Illinois Teacher Certification

Teaching Programs in Illinois

How do you get an Illinois Teacher Certification?

Traditional Approach for the Illinois Teacher Certification

1. Earn your Bachelors Degree or higher from an accredited university. If you already have a bachelors degree, then be sure to earn your Master’s Degree right away
2. Teacher Preparations: This will include teacher prep courses, student teaching, and other types of internships. In order to receive an Illinois Teacher Certification, you must have some experience in teaching, even if it’s unpaid.
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?*
   • Apply for your renewal

Alternative Approach for the Illinois Teacher Certification

Alternatively, there is another path you can take to get your Illinois Teacher Certification which allows you to start your teaching career before you complete the teacher education program.

1. Obviously you must still earn your Bachelors Degree from an accredited university. Ideally, you should always continue your education in efforts to earn a Master’s degree.
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’ll 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 will 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

Photo by Kevin Dooley on Flickr.com