aid
Test Prep, Endorsements, Professional Educator License Reinstatement, and Professional Development
Interested in Becoming a Paraprofessional/Teacher’s Aid?
Certificate program: The Paraprofessional Certificate Program at Southwestern Illinois College prepares students for immediate employment as paraprofessionals, teacher assistants, and instructional support professionals in K–12 schools and special education settings. The program develops foundational skills in teaching and learning, educational technology, inclusive practices, child development, and professional communication, while also preparing students to successfully pass the Illinois Paraprofessional Licensure exam.
Courses emphasize hands-on practice, culturally responsive strategies, and real-world application through required work-based learning experiences. Students may also choose to enroll in the Paraprofessional Apprenticeship Program, if they choose to work as a paid paraprofessional while they earn course credits.
Paraprofessional Certificate (0093)
Semester Credits
ENG 101 Rhetoric & Composition 3
ED 255 Introduction to Education 3
ED 260 Introduction to Educational Technology 3
ED 265 Introduction to Special Education 3
ED 276 Methods & Materials for Teaching Diverse
Learners 3
ED 293 Children’s Literature 3
ED 120 Paraprofessional Test Prep 1
Total Semester Credits 19
If you are interested in working as a paraprofessional while obtaining your certificate, please consider our para apprenticeship:
Testing:
WorkKeys® is a job skills assessment system measuring real–world skills. The system connects work skills, training and testing for education and employers. If your employer is requiring the test for your job, we offer it by appointment to those individuals who need to complete the assessments.
The following tests are offered in a computer-based format:
Workplace Documents
Graphic Literacy
Applied Math
The cost is $27/test, payable at Student Accounts in the Information Sciences Building, Belleville Campus.
The test is taken in the Testing Center, Belleville Campus, Liberal Arts 1311.
Please bring a photo ID and leave all other belongings in your vehicle, if possible. Anything brought with you will need to go into one of the available testing lockers.
ACT WorkKeys® Test Prep is here
Need an Additional Endorsement?
Ready to get started? Contact jessica.day@swic.edu for a personalized plan.