For those looking to become a certified teacher in Illinois, the Illinois Teaching and Certification Resource is an invaluable guide. This comprehensive resource outlines the requirements for traditional certification, alternative certification, and out-of-state certification, as well as the necessary exams and background checks.
It also provides advice on finding an approved teacher education program and preparing for the exams. With this guide, anyone can be well informed and well prepared to become a certified teacher in Illinois.
Becoming a Teacher in Illinois
Preparing to become a teacher in Illinois requires completing a state-approved teacher preparation program, passing the necessary exams, and conducting background checks. A bachelor’s degree is required for all prospective teachers, and they must also complete a traditional-route teacher preparation program.
Illinois issues three types of teacher licenses: Professional Educator License (PEL), Educator License with Stipulations (ELS), and Substitute License. Applicants must pass content area exams and the edTPA, while alternative routes to licensure exist for those without a teacher preparation program.
Prospective teachers must also complete coursework in teaching exceptional children and English language learners, as well as reading, and must also pass a background check.
Finding Approved Teacher Education Programs
When searching for teacher education programs in Illinois, it is important to ensure they are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and regionally accredited, with accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) being highly regarded.
Student teaching field experiences are also a requirement for the program, as well as coursework in teaching exceptional children and English language learners, as well as reading.
Additionally, applicants must pass the edTPA, a portfolio-based assessment of teaching skills and knowledge.
Prospective teachers should research the programs available and ensure they meet the necessary standards for teaching in Illinois.
Teacher Education Requirements
Traditional certification programs in Illinois typically require at least 15 semester hours in a teachable subject. This includes coursework in teaching exceptional children and English language learners, as well as reading. The program must also include student teaching and passing the edTPA.
Other requirements for teacher certification in Illinois include:
- Passing the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) or submitting acceptable ACT/SAT scores
- Passing content-area tests through the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) and the edTPA
- Completing state and federal background checks
- Submitting a fingerprint card for the background check
Teacher Testing Requirements
| Testing requirements for teacher certification in Illinois include passing the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) or submitting acceptable ACT/SAT scores, as well as content-area tests through the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) and the edTPA. The edTPA is a portfolio-based assessment of teaching skills and knowledge that ensures candidates meet the necessary standards for teaching. | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test of Academic Proficiency | Passing scores required | |
| Illinois Licensure Testing System | Content-area tests required | |
| edTPA | Portfolio-based assessment |
These testing requirements are in place to ensure that prospective teachers are adequately prepared and knowledgeable to teach in the state of Illinois.
Additional Certification Requirements
In addition to the testing requirements, Illinois also requires background checks for teacher certification. These include:
- State and federal background checks
- Fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Information (CHRI) background checks
- Submission of a fingerprint card
- Background checks repeated at the school district level during the hiring process.
Applicants must pass the background check to be eligible for certification. This helps ensure the highest quality of teaching in Illinois.
Background Checks for Certification
Background checks are a critical part of the Illinois certification process, ensuring that only qualified individuals become educators in the state. Candidates must pass a fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Information (CHRI) background check and submit a fingerprint card to the state.
In addition, Illinois requires state and federal background checks. During the hiring process, school districts may also require background checks. These background checks are necessary for the certification process and must be cleared in order for applicants to obtain their license. Failure to pass a background check will result in the applicant not being eligible to teach in Illinois.
It is essential that all candidates understand the importance of these background checks and take the necessary steps to ensure that they meet the requirements.
Conclusion
The Illinois Teaching and Certification Resource provides a comprehensive guide for those seeking to become certified teachers in Illinois.
It outlines the requirements for traditional, alternative, and out-of-state certification, including exams, background checks, and approved teacher education programs.
With this valuable resource, applicants can be prepared to tackle the process of becoming a certified teacher in Illinois.
