In conjunction with Leadership, Educational Psychology and Foundations degree offerings, students may meet requirements for various endorsements to an Illinois Professional Educator License. Departmental approval is required for an administrative endorsement application. Application packets may be obtained from the department office for students interested in an administrative endorsement only rather than a degree program. Students seeking an administrative endorsement who are not admitted to an NIU graduate degree program also must apply for and obtain permission from the Graduate School to enroll as students-at-large.
Principal Endorsement
Students seeking the principal endorsement to a Professional Educator License as part of a graduate degree program in the department must possess a baccalaureate degree and a current Illinois Professional Educator License. Students seeking an endorsement only must possess a master’s degree in addition to the previous requirement. All students seeking this endorsement must be admitted by the department, have a program of courses approved by an adviser, and successfully complete all program and state requirements including a three-semester internship experience and completion of the Illinois State board of Education’s supervisory training modules.
Chief School Business Official Endorsement
Students who have already earned an appropriate and related master’s degree from an accredited college or university with an approved teacher education program can complete specific school business management courses to qualify for the chief school business official endorsement. Applicants must meet all state requirements for the endorsement and complete courses in the areas of school business management, school organization and administration, school finance and fiscal planning, and clinical experience.
Superintendent Endorsement
To pursue the superintendent endorsement, students must possess a master’s degree in educational administration or its equivalent. Students seeking this endorsement must be admitted by the department, have a program of courses approved by an adviser, successfully complete a comprehensive examination, and meet all other state requirements. State requirements for the superintendent endorsement include the areas of governance and management of public schools, educational planning, and clinical experiences.
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