Licenses to be a teacher are administered by the state that the person wants to teach in, in the US. Requirements vary quite a bit, although some minimums are maintained across all states. Obtaining an Illinois teaching certification is easiest to do in-state, but possible elsewhere.
A bachelor's degree in education, with a concentration in a certain field, is usually the degree obtained for entry-level teachers. Certificates cover birth through 12th grade, with some overlap in each. An early childhood certificate allows teachers to teach children up through grade 3, for instance, but an elementary credential covers grades K-9.
Specialization requires that you complete a prescribed number of courses in a certain field. If there is a subject test available, prospective teachers must take it. If there is no subject test available, more courses may be required. Every prospective teacher has to take a basic skills exam covering reading, writing, and more, as well.
Student teaching is an essential part of learning. This process pairs students with experienced teachers for a semester of their coursework. In the classroom, the students learn how to put their knowledge of classrooms to use. In most cases, the experience is a full-time semester's work.
Illinois has a reciprocal agreement with certain states in the US, which means that if you are licensed in one of them you can apply to get a license in this state. Not all states qualify-- generally only those which require the same amount of coursework, testing and preparation or more will be permitted.
Alternative programs are a possibility for those who decide after college to pursue an Illinois teaching certification. They aim to make up what the student didn't learn by adding coursework and student teaching experiences. Sometimes this involves getting a second degree, a more advanced degree, or just passing certain courses. Illinois Teaching Certification
A bachelor's degree in education, with a concentration in a certain field, is usually the degree obtained for entry-level teachers. Certificates cover birth through 12th grade, with some overlap in each. An early childhood certificate allows teachers to teach children up through grade 3, for instance, but an elementary credential covers grades K-9.
Specialization requires that you complete a prescribed number of courses in a certain field. If there is a subject test available, prospective teachers must take it. If there is no subject test available, more courses may be required. Every prospective teacher has to take a basic skills exam covering reading, writing, and more, as well.
Student teaching is an essential part of learning. This process pairs students with experienced teachers for a semester of their coursework. In the classroom, the students learn how to put their knowledge of classrooms to use. In most cases, the experience is a full-time semester's work.
Illinois has a reciprocal agreement with certain states in the US, which means that if you are licensed in one of them you can apply to get a license in this state. Not all states qualify-- generally only those which require the same amount of coursework, testing and preparation or more will be permitted.
Alternative programs are a possibility for those who decide after college to pursue an Illinois teaching certification. They aim to make up what the student didn't learn by adding coursework and student teaching experiences. Sometimes this involves getting a second degree, a more advanced degree, or just passing certain courses. Illinois Teaching Certification
