In order to be certified to teach or supervise in the public schools of the state of Illinois, a person must be of good character, in sound health, a citizen of the United States, and at least 19 years of age. The Illinois certification law also requires that an individual complete an approved teacher preparation program at a recognized institution.
The dean of the College of Education, as the university’s certification officer, is responsible for reviewing the record of each graduate of an approved teacher education program and for recommending or withholding recommendation of that individual for certification by entitlement and endorsement. Certification is not an automatic procedure. In order to qualify for certification, each student in an entitlement program must complete an application for certification and provide evidence of having completed the general requirements; courses in professional education appropriate to the program being followed, including a minimum of 100 clock hours of approved pre-student-teaching clinical experience prior to student teaching; and a teacher education approved field of study: early childhood, elementary, special education, secondary (6-12), or special (K-12–art, music, physical education).
The following certification and endorsement programs are available at the graduate level only and are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Special K-12
Media
Reading
School Service Personnel
Guidance
Administrative
General Administrative
Superintendent
Chief School Business Official
Questions about these endorsement programs should be addressed to the appropriate department.
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