HB5361 Summary: Paraprofessional Fast Tract to Teaching Degree Pilot Program Act

• Creates a 2-year degree pathway allowing paraprofessional educators to earn a bachelor's degree and professional teaching license in Illinois, complying with State Board of Education and Board of Higher Education standards.

• Program begins in 2022-2023 academic year (or when funded) with one public elementary or secondary school and one public university selected to participate, with a dedicated Program director developing curriculum.

• Core program components include allowing paraprofessionals to earn 30 college credits through coursework and 30 credits for demonstrated work experience in schools, use of online options to reduce costs, mentor teacher evaluations, and school commitment to consider hiring graduates as full-time teachers.

• State Board of Education and Board of Higher Education must submit a report to the Governor, General Assembly, and Legislative Reference Bureau documenting the number of degree recipients, program successes and failures, cost reductions, and replicable curriculum models.

• Program automatically dissolves upon submission of the completion report, and the Act repeals on the date the Legislative Reference Bureau receives that report.