TPT & University Center Programs for Grayslake Area

Lynne Reynolds hosted our guests and featured speakers at the Sept 30th meeting of the Grayslake Rotary Club.  Visiting our club were Myra Gaylan-Morales, the University Center Assistant Dean for Academic Programs and Services, and Sabah Hassan, the Illinois State University Project Coordinator for the Transitioning Paraprofessionals into Teachers (TPT) Program.  

Sabah Hassan, Lynne Reynolds, and Myra Gayton-Morales at Sept 30th Grayslake Rotary Club meeting

The TPT program is a federally funded program designed to prepare bilingual paraprofessionals for certification as elementary/bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers.  This program specifically addresses the shortage of certified bilingual educators in high-needs schools.  The program is an evening study curriculum that allows paraprofessionals to continue working at their paying jobs, and with the exception of some testing and other miscellaneous fees, is free for accepted participants.  Interested candidates must be a bilingual paraprofessional or teacher's aide, have an AA degree, at least a 2.5 GPA, and a passing score on the Illinois Certification Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP), and must commit to teach in a high-needs school/district for 3 years.  For more information on TPT, contact Sabah at shassan@IllinoisState.edu or at 847-665-4113.  

In addition to the TPT program, Myra detailed the programs offered at the University Center for bachelor's degrees and advanced degrees. These programs are offered by 20 top Illinois colleges and universities.  The University Center is hosting an Open House on Oct 8th, from 6-8 PM, for anyone interested in these educational opportunities; additional information is also available at www.ucenter.org.