How to Become a Teacher in Illinois: Teacher Certification
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Illinois Teacher Certification

How to Become a Teacher in Illinois: Teacher Certification

This is a general guide to the steps a person might take to become certified to teach in the state of Illinois. Please check with your state to make sure you have the most up-to-date information about the certification process.

You can find data on teaching salaries in Illinois here.

Traditional Approach for the Illinois Teacher Certification

  1. Earn your bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college.
  2. Gain some teaching experience -- student teaching is acceptable, but other teacher prep courses can also provide this.
  3. Pass the Illinois Test of Basic Skills, Illinois Content Test (Subject Area), and the Assessment of Professional Teaching. Click here to learn more.
  4. Submit the following:
    • Apply Online
    • $30 check/money order payable to Department of Education’s Certification Office
    • Call here for more information
      • Springfield - (866) 262-6663
      • Chicago - (312) 814-2220
  5. Do you want to renew your Illinois Teacher Certification?

Alternative Approach for the Illinois Teacher Certification

Alternatively, there is another path to take to get certified to teach in IL. It allows you to start your teaching career before you complete the teacher education program.

  1. Earn your bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college.
  2. A minimum of 5 years experience in a related occupation.
  3. Pass the ICTS testing requirements.
  4. You’ll receive the Alternative Certification Program certification which is valid for 1 year. During this time, you’ll be mentored and participate in various activities to be judged and reviewed on your progress. After completing this successfully, you can receive the Initial Illinois Teaching Certification.

Resident Teacher Certification

This route doesn’t require any time spent with teacher preparation work. After fulfilling the requirements, you can earn your Master’s Degree and possibly be recommended for the Standard Illinois Certification. Call (866) 262-6663 or (312) 814-2220 for more details.

Sources:

  1. Illinois Licensure Testing System, http://www.il.nesinc.com/
  2. ECS - Online Teacher Information System, Illinois State Board of Education, https://sec1.isbe.net/ecs

Teaching Schools in Illinois

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Colorado Technical University Online , Online
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MA in Teaching (for Aspiring Teachers Grades 5-12)
Purdue University Global , Online
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M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: Social Studies
Concordia University - Portland , Online
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Online Learning at Concordia University–Portland

If education is your passion, Concordia University-Portland is your university. One of the most respected names in learning today, Concordia offers several fully online Master of Education (MEd) programs—most of which can completed in one year—and a fully online Doctorate of Education (EdD) program. Our graduates stand out with the skills, integrity, and compassion  necessary to meet the ever-changing needs of students today. Together, we're all making an impact in education.

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MS - Teaching and Learning
Colorado State University-Global Campus , Online
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  • The first and only 100% online, fully accredited public university in the United States
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Graduate Certificate in K-12 Reading
Saint Marys University of Minnesota , Online
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Saint Mary's University of Minnesota's Online Master's Programs

At Saint Mary's, we take pride in offering online graduate degrees designed to complement the schedules of working adults like you. Get an affordable, convenient education from a top-ranked university that's grounded in real-world applications.

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