Navigating the Illinois Educator License Lookup Requirements

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) oversees teacher certification in Illinois, awarding the Professional Educator License (PEL) to qualified candidates. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the requirements for obtaining and maintaining an Illinois educator license.

Understanding the Professional Educator License (PEL)

The Professional Educator License (PEL) is the primary teaching license in Illinois, valid for five years. It serves as the foundation upon which teaching endorsements can be added after completing applicable coursework and testing. The PEL allows educators to specialize in specific subject areas, grade levels, and more.

Requirements for Obtaining a PEL

To obtain a PEL in Illinois, candidates must meet several requirements, including:

Bachelor's Degree: Possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. The major should align with the desired grade level and subject.
Educator Preparation Program (EPP): Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program (EPP). ISBE offers the Illinois Educator Preparation Profiles (IEPPs), allowing prospective teachers to compare approved preparation programs based on metrics such as candidate selection and completion, knowledge and skills for teaching, performance as classroom teachers, and contribution to state needs.
Student Teaching Placement: Complete a student teaching placement in the grade range and specialization area of the endorsement sought. This provides an opportunity to practice classroom management, lesson planning, and instruction under the supervision of a licensed and experienced teacher.
Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) Exams: Pass the required Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) content tests related to the subject area and grade level.
Application: Apply for the PEL online through the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS). Required documents include official transcripts, proof of teacher preparation program completion, passing ILTS exam scores, fingerprint-based background check, and a non-refundable application fee.

Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS)

The Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) is a centralized online system used by educators, administrators, district employees, licensure officers, ROEs, and the public to manage licensure-related activities. ELIS allows users to apply for licenses, renew licenses, add endorsements, and verify licensure status.

To apply for a PEL, candidates must create an ELIS account. Once the ISBE educator preparation program is completed, a badge will appear on the home screen of the ELIS account. Clicking the badge allows candidates to complete and submit the application.

Alternative Teacher Certification

For individuals with a bachelor's degree outside of education, Illinois offers alternative teacher certification pathways. These programs typically involve an intensive course of study and a residency period in a school setting. One alternative licensure program is Early Childhood Alternative Licensure.

The ISBE also offers an alternative pathway for licensure through alternative educator preparation. This pathway requires candidates to complete a two-year alternative licensure program, including an intensive course of study and two years of residency. The first year includes a mentor, and the second year includes a co-teacher for feedback and support. A comprehensive assessment determines readiness for licensure at the end of the two years.

Substitute Teaching

To become a substitute teacher in Illinois, candidates must hold a Substitute License. Through June 2028, Illinois also offers a Short Term Substitute License, which requires an associate’s degree or proof of completion of at least 60 hours of higher education coursework. Both licenses are valid for five years. Substitute teachers must also complete an ISBE-approved training, provided by the employing district.

The ISBE requires all substitute teacher candidates to have a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution. To apply, submit an application via ELIS along with the application fee and official college transcripts.

Reciprocity for Out-of-State Teachers

Illinois allows teachers with valid out-of-state licenses from all other states and territories to transfer their license to Illinois and receive a PEL endorsed in a comparable area. To apply, create an account with ELIS and submit a copy of the out-of-state license or Verification of Standards Completion form, official transcripts, fingerprint-based background check, and a non-refundable application fee.

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Initially, out-of-state teachers may be considered provisional and granted an Educator License with Stipulations (ELS) until all requirements are met. An ELS is nonrenewable but can be extended for an additional year with progress toward earning a PEL.

Maintaining Your PEL: Renewal and Professional Development

All PELs in Illinois are valid for five years. To renew a PEL, teachers must complete 120 hours of professional development (PD). Licenses expire June 30, and the renewal window opens on April 1 of the same year. Renewals must be submitted online through ELIS.

Adding Endorsements to Your PEL

Licensed teachers in Illinois can only teach in the subject and grade level they are certified in, though occasional, temporary exceptions are made. To add a new subject or grade level to a PEL, teachers must complete the required coursework and content test for that endorsement type. To apply, teachers will complete an endorsement application through ELIS and submit the necessary official transcripts.

Teachers holding an endorsed PEL can earn additional content area endorsements. These subsequent teaching endorsements can only be used for the grade range that they are currently endorsed to teach. If interested in earning a subsequent endorsement, the expected requirements must be completed.

Types of Endorsements

Illinois offers a wide variety of endorsements, enabling teachers to specialize in different areas. Some common endorsement areas include:

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Early Childhood Education: Covering ages from birth to grade three, focusing on general education.
Elementary Education: Covering kindergarten through ninth grade, functioning as a self-contained general education setting.
Middle Grades Teacher: Covering fifth through eighth grades, taught as subject-specific courses.
Secondary Grades: Covering 6-12, taught as subject-specific courses.
Special Education: Includes various specializations such as Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS I), Blind or Visually Impaired, Speech-Language Pathologist (Teaching), and Early Childhood Special Education.
English as a Second Language (ESL): Requires 18 semester hours of credit with coursework in specific areas related to ESL.
Physical Education (PE): Can be earned at the middle school or senior high level, requiring specific coursework related to PE.

Addressing Teacher Shortages in Illinois

Like many states, Illinois faces teacher shortages across various subjects and grade levels. According to the US Department of Education Teacher Shortage Area report for 2023-2024, Illinois has designated shortages in areas such as:

Bilingual Education
Bilingual Special Education
Career and Technical Education
Elementary Physical Education
Elementary Special Educator
English as a Second Language
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Special Education
World Languages

Addressing these shortages is a priority for ISBE, and various initiatives are in place to attract and retain qualified teachers in these high-need areas.

Additional Resources

The following resources can provide additional information and support for navigating the Illinois educator licensure process:

ELIS Login: Online application portal for new and current teachers.
ISBE Pathways to Licensure: Links to the various pathways to licensure in Illinois.
ISBE Teaching Endorsement Requirements: List of requirements for a teaching endorsement on a PEL.
ILTS Homepage: Provides a list of required tests, practice exams, and scheduling opportunities for teachers.
Illinois Association of Teacher Educators (IATE): A state-level union in Illinois that provides professional development.
Illinois Education Association (IEA): Illinois’ largest teacher union, providing job postings, legislative resources, and public advocacy.

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