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Are you interested in pursuing a career as a teacher, administrator, or school support personnel in Illinois? Use the search tool below to discover institutions of higher education (IHEs) in Illinois that offer approved preparation programs. Utilize the filters located at the left side and top of the page to refine your search. For example, select the "Alternative" option und​er Program Format to view all IHEs offering alternative preparation programs. Then, click on individual IHE logo to explore specific alternative programs available.​​

Illinois Student Assistance CommissionThe state of Illinois and the federal government have many programs and services that deliver financial aid to students in Illinois.Visit the Illinois Student Assistance Commission website​ for more information.

Partners

The following programs have partnered with Illinois institutions, offering financial assistance and/or other supports and incentives to individuals who are interested in pursuing teacher licensure. Click on an icon to learn more about the program. Watch for these logos while browsing institutions using the search filters below.

Definitions for the Directory of Approved Programs

Program Format:

  • Traditional: This program type includes content-specific and teaching-related coursework paired with field experiences that lead to a culminating student teaching experience. 
  • Alternative: This program type follows specific requirements set forth in 23 Illinois Administrative Code, Part 25, Section 25.60.  It includes the issuance of an Alternative Provisional Educator License with Stipulations. This type includes content-specific and teaching-related coursework while the candidate serves as a teacher of record.
  • Apprenticeship: This program type includes content-specific and teaching-related coursework paired with field experiences while the candidate is employed and completing on-the-job training learning alongside a master teacher. An apprenticeship is approved by the U.S.  Department of Labor and the Illinois State Board of Education. Both approvals are required to be identified as an apprenticeship program.
  • Residency: This program includes content-specific and teaching-related coursework paired with field experience that is delivered concurrently through a yearlong clinical experience in which candidates learn alongside a mentor teacher. 
  • Microcredential: This program replaces coursework with a competency-based approach (as compared to taking a set number of course credit hours.)  A license or endorsement is earned by demonstrating mastery or proficiency in a particular topic area.​.

Modes of Delivery:

  • Face to Face: All coursework is delivered in person on campus at a set time and place.
  • Online: All coursework is delivered synchronously and asynchronously with no required in-person sessions.
  • Blended: Coursework is delivered with a combination of face-to-face and online courses.

Program Level:

  • Undergraduate: A student or teaching candidate who is pursuing their first level of higher education, typically working toward bachelor's degree and a Professional Educator License (PEL).
  • Licensure Only: This is a type of program designed for individuals who already hold a degree but need a professional license to practice in a specific field. These programs focus solely on the coursework and practical experiences required to meet the licensing requirements. They do not lead to an additional degree but provide the necessary credentials to qualify for licensure exams and ultimately obtain a PEL. 
  • Graduate: A student or teaching candidate who has already earned a bachelor's degree and is now pursuing advanced education, such as a master's with initial PEL, Principal endorsement, Superintendent endorsement, and/or an additional specialist endorsement.​​

Program Search

Should you have inquiries about program requirements, such as coursework, student teaching placement, or program completion timeline, please reach out directly to the respective IHE. Click on an IHE logo to access contact information for that institution.

Institutions that wish to collaborate with the organizations mentioned can contact them directly.

Partners
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