UPDATED: DE Senate Passes Legislation to Help Paraprofessionals Become Certified Teachers

The Delaware Senate passed legislation today to help ease the path for experienced paraprofessionals to become full-time, certified teachers. Sponsored by Senate Majority Whip Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman, Senate Bill 156 will both assist Delaware schools resolve ongoing teacher shortages and encourage a more diverse teacher workforce. Senator Lockman says rising student enrollment combined with high turnover has left many Delaware schools with teaching vacancies, which – if left unaddressed – can result in larger class sizes and worse outcomes for students. Under Senate Bill 156, teachers who were previously employed as a Title 1 or instructional paraprofessional for at least four years would be able to count half of their prior experience toward the salary scale for teachers.

UPDATED – 06/09/23 – SB 156 now heads to the House for final consideration – it is included on the agenda in the State House Education Committee on Wednesday, June 14th at 3pm.