Teacher Qualifications 

A teacher, as the term is used in this policy, refers to a District employee who is required to be licensed under State law. The following qualifications apply:

1. Each teacher must: 

a. Have a valid Illinois Professional Educator License issued by the State Superintendent of Education with the required endorsements as provided in the School Code.

b. Provide the District Office with a complete transcript of credits earned in institutions of higher education.

c. On or before September 1 of each year, unless otherwise provided in an applicable collective bargaining agreement, provide the District Office with a transcript of any credits earned since the date the last transcript was filed.

d. Notify the Superintendent of any change in the teacher’s transcript.

2. All teachers working in a program supported with federal funds under Title I, Part A must meet applicable State certification and licensure requirements. 

The Superintendent or designee shall:

1. Monitor compliance with State and federal law requirements that teachers be appropriately licensed; 

2. Through incentives for voluntary transfers, professional development, recruiting programs, or other effective strategies, ensure that minority students and students from low-income families are not taught at higher rates than other students by unqualified, out-of-field, or inexperienced teachers; and

3. Ensure parents/guardians of students in schools receiving Title I funds are notified of their right to request their students’ classroom teachers’ professional qualifications. 

LEGAL REF.: 20 U.S.C. §6312(e)(1)(A).

105 ILCS 5/10-20.15, 5/21B-15, 5/21B-20, 5/21B-25, and 5/24-23.

23 Ill.Admin.Code §1.610 et seq., §1.705 et seq., and Part 25.

CROSS REF.: 6:170 (Title I Programs)

January 27, 2025