A traditional teacher certification track is when individuals attend school full-time and earn a teaching certificate upon completing a degree. In Illinois, individuals must complete a state-approved certificate preparation program (or hold a valid and comparable out-of-state certificate), meet all coursework and testing requirements, and meet all other requirements detailed in Illinois statute and rules in order to become a certified teacher. Learn more about general certification requirements at the Illinois State Board of Education.
Some traditional certification programs are designed so that you can complete a bachelor’s degree and earn a teaching license while keeping a full-time job. We recommend the National Teacher Education Center (NTEC) where you will receive real-world experience in the classroom via a required student-teaching assignment in either Special Education or Elementary Education. After successfully completing the program of your choice, you will be eligible to continue on for a Bilingual or ESL endorsement with an extra semester of coursework.
National Teacher Education Center also offers the opportunity to earn your master’s degree and a teaching license in the evenings while continuing to work at your current job. All master’s programs have an option for a Bilingual, ESL, or Reading endorsement.
Both programs are offered in a blended format, with online instruction and face-to-face seminars offered at convenient locations near you. The blended format allows you a flexible schedule during the day, so you can maintain your current employment.
Learn more about National Teacher Education Center’s Illinois teacher certification programs.
