How to Become a Teacher in Illinois | BestColleges (2024)
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Illinois teachers educate children in every subject, from early literacy to advanced mathematics. In addition to helping children's education and development, Illinois appeals to educators as the state offers teachers above-average salaries.
Like other states, Illinois requires a teaching license to work at public schools. Candidates must apply for a license through the Illinois State Board of Education. The process requires a bachelor's degree, specific coursework, student teaching experience, and passing scores on licensure exams. Teachers must then meet continuing education requirements to renew their credential.
So, how can you earn a teaching certification in Illinois? The state offers many pathways to launch a teaching career. People can return to school for a teaching degree or enroll at an online college in Illinois. The following guide walks through how to become a teacher in Illinois.
How Do I Become a Teacher in Illinois?
Illinois teachers at public schools must hold a teaching license. The Illinois State Board of Education awards licenses to qualified educators. Candidates who meet the requirements and pass exams earn their professional educator license.
The process of how to become a teacher in Illinois varies depending on where learners receive their training. Illinois approves licensure coursework offered at in-state schools. For example, students complete special education methods, reading methods, and bilingual methods courses.
Illinois also offers full reciprocity to teachers licensed in other states. These educators must submit a copy of their out-of-state license and proof of a bachelor's degree or higher to receive a professional educator license.
Meet Minimum Education Requirements
Illinois teachers must hold a bachelor's degree to qualify for a teaching license. The state accepts bachelor's degrees in any major, though teachers often earn their bachelor's in education.
In addition to a bachelor's degree, licensure candidates must complete an educator preparation program. These programs must include coursework on methods of teaching exceptional children, reading methods, reading specific content areas, and methods of teaching English learners.
In Illinois, the minimum education requirements include:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Completion of a state-approved educator preparation program
Many educators add teaching endorsem*nts to their professional educator license. These endorsem*nts involve additional training. Most require at least 18 credits of college-level courses, plus passing scores on specialized exams. Illinois offers reciprocity for endorsem*nts on out-of-state teaching licenses.
Popular Online Teaching Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Gain Student Teaching Experience
Like many states, Illinois requires student teaching experience for a teaching license. Educators in Illinois must meet the state's student teaching requirements, as determined by the state's administrative code. Rather than a minimum hour requirement, the state defines readiness with qualifying experience.
Candidates must complete student teaching in their final year of an educator preparation program. They can meet the requirement at a public school or a recognized nonpublic school. The state requires supervised student teaching in the grade range and area of the candidate's professional educator license endorsem*nt. A licensed teacher must also actively supervise the student teaching.
Pass Required Certification Tests
Teachers must pass all required certification tests to earn their teaching certification in Illinois. All candidates must take a teacher performance assessment. Many complete the exam as part of their teacher preparation program. Illinois also accepts evidence of one year of teaching experience instead of the exam. Candidates then pass content area tests in their subject area or endorsem*nt field.
The Illinois Board of Education requires the following certification examinations:
In Illinois, qualified educators apply for certification in many ways. Those attending an Illinois educator preparation program complete the process through their institution. The state's Board of Education works closely with approved Illinois programs to award educator licenses to qualifying graduates.
People who complete an out-of-state educator preparation program must submit materials to the Illinois Board of Education to earn their license. This process requires submitting proof of completion of a program and student teaching. Illinois also requires coursework that covers key areas. The state accepts licensure test scores with no expiration date.
Finally, teachers licensed in other states qualify for a reciprocal license. These educators submit a copy of their valid out-of-state license and proof of a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution.
How Do I Maintain Teaching Certification in Illinois?
After earning a teaching certification, Illinois educators must maintain their credential. The Professional Educator License remains valid for five years in Illinois. At the end of five years, educators must complete 120 hours of professional development to renew their license. This requirement applies to all licensed teachers, including those with a master's degree. However, educators with national board certification only need to complete 60 professional development hours.
Teachers can meet the professional development requirement in many ways. They can complete college coursework at an accredited institution or take workshops or online professional development courses. Illinois awards one hour of professional development for each hour of attendance or learning. A one-credit college class provides 15 hours.
Career Outlook for Teachers in Illinois
More than 132,000 teachers work in the state of Illinois as of 2021, and Illinois offers many education careers. The state's average teacher salary rose above $70,000 in 2021. Nearly 60% of Illinois teachers hold a master's degree. Attending graduate school can yield higher salaries.
Students considering teaching careers can benefit from the state's scholarship support. The Golden Apple Scholarship program helps prospective educators launch their teaching careers. The program provides up to $23,000 in financial assistance, plus classroom teaching experience and job placement assistance.
The Illinois State Board of Education lists unfilled positions by subject area. As of 2020, the state considered several specializations, including special education, bilingual education, elementary education, math, and science, as high-need roles.
In-Demand Teaching Careers in Illinois
Special Education Teacher
Special education teachers instruct children with disabilities. They modify lesson plans based on each student's needs and keep records of every student's progress. They work closely with parents and administrators. In Illinois, special education teachers are one of the most in-demand positions.
Elementary school teachers educate young learners in core areas like reading, math, and science. They create lesson plans, assess student learning, and modify teaching strategies to meet student needs. Illinois places elementary school teachers on its list of in-demand teaching jobs by subject area.
Bilingual teachers instruct learners who speak a primary language other than English. Also known as English language learning or English as a second language, bilingual instruction requires strong English literacy skills. These instructors teach at the elementary and secondary levels. As with many other states, Illinois considers bilingual teachers a high-needs area.
Math teachers instruct learners in algebra, geometry, precalculus, statistics, and calculus. Illinois math teachers typically work at middle and high schools. They instruct students in foundational and advanced mathematical concepts. Illinois placed math teachers on their list of the most in-demand unfilled positions for 2020.
Science teachers specialize in subjects like earth sciences, biology, chemistry, and physics. Most Illinois science teachers work at the secondary level, where they may cover many science subjects or grade levels. Illinois ranks science teachers among the top-ten unfilled positions by subject area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teaching Certification in Illinois
How do I get teaching certification in Illinois?
Prospective teachers in Illinois must apply for a professional educator license through the Illinois State Board of Education. Like many other states, Illinois requires a bachelor's degree for a teaching license.
Candidates must also complete an educator preparation program that includes student teaching experience. Educators with prior classroom experience may be able to waive this requirement.
Finally, Illinois requires passing scores on a teacher performance assessment and content area tests. Educators can add endorsem*nts to their license by completing more training and passing exams.
Can I teach in Illinois without certification?
Yes, educators can teach in Illinois without certification. While Illinois public schools require a teaching license issued by the state, most private schools do not require certification. Illinois also offers alternative paths to certification for those who do not complete an educator preparation program as part of their bachelor's degree.
This option appeals to professionals considering a career change into education. Prospective teachers complete teaching methods and pedagogy courses during the alternative program process. They also complete supervised teaching with a mentor teacher. This path also requires performance assessments.
How long does it take to become a teacher in Illinois?
Illinois teachers spend several years completing the requirements for a teaching license. Teaching in Illinois requires a bachelor's degree, which generally takes four years. Most teachers complete an educator preparation program as part of their bachelor's degree.
After earning a bachelor's in education, graduates must meet additional licensure requirements. Illinois requires a general teaching examination plus content area exams. While many educators begin their teaching career with a bachelor's degree, almost 60% of Illinois teachers hold a master's degree. Earning a master's in teaching generally takes 1-2 years.
What can I do with teaching certification in Illinois?
A teaching certification meets the requirement for public school jobs in Illinois. Like many other states, Illinois teachers at the elementary or secondary level must hold a teaching license. The state issues professional educator licenses for K-12 teachers.
Educators add endorsem*nts to their license to pursue specialized roles. For example, the state offers teaching endorsem*nts in elementary education, social science, mathematics, and special education. A teaching license also helps educators enhance their careers. In Illinois, school principals must complete a minimum of four years of classroom experience to earn an administrator license.
How do I become a substitute teacher in Illinois?
Illinois offers two routes to becoming a substitute teacher. The state offers substitute licenses, which remain valid for five years. Educators must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution to qualify for a substitute license. Licensed substitutes renew the credential every five years by paying a $50 registration fee.
Illinois also offers short-term substitute licenses. These licenses remain valid for a shorter period, typically through the following school year. Short-term substitutes can only teach up to five consecutive days in the same classroom. They must also complete a district training program.
Candidates must apply for a license through the Illinois State Board of Education
Education
Education is the transmission of knowledge, skills, and character traits. There are many debates about its precise definition, for example, about which aims it tries to achieve. A further issue is whether part of the meaning of education is that the change in the student is an improvement.
. The process requires a bachelor's degree, specific coursework, student teaching experience, and passing scores on licensure exams. Teachers must then meet continuing education requirements to renew their credential.
Illinois teaching candidates who have completed at least 8,000 hours of work experience relating to the subject to be taught may apply for a Provisional Career and Technical Education license.
How much does a Public School Teacher make in Illinois? The average Public School Teacher salary in Illinois is $58,345 as of June 26, 2023, but the range typically falls between $48,722 and $71,155.
Log into the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) at www.isbe.net/ELIS. 2. From the Action Center, select “apply for a substitute or short-term substitute license.” 3. Complete application and pay reimbursable fee.
These courses may have been completed prior to program entry, including community college coursework and coursework from other institutions, provided they are regionally accredited. Student teachers may be paid for student teaching.
Like other states, Illinois requires a teaching license to work at public schools. Candidates must apply for a license through the Illinois State Board of Education. The process requires a bachelor's degree, specific coursework, student teaching experience, and passing scores on licensure exams.
The Truants' Alternative and Optional Education Program (TAOEP) supports youth with attendance problems and/or dropouts up to and including those who are 21 years of age, and provides truancy prevention and intervention services and/or optional education.
In January, the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools released a survey showing that the teacher shortage has worsened. A majority of school leaders from 690 districts said that the shortage is as bad or worse than last school year and applicants who apply aren't qualified for open positions.
The three states that pay teachers the most all offer more than $70,000 a year on average. New York leads the nation in teacher pay with an average salary of $80,286, according to WalletHub.
The law is effective January 1, 2023. In the event of a disaster declaration, short term substitute teachers are only able to spend 5 consecutive days in the same classroom. Under Senate Bill 3907, this number is increased to 15.
While three Illinois district ranks as the nation's best for teachers, with the top two paying them in excess of $100,000 each year, the top 10 school districts in Illinois pay their teachers at least $93,000 per year, making the state one of the best in the nation for teacher salaries, according to data compiler Niche ...
(The Center Square) – A report by WalletHub ranks the 50 states from best to worst for teachers. Illinois finishes 16th on the list. The report uses specific metrics, including affordability, compensation, and others, to determine which cities are considered the most teacher friendly.
Type 10 – Special Ed Teaching Certificate endorsed for speech/language. Type 03 – Elementary Teaching Certificate and Type 09 – Secondary Teaching Certificate.
Must hold an Associate's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education or show completion of 60 semester hours of coursework.
If you have the equivalent of 60 semester hours of coursework from an equivalent of a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. then the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) can issue a Paraprofessional License.
Individuals applying for the STA-Para - must use ELIS on the Illinois State Board of Education website, www.isbe.net. ...
On your Homepage, under your Action Center box, click on “Apply for a Credential.” On the next screen, click Approval - Short-Term Approval for Paraprofessional.
The primary distinction is that the master's in teaching focuses more directly on teaching and classroom management. In contrast, the master's in education is a broader degree, applicable to a classroom career but also to jobs in administration, curriculum development, and education policy.
Which teaching subject is most in demand? While specific needs vary by institution, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are subjects that are always in high demand.
1. New York. New York is among the best-paying states for teachers. Reasons include an average annual salary of $92,222 that, although below the state's average income of $107,000, is still more than the salaries paid in other states.
Teachers work 58 hours per week on average during the school year. Teachers work for 10 hours and 48 minutes on average during a standard school day, and spend almost an additional two hours working at home in the evening. Teachers work another three hours and 45 minutes on school-related work over the weekend.
How much does a Teacher Elementary School make in Illinois? The average Teacher Elementary School salary in Illinois is $65,152 as of June 26, 2023, but the range typically falls between $53,461 and $78,681.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average pay is highest for teachers in public elementary and secondary schools. Some of the highest-paid states include California at $84,659, New York ($87,543), and Washington D.C. ($79,350).
Florida has the highest number of teacher vacancies while Utah has the lowest. Learn where your state falls and how officials are working to combat the teacher shortage.
If you love teaching young children, you may want to consider teaching kindergarten or first grade. On the other hand, if you are someone who enjoys more intellectual challenges, you may want to consider teaching at a higher grade level, such as middle school or high school.
If you're passionate about becoming a teacher but lack a degree in education, a teaching certification program is your best option. A teaching certificate will provide the necessary coursework and student teaching experience to prepare you for state certification.
Anyone interested in becoming a teacher's aide in Illinois must be at least 19 years old and have an associate's degree, 60 hours of coursework, or a high school diploma or equivalent.
Specialized study provides preparation leading to an Illinois Principal's License (formerly known as Type 75) for elementary/secondary principals and assistant principals.
They can. For some, subbing is a full-time job. For others, they just don't want a full-time job anymore. How were you, as a current or former substitute teacher, treated by the other teachers and staff of the school?
It is no secret that Illinois schools are facing teacher shortages due to issues exacerbated by the pandemic: a frustrating lack of resources, increased academic and social emotional needs of students and extremely high levels of burnout and other mental health challenges among educators.
A teacher who holds a Professional Educator License (PEL), may substitute teach for up to 120 school days for any one licensed teacher under contract in the same school year.
Illinois teachers are paid 23.4% less than their college-educated peers on average, worse than Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana. Illinois also fares worse than other states with big districts like California (17.6%) and New York (13.2%).
The top spot for teachers in Illinois and the entire country, according to Niche, is Glenbrook High School District 225. Niche gives Glenbrook an overall rating of A-plus, the teachers a grade of A-plus, a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, and if you're ready for this: an average teacher salary of $103,463.
One of the best things about being a teacher is that you have the opportunity to make a positive impact on students' lives. You can help them learn and grow, both academically and personally. Seeing students succeed — whether in the classroom or in life — is one of the most gratifying experiences a teacher can have.
IL School Code allows up to 4 full day training days for parents, teachers, or school staff during the school year. Kids get these days off. They do not count as pupil attendance days. Those 4 days, plus 5 emergency days, and 176 days of attendance make the full school term of 185 days.
Not just anyone can be a substitute teacher. You must be licensed by the State of Illinois. To be eligible for a substitute teaching license, you must hold a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. The bachelor's degree does not have to be in an education-related field.
While the ParaPro test is not overly difficult, it includes some challenging questions. Be sure to do plenty of ParaPro test prep! You can start with our free paraprofessional practice test. Work through the questions carefully and then be sure to review the explanations in order to learn from your mistakes.
Most paraprofessional positions need two years of undergraduate coursework or an associate degree in education or paraprofessional, though it is not always required, and a high school diploma/GED is allowed. Some states and districts also require an additional certification if working with special needs.
How much does a Paraprofessional make in Illinois? The average paraprofessional salary in Illinois is $35,100 per year or $16.88 per hour. Entry level positions start at $31,200 per year while most experienced workers make up to $41,925 per year.
The Transitional Bilingual Certificate is a temporary teaching certificate. The certificate is valid for six fiscal years and may be renewed once for two additional fiscal years.
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