Requirements for ECE Teacher Certification in Illinois
Those interested in a career in education and, specifically, if you want to work with young children, then you'll want to pursue a degree in childhood education. This area of education became recognized as highly beneficial because of research compiled by various governmental organizations and the Department of Education. The studies all demonstrated that the earliest years of a child can be the most critical to developing their learning ability.
Based on information put out by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), it is believed that early childhood education is going to be one of the fastest growing segments of the workforce over the next few years. In fact, some evidence suggests that it could have a growth rate of as much as 20%, which would make it one of the fastest growing segments of the workforce in the US. Teachers who want to follow this career path would want to get at least a bachelor's degree in an area of early childhood education.
Illinois Steps to Follow for Teachers
In order to lead an early childhood education classroom, it will be necessary to earn a teacher's license and meet other qualifications required by the state. For those who want to have the greatest chance of upward mobility, it might also be necessary to earn their master's degree. A postgraduate degree in early childhood education can allow the individual to specialize and these specializations will give you a choice of educator positions.
Step 1. Successfully Complete A State-Approved Preparation Program
Illinois requires that all preschool teachers successfully complete a preparation program approved by the state. This means that you must meet all the teaching requirements and complete the coursework within the program. At a minimum, you will need to earn a bachelor's degree. Depending on the program that you choose to complete it could also result in earning an M.Ed. or an M.A.T. degree. There's also an option that could result in a post-baccalaureate certificate that is not a degree, but this is only a possibility for those who already have a bachelor's degree but haven't completed a teacher preparation program.
At this time, there are over two dozen educator preparation programs offered in Illinois in the area of early childhood education. To be able to work with children from the ages of birth to grade 3, it will be necessary to successfully navigate one of these childhood teacher preparation programs to get your teaching license in the state. The state requires that you graduate from a program with a minimum grade average of C or better to be approved for your licensure.
Before starting any program in Early Education, make certain that it meets the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards also known as (IELDS). These programs are made so that they can achieve reasonable expectations in the growth, development, and learning of preschool students. All of the state approved programs will meet these standards.
When you enter a program in early childhood education the state requires that it include these minimum components:
- Bachelor's Degree
The degree must be from a regionally accredited University or college.
The Degree must meet the required standards
The degree must have included a minimum of 30 semester hours specifically in the field of early childhood education.
- Gain Experience
A teacher has to gain experience; this is often accomplished by working as an aid in the field of education. There are several different options available to a person that is aspiring to become a preschool or early childhood educator to gain the required experience.
Some of these choices include:
Become a teacher’s assistant
Work at a daycare
Be a coach
Tutoring
Be a substitute teacher
- Additional Requirements
To qualify an individual will need to complete three semester hours of cross-categorical methods of the exceptional child, 3 semester hours in English as a second language, and 6 semester hours for methods of teaching reading. It may also be necessary to take T.A.P., which further tests your knowledge of mathematics, language arts, writing, and reading comprehension. If you have taken the SAT, ACT, or GRE with satisfactory scores then you will usually not have to take TAP.
Step 2. Content Examination In ECD
Once you have completed all the steps and successfully finished the preparation program you will then need to pass the ‘Content Examination’ for early childhood education. This will be administered by the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS). Test 107 is an examination in early childhood education and is computer-based.
This exam will have a total of 125 questions that are multiple choice. You are given a time limit of 3 hours 45 minutes to finish the examination. You will need to pay a fee of $135 that covers all the tests. In the state, there are 30 approved testing centers.
The ILTS offers preparation materials that can be used to study for the examination. It is advised that you use these materials and put in the necessary preparation time before taking the exam. If you were to fail, you would need to pay to retest and there may be some delay between when you took the exam the first time and when you can again.
Step 3. Get Your Professional Educator License
Once you have successfully completed the preparation program, the university or college you attended will let the Board of Education know through the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS). They will inform them that you now qualify to receive your professional educator license. The name of this process is called ‘Entitlement’.
When the Board of Education receives this information, notifying them of the fact that you have indeed completed all the necessary coursework and other requirements that ‘Entitle’ you to an Illinois educator license, you will be able to apply for licensure through their website. You will find that there is a badge on your ELIS home screen and this is when you should put in your application. It will be necessary for you to click on that badge and subsequently submit the application along with its required fee in order to get your professional educator license.
Step 4. Officially Register Your License
Even if you get your license it still won't be valid until you register it. You'll need to do this at the Regional Superintendent of Schools in the area in which you work and live. There is a fee of $50 to complete the registration and the license will then be valid for 5 years. It isn't valid until the registration is completed.
You will want to log into your ELIS account to pay the fee and register it there. It will be necessary to give them evidence that you have completed the appropriate professional development and that proof needs to go to the Regional Office of Education. Your degree is the determining factor of the required professional development. Those who have a bachelor's degree need at least 120 hours. Those with a master's degree needed at least 80 hours. The advanced degrees require 40 hours as does the national board certification.
Popular Career Choices
Preschool Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Accredited Illinois Programs
If you are attending a college in Illinois to prepare to be a teacher, you want to make sure the institution you attend is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). You might also want to keep your eyes open for any programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). If you can find a program that has both forms of accreditation, you are guaranteed to receive a quality education degree.
Here are some schools in Illinois that provide programs in Early Childhood Education:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Located in the cities or Urbana and Champaign, this University of Illinois campus holds the second largest university library in the US on its campus and is part of the University of Illinois System.
Degrees Offered:
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; B.S. & M.S.
Education, General and Other; B.S., M.S., Dr., & Post-grad Certificate
Educational Leadership and Administration; M.S. & Dr.
Elementary Education and Teaching; B.S. & M.S.
Special Education and Teaching; B.S., M.S., & Dr.
Teaching English as a Second Language; M.S.
Accreditation By: Regional Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission
Illinois State University
Founded in 1857, Illinois State University is recognized as one of the top ten largest producers of teachers in the US.
Degrees Offered:
Administration of Special Education; Post-grad Certificate
Curriculum and Instruction; M.S. & Dr.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; B.S.
Education and Teaching of Individuals with Hearing Impairments; Post-grad Certificate
Education and Teaching of Individuals with Vision Impairments; Post-grad Certificate
Educational Administration and Supervision; Post-grad Certificate
Educational Leadership and Administration; M.S., Dr., & Post-grad Certificate
Elementary Education and Teaching; B.S.
Reading Teacher Education; M.S.
Special Education and Teaching; B.S., M.S., Dr., & Post-grad Certificate
Teaching English as a Second Language; Post-grad Certificate
Accreditation By: Regional Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission & Education Program Accreditation by CAEP (through 2019, check for renewal)
Governors State University
Governors State University has four colleges located on its campus, 30 miles south of Chicago.
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance Services; Dr.
Curriculum and Instruction; M.S.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; B.S. & M.S.
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Multiple Disabilities; M.S.
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injuries; Post-grad Certificate
Educational Leadership and Administration; M.S.
Elementary Education and Teaching; B.S.
Reading Teacher Education; M.S. & Post-grad Certificate
Accreditation By: Regional Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission & Education Program Accreditation by CAEP (through 2019, check for renewal)
Aurora University
Also near Chicago, Aurora University is a liberal arts college offering 40 undergraduate majors, including many in Education.
Degrees Offered:
Bilingual and Multilingual Education, M.S.
Curriculum and Instruction; M.S. & Dr.
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs; B.S.
Educational Leadership and Administration; M.S. & Dr.
Elementary Education and Teaching; B.S. & M.S.
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching; B.S.
Reading Teacher Education; M.S.
Special Education and Teaching; B.S. & M.S.
Accreditation By: Regional Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission & Education Program Accreditation by CAEP (through 2021, check for renewal)
Training in Illinois is a wonderful option for anyone wishing to work as a teacher. The Illinois teacher qualification procedure is handled by the Illinois State Board of Education Division of Educator Licensure. We have actually detailed the traditional program describing just how to come to be a teacher in Illinois listed here. For additional information on alternate paths to licensure, see our overview to Illinois alternate instructor certification. Illinois requires all potential instructors to hold a bachelor's degree.
In addition, any kind of private wishing to acquire Illinois instructor accreditation have to initially satisfy the demands defined by the state's Division of Education and also learning. In Illinois, this treatment is called entitlement. Illinois problems three type of trainer licenses: Professional Instructor Permit (PEL), Trainer Certificate with Stipulations (ELS), and also Replacement License. For each of these licenses, potential customers might acquire recommendations ideal to the discipline( s) and likewise grade degree( s) to be educated.
There are additionally different courses to licensure for those that currently have a bachelor's degree nonetheless have actually not end up an educator preparation program. 3.8% Among the preliminary actions in the direction of making Illinois teacher credentials is to end up a state-approved educator prep work program at an authorized university or college that satisfies the Illinois criteria for instructor education.
Programs from out-of-state that hold neighborhood accreditation from one of the six regional accreditation companies may serve for Illinois teacher licensure. Illinois organizations are recognized by Greater Learning Commision (HLC). Moreover, certification from the Council for Certification of Teacher Preparation Job (CAEP) is really concerned. This company was established by the lending consolidation of the National Council for Qualification of Instructor Education And Learning And Also Knowing (NCATE) and also the Instructor Certification Council (TEAC).
Traditional certification programs normally require that trainees total at the minimum 15 term hrs in an area of specialization or major in a specific area. Those that join prep work programs out-of-state have to finish 32 term hrs of product coursework. For those who pursue different Illinois teacher accreditation, a bachelor's level in a product location that associate the qualification location is needed, and also the college or university providing the educator prep job program took part in find out whether correspondence course in the material place the candidate plans to show is needed.
Once all coursework needs are satisfied, the instructor prep work program will alert the Illinois State Board of Education that the candidate is eligible for a certificate, permitting him or her to seek licensure. Remember that when released, an Illinois teaching authorization should be joined online to be legitimate. Advising prospects ought to pass numerous exams to be received an Illinois training certification.
The analyses needed for licensure after finishing a preparation job program include appropriate content-area examinations with the Illinois Licensure Screening System (ILTS), a standard capacities examination that examines capabilities in reading, creating, and additionally math, and likewise the edTPA. Passing ratings on content-area evaluations are generally called for prior to pupil coach as component of the prospect's teacher prep work program.
Fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Details (CHRI) history checks are kept up the Illinois State Authorities (ISP) in addition to the FBI. All candidates have to submit a finger print card to wage the history check before they change in their mentor applications. The course to acquiring mentor accreditation in Illinois is an instead straightforward procedure if you are joining an accepted educator prep job program.
The Teacher Qualification Office acquires most of applications in June, July, and also August and also recommends that potential customers submit sustaining papers 3 to four months in advance of their estimated day of work. The called for papers to end up being a teacher in Illinois are as follow: Authorities documents revealing evidence of bachelor's degree, Official records revealing proof of ending up a certified instructor preparation job program, Passing scores on the called for exams, Payment of non-refundable taking care of fee and Completed application for teacher certification. Candidates need to start their licensure application online through the Teacher Licensure Details System (ELIS).
On this web page, you will certainly find a step-by-step summary of just exactly how to find to be a trainer in Chicago public colleges in addition to info on personal and charter institutions in the location, coming to be a substitute trainer, along with call information for the public school system. "Don't stress and anxiety over being an excellent instructor stress and anxiety over your development as an educator.
You also have to have finished a student advisor experience and likewise pass the Illinois certification exams.: What are the requirements to end up being a high school educator in Illinois?: To become a high school teacher in Illinois, you have to have second accreditation. To qualify, you need to have a bachelor's level with enough coursework in a teachable subject area and additionally complete a trainer prep work program.
An on the internet level uses trainees a lot more options than a conventional on-campus experience. For example, a mentor qualification in Chicago is available to pupils living 200 miles away in Springfield without calling for any type of type of on-campus commitment. While a level gained online will certainly please the bachelor's degree needed, there might be obligatory coursework that pupils require to finish.
All public university educators require to be recognized by the state, and every state's credentials needs differ. Distance learners need to furthermore examine for institutional accreditation. Showing licensure in one state does not immediately move to an additional state because of differing needs. One state may require various efficiency examinations or more fieldwork than another does. Interstate reciprocity assists with the accreditation procedure rather; however, as one of the primary licensure demands, pupils need a four-year degree. Despite one's experience, a teacher seeking certification in Illinois should accomplish all demands unless they acquire an authorization with terms backed as a provisionary trainer.
Though an online or out-of-state education level will likely cover much of the very same curriculum, students need to settle any losing out on coursework. The Illinois State Board of Education( ISBE) supplies a listing of pre-approved comparable programs, which existing grads and additionally out-of-state trainers might take a look at to see what needed coursework keeps. To show in the Grassy field State, instructors are required to obtain a training certificate for Illinois. The PEL is the permit that finishes after finishing a conventional four-year level with area as well as professional hours. It is the most essential action to becoming an Illinois instructor.
Student training makes up the capstone of instructor certificate Illinois programs or other state education programs during the student's final term or year. Practicum hrs come from a training course, like method, but the medical is an actual program. Trainee mentor permanently manages the trainee.
As part of a state-approved education and learning as well as learning degree, student training is the ending up experience for students sticking to the conclusion of all required coursework in addition to location experience, that includes practicum hours invested observing, tutoring, and additionally helping groups along with training courses at an approved establishment or various other company. Student advisor in Illinois is called a scientist, as well as this experience comprising elements of the training certificate.
There are a few important things to keep in mind when looking for a preschool teacher job, regardless of where in the state you live. These requirements apply whether you work at an early childhood education center, at home, or in a charter school.
A preschool teacher's license must be valid in Illinois. The requirements include taking a basic teacher training course, passing an examination that examines your ability to communicate and instruct students, and meeting the minimum number of hours required by the State Board of Education. The most common reasons why someone would be required to take a teacher training class is to obtain a teaching license and teach in preschools. It takes up to four years to complete this course, and it must be taken in public schools and approved institutions. If you already have a teaching certificate from another institution, it will not count toward this requirement.
If you are a native English speaker, you will have a better chance of landing a teaching job in Illinois if you hold a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. You must also have a high school diploma or GED. Many colleges offer part-time programs in early childhood education to people who want to teach at the earliest age possible. At least a year of college coursework is needed in order to complete this program and meet these requirements.
The first job that a preschool teacher will get in this field is usually to be a full-time teacher at an early childhood center. They also may work at a daycare, school, or other educational setting, and they may also be employed at community colleges. At some centers, the job description includes working with special needs children and working in the home with disabled children.
After you have gained experience in teaching at a center, you may qualify for a teaching job in public preschool programs. Schools may offer preschool teacher jobs on a part-time or full-time basis, and they may also offer contract jobs.
Public preschool programs typically need between six and nine preschool teachers to provide a quality educational environment for the children in their care. You should be able to demonstrate an ability to relate to children in a positive manner, provide a good learning environment, and be prepared to deal with behavior issues.
The requirements in preschool teacher jobs can be a little different in Illinois if you work at home. than they are at an early childhood center. There, you must be licensed and have the necessary credentials before you can work as a part-time or full-time teacher.
While there are many requirements for preschool teacher jobs in Illinois, you will be able to find that the opportunities are abundant. Even though the starting pay is low, there is plenty of room for advancement within this profession and you can earn as much as $50 an hour.
One of the most important things that you should be able to do when teaching preschoolers is to help them develop reading and math skills. This is very important for their development into adulthood. Children who are capable of reading before kindergarten and doing well in math by third grade are less likely to have behavioral problems and have a difficult time with learning in school. If you plan to teach pre-K students, you should have a good understanding of math and be knowledgeable about the subject matter.
Once you have earned your preschool teacher licenses, you can start looking for preschool teacher jobs in Illinois. in local areas that you have worked in the surrounding areas. In most states, you must obtain a certificate before you are able to work at an early childhood facility.
Once you earn your certificate program, you can then take continuing education courses at your choice of time. You may also want to consider taking a certification test at a community college to update your knowledge and learn about new techniques and methods. In addition, it will give you a solid foundation of experience for your next job.
Once you have received your teaching license, you will be able to apply for a number of preschool teacher jobs in Illinois. When you have enough experience, you can apply for positions in the private sector, but the government has some excellent positions that are available as well.
Career Options and Salary Info for Teachers
According to the Illinois Department of Economic Security, as of 2018 preschool teachers were designated as an in-demand job. According to its projections, this career choice will be among the top four jobs with the most growth in the state over the next 10 years. In fact, some projections suggest that the growth rate will be close to 40%.
There are a significant number of preschool teachers currently in the system who are expected to retire over that 10-year period. That means that a majority of new Preschool teachers will be utilized to replace those that are retiring. The starting salaries in earning potential vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and time on the job.
On the low end, a preschool teacher can earn about $20,000 a year and on the top end, they can earn upwards of over $55,000 a year. The average median income of a preschool teacher in the state is about $35,000 a year. With the expected growth rate over the next 10 years, there is the possibility that increases in average salaries will take place to attract the necessary candidates.
This state currently has the fourth-highest employment levels for preschool teachers in the entire country. Chicago has the second highest in the field for any major metropolitan area. Almost 70% of the Preschool teachers in the state are in the Chicago City area.