Ladders of Opportunity—Stories and data

We’ve helped nearly 1,000 Parent Mentors earn ISBE Paraprofessional, Substitute, and Educator Credentials since 2023

Illinois Faces a Critical Paraprofessional Shortage

• Paraprofessionals account for 37% of all open school-based positions in Illinois (2024)

• 2,415 paraprofessional positions were unfilled as of October 2024

• 75% of education leaders say they receive very few (<5) or no applicants per position

• 81% of leaders say paraprofessional shortages are a problem

This is a systemic workforce issue with serious implications for student support, particularly in special education and bilingual classrooms across the state.

Paraprofessional Demand is Rising

• 62% of education leaders said their need for paraprofessionals increased in SY24

• 62% also anticipate their need will increase again next year (SY26)

• Declining supply of new paraprofessionals is compounding shortages

• Shortages hit high-need districts the hardest:

  • Those with more low-income students

  • Higher proportions of students of color

  • Rural and under-resourced areas

Illinois cannot meet this growing need through traditional pathways alone!

Ladders offers A Community-Centered Workforce Solution

• Builds on the Parent Mentor Program, supporting Parent Mentors as they pursue education and career goals after completing 100+ hours of in-classroom experience

• Provides coaching, licensure prep, and wraparound support to help Parent Mentors earn ISBE credentials

• Creates pathways into school-based jobs, especially roles like Special Education Classroom Assistants, Paraprofessionals, and other critical school-based support positions

• Fosters a community-centered workforce pipeline, rooted in disability justice, bilingual access, and the leadership of Black, Brown, immigrant, and indigenous parents

• Promoting statewide economic mobility, by expanding community based workforce development opportunities across the state 

The Current Landscape: Pathways and Gaps

• ISBE Paraprofessional Licensure requires a high school diploma/GED and one of the following:

  • Associate’s degree or higher

  • 60 college credit hours

  • OR a qualifying score on the WorkKeys Assessment

• Work-based learning is not currently a recognized component of licensure, despite its value in classrooms

Currently, clinical hours, like those completed by Parent Mentors, are not counted toward credentialing, creating a barrier for experienced, community-rooted candidates. Ladders of Opportunity fills this gap informally, but systemic change is needed to formalize community-based training as a credential pathway.

Stories from Ladders of Opportunity participants

Welcome to the Parent Engagement Institute Podcast! Interviewing Black, Brown, and Immigrant mothers in Illinois, this series tells the story of four women whose personal and professional lives have been forever changed by the Parent Mentor Program. The Parent Mentor Program works with public schools statewide to recruit neighborhood parents to assist teachers in the classroom. Interviewed by members of the Parent Engagement Institute, women Carmen, Brenda, Jackie, and Ms. Tina reveal their journey from the role of Parent Mentor to that of teacher, social worker, student, and civic organizer.

More stories and data

Check the PEI News section of our website for profiles of recent program participants.

Please also stay tuned for a research report on special education classroom position challenges and opportunities in Illinois, expected later this year.

Questions? Contact us at info@parentengagement.institute