IL HB3170

Expands the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board by adding 5 administrative or faculty members from public community colleges, and allows nonvoting ex officio members from the Board of Higher Education and Illinois Community College Board

Requires the State Superintendent of Education to incorporate topics on exceptional child instruction, reading methods, and English learner strategies into revised educator licensure exams by July 1, 2027, replacing current coursework requirements

Creates a Teacher Performance Assessment Advisory Committee to develop and pilot a State-developed teacher performance assessment, with the requirement for candidates to pass such an assessment delayed until July 1, 2028

Establishes a Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Program allowing paraprofessionals with at least 2 years of experience and 60 semester hours of coursework to pursue an expedited pathway to a Professional Educator License

Authorizes institutions of higher education with approved educator preparation programs to partner with community colleges to offer educator preparation programs for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree