dcsimg
Home
>>
How to Become a Teacher
>>
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

This list also contains online schools that accept students from Illinois
Refine School Matches
Hide filters
  • SUBJECT Clear All

    See More

  • DEGREE

    See More

  • PROGRAM TYPE

  • START TIME

    LOCATION
    Please enter valid US or Canada Zip.
 
Results:  5
Matching School Ads
B.S. in Educational Studies (Does Not Lead to Teacher Licensure)
Grand Canyon University , Online
Visit GCU.edu
Visit School Site »
Good for Working Adults
  • Want to be a Teacher or Educational Administrator? Learn why GCU could be the best place to start! Here's why:
  • Options: Choose from a variety of undergraduate and graduate education programs, including TESOL, early childhood ed, elementary ed, secondary ed & more.
  • Convenience: Complete courses online, on campus, or a combination of both. We also offer evening classes!
  • Earlier Graduation: Our 4-credit courses allow you to complete your degree program in less time.
  • Transfer Friendly: We will request your transcripts, evaluate your graduate coursework, and determine your anticipated graduation date within 24 hours.
  • Financial Options: Numerous financing options available, including scholarships for academic achievement.
  • Accredited
  • Online Courses
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Accelerated Programs
  • Financial Aid
  • Transferable Credits
Curriculum and Instruction (EdD)
Argosy University, Online Programs , Online
Visit www.argosy.edu
Visit School Site »
  • Designated as a 2015 Military Friendly® School by Victory Media, publishers of G.I. Jobs®.
  • Each program is designed to instill the knowledge, ethical values, and interpersonal skills of professional practice and to foster values of social responsibility.
  • Offers several flexible learning options, including a blended format that combines campus and online learning.
  • Several scholarship opportunities are available for students who qualify.
  • Online Courses
MS in Education (for Existing Teachers Grades K-12)
Kaplan University , Online
Request Info »
Good for Working Adults

WELCOME TO KAPLAN UNIVERSITY

Online Education That Fits Your Life

For 80 years, we’ve been preparing students for career success. We’ve led the wayso that our students can too.

Globally Renowned Purdue to Acquire Kaplan University

Purdue University, one of the nation's most respected universities, will acquire Kaplan University and create a new, nonprofit, public institution within the Purdue system. Pending regulatory approvals, this exciting transition is expected to take place later this year. This change will be seamless—during the transition, you will still be able to enroll at Kaplan University, earn a high-quality education, and meet your educational and career goals.

  • Online Courses
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Financial Aid
  • Transferable Credits
Masters in Teaching
American University - School of Education , Online
Request Info »

Building a better future starts in the classroom. The online master’s degree programs from American University’s School of Education are designed to prepare you to teach the next generation of difference makers. 

  • Online Courses
E-Learning - EdS
Northcentral University , Online
Request Info »
  • Northcentral University was founded in 1996 to provide working professionals around the world with unprecedented access to richly engaging, professionally relevant, and academically-rigorous education from a U.S. university.
  • As a regionally accredited, private, online and graduate-focused university, NCU offers doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s degrees in business, technology management, education, and psychology, as well as doctoral and master’s degrees in marriage and family therapy.
  • Online Courses
  • Financial Aid
  • Transferable Credits
Matching School Ads