Instead of completing a traditional route to educator licensure, individuals may complete an approved alternative licensure program in the state of Illinois.
Admission Requirements
- Hold a Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution
- Have completed an undergraduate major, or at least 9 semester hours of coursework, in the licensure content area sought (e.g. Mathematics)
As part of the program, individuals:
Complete an intensive course of study consisting of methods/pedagogical coursework (and any remaining content coursework) and complete a one- or two-year residency while serving as a teacher of record. During the program, candidates will:
- Pass the applicable content test prior to beginning residency.
- Receive an Educator Licensure with Stipulations endorsed for Alternative Provisional Educator (ELS-APE) that will allow them to work as a teacher of record during the residency.
- Be assigned a mentor teacher and placed into a classroom as a paid teacher of record or co-teacher.
- Complete the edTPA and remaining coursework during the program.
- Be evaluated by the educator preparation program coordinator and the school principal after the first year of residency to determine if a second year of residency is needed.
- Complete a second year of residency (if needed) or be recommended by their preparation program for the Professional Educator License (PEL).
- Apply for PEL entitlement in the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) after being directed to do so by the preparation program.
- Receive additional mentoring form the school while continuing to teach if the PEL is earned after only one year of residency.
