Embedded Files
Don't forget to RSVP for the Ed Prep Celebration & Orientation coming up on Thursday, October 16th from 4pm-7pm in Chicago!
Concentrations/Endorsements Available to SEM Students
Concentrations/Endorsements Available to SEM Students
Most Endorsements begin by adding a Concentration to your program.
Most Endorsements begin by adding a Concentration to your program.
- The concentration includes the required courses and field hours for that Endorsement.
- Endorsements expand the grade levels or student populations you’re approved to teach in Illinois.
- You may be eligible to add one or more Endorsements to your Professional Educator License by declaring a Concentration in your program.
ESL / Bilingual
ESL / Bilingual
Qualifies you to support English learners in ESL or Bilingual classrooms, from Pre-K to grade 12.
To be eligible, you must:
Complete all required coursework for the ESL/Bilingual endorsement as part of your degree.
Complete 20 field hours per course in an approved classroom.
Students can choose to add only the ESL endorsement for work in ESL only classrooms in addition to their licensed range.
For the Bilingual Endorsement, you also need to pass the Target Language Proficiency Test in your chosen language.
What to know:
Most ECE students can qualify for ESL if planned early.
Bilingual may require extra planning and field hours coordination.
Special Education
Special Education
Qualifies you to support students with disabilities in self-contained Special Ed classrooms, from Pre-k to age 22.
To be eligible, you must:
Complete all required Special Education coursework.
Complete 10 field hours per course in a Special Education setting.
Pass the Learning Behavior Specialist 1 #290 Exam.
What to know:
Most ECE students can qualify for Special Education if planned early.
Special Education placements require additional coordination with the Office of Field Experience. If your current placement doesn’t serve an appropriate student population, you may need to step out of it temporarily to complete hours in a different setting.
Note: Students who complete the Special Education Concentration qualify for the Special Education Approval without having to take the LBS1 test. This allows students to teach in self-contained Special Education classrooms in Pre-K only.
To Add a Concentration/Endorsement
To Add a Concentration/Endorsement
Talk with your Advisor to submit a Change of Program form. This should be done as early as possible to ensure you can meet all requirements before graduation.
Adding Middle Grades Math
Adding Middle Grades Math
If you wish to additionally be endorsed for Middle Grades Mathematics (5th-8th), you do not need to declare any additional concentration or minors.
You will need to pass the #202 Content Exam. This can be done at any time and is not required to graduate.
Applying for Endorsement Entitlement
Applying for Endorsement Entitlement
You will apply for your Endorsement/s at the same time as applying for your Professional Educator License, after all coursework and other requirements have been met.
You can learn more about Licensure Entitlement here.
Note: ISBE requires that candidates apply for endorsements through the university entitlement process unless specifically directed otherwise.
Important Reminders
Important Reminders
Endorsements must be completed before graduation to be included in your Entitlement.
You cannot add these Endorsements through NLU after graduation unless you return in a licensure-seeking status.
Requirements can change. Check in with your advisor regularly if you’re planning to pursue an endorsement.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse