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The Illinois State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board (SEPLB) is a governing body under the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) that oversees the approval and regulation of educator preparation programs across the state. Its primary responsibilities include:

  • Reviewing and approving new and existing educator preparation programs offered by colleges and universities in Illinois.
  • Ensuring compliance with state standards for teacher licensure and preparation.
  • Advising the State Superintendent of Education on matters related to educator licensure and preparation.
  • Maintaining quality and consistency in teacher education to support effective teaching and learning in Illinois schools.

The board is composed of a diverse group of members, including educators, administrators, and representatives from higher education institutions. They meet regularly—typically bi-monthly—to evaluate program proposals and make recommendation​

Members

School Code Documentation of Term App​ointment for Board Members ​​105/ILSC 5/21B.​​​

​FY 20​25 Membership List
Member Position Length of Term
Tony Sanders, Ph.D.
Chairman

Jason Helfer, Ph.D.
Chair Designee
State Superintendent of Education
Illinois State Board of Education
Springfield, Illinois

Deputy Instructional Education Officer
Illinois State Board of Education
Springfield, Illinois
Emily Fox
Secretary
Director
Educator Effectiveness Department
Illinois State Board of Education
Springfield, Illinois
Karen Englemann Teacher
Cobden Unit School District #17
Cobden, Illinois
First Term: 7/01/2025 - 6/30/2028
Shannon Fehrholz Regional Superintendent
Regional Office of Education 51
Springfield, Illinois
First Term: 7/01/2025 - 6/30/2028
Mari Garvonado Teacher
Rutledge Hall
Lincolnwood, Illinois
First Term: 07/01/2024 - 06/30/2027
Nicole Gas Teacher
Northbrook Junior High School
Northbrook District 28
Northbrook, Illinois
First Term: 07/01/2024 - 06/30/2027
Dr. Malik Henfield
Dean and Full Professor
School of Education
Loyola University
Chicago, Illinois
Second Term: 07/01/2023 - 06/30/2026
Dr. Christy Hooser Associate Dean
College of Education
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston,IL
First Term: 07/01/2023 - 06/30/2026
Rachel Juarez Teacher
Yorkville High School District 115
Yorkville, Illinois
Second Term: 07/01/2025 - 06/30/2028
Danny Kim Director, Talent Acquisition
Chicago Public Schools District 299
Chicago, Illinois
First Term: 07/01/2024 - 06/30/2027
Bridget Lahart Teacher
Medinah Primary School
Medinah School District 11
Medinah, Illinois
First Term: 7/01/2023 - 06/30/2026
Dr. Jay Mehta Teacher
Wheaton North High School District 200
Wheaton, Illinois
Second ​Term: 07/01/2025 - 06/30/2028
Dr. Jennifer Olson Clinical Associate Professor
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
College of Eduation
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
First Term: 07/01/2025 - 06/30/2028
Dr. Tom Philion Dean
College of Education
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, Illinois
Second Term: 07/01/2023 - 06/30/2026
William Marion Polasky III Teacher
Stillman Valley High School
Meridian C.U.S.D. #223
Stillman Valley, Illinois
First Term: 07/01/2025 - 06/30/2028
Monica Rojas Teacher
Donald J. Marquez Elementary School – Acero Charter School Network
Chicago Public Schools District 299
Chicago, Illinois
Second Term: 07/01/2024 - 06/30/2027
Kristen Ryan Teacher
Ohio Community Grade School District 17
Ohio, IL
First Term: 07/01/2023 - 06/30/2026
Dr. Josephine Tabet Sarvis Director of the School of Education
Dominican University
River Forest, Illinois
First Term: 01/01/2025 - 06/30/2026
Dr. Arturo B. Senteno Principal
West Lyden High School District 212
Northlake, Illinois
Second Term: 07/01/2023 - 06/30/2026
Dr. Kristen Kendrick-Weikle Superintendent
McClean County Unit District No. 5
Normal, Illinois
First Term: 07/01/2024 - 06/30/2027
Jeannine Woods Teacher
Haines Elementary School
Chicago Public Schools District 299
Chicago, Illinois
First Term: 01/01/2025 - 06/30/2027
Nkechi Onwuameze, Ph.D.
Ex-Officio Member​​​

Schedule and Procedures

  • Schedule
  • Public P​articipation Policy PDF Document
  • Procedures: *UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

    The State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board meetings are scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. unless otherwise noted on final agenda.

    Meeting Location: Illinois State Board of Education, 100 North First Street, Springfield, Illinois, Fourth Floor Board Room unless otherwise noted on final agenda.​​​​​​

Reference Material

Meetings

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