Become a Teacher in Illinois (2023)

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An Aspiring Teacher in Illinois

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Teaching in Illinois Snapshot

$72,370

Secondary School Teacher Salary

$63,280

Elementary School Teacher Salary

$15,337

Public School Spending Per Student

All career and salary information pulled from theBureau of Labor Statistics2019 pupil expenditure information was provided byGoverning

(Video) Pathways to Illinois Licensure: Learn How You Can Become a Teacher or Paraprofessional in Illinois

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

100 North First Street
Springfield, IL 62777
(866) 262-6663

Become a Teacher in Illinois (1)

University of Southern California (USC)

USC Rossier School of Education

info

Master of Arts in Teaching online

The Master of Arts in Teaching online (MAT online) from the USC Rossier School of Education prepares aspiring teachers for diverse and high-needs educational settings and can be completed in as few as 12 months.

  • Fieldwork placement
  • Complete in 12-36 months
  • GRE scores not required

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Steps to Becoming a Teacher in Illinois

Important Note: Education licensure requirements, statistics and other information are subject to change. Teach.com makes its best effort to keep content accurate; however, the official sources are the state education departments. Please confirm licensing requirements with your state before applying for licensure or renewal. (Last update: 04/26/2020)

1

Prerequisite Coursework in Illinois

All states require that prospective teachers have at least a Bachelor’s Degree and complete a state-approved teacher preparation program to receive certification. Some states also have specific course and credit-hour requirements.

Teacher education programs generally consist of two elements—curricula and fieldwork. Curricula generally includes instruction on teaching fundamental skills, pedagogy (the science of teaching) and preparing students to research, design and implement learning experiences in their field of study. Fieldwork often includes field observations, internships, student teaching or a combination of all three. Check with your teacher preparation program or theIllinois Department of Educationfor more information about specific requirements.

2

Illinois Teacher Certification Programs

Teacher Certification Programs can be taken online or on-site. They typically include an educational theory and classroom skills seminar and a fieldwork component of student teaching in the area. A list of accredited teacher preparation programs in Illinois can be found on the Illinois Department of Education website.

(Video) Illinois teacher requirements

3

Required Tests for Illinois

Illinois uses its own specialized testing system and requires theIllinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) Test of Academic Proficiency,as well as theILTS Content-Area Testin your desired subject.

You can learn more about teacher certification exams by visiting Teach.com’steacher certification tests page.

Initial Teaching Certifications

To earn your Illinois teaching credential you will have to complete the appropriate amount of undergraduate coursework and standardized tests, as well as an accredited certification program. You can learn more about types of certifications and certification requirements on the state’sDepartment of Educationwebsite

Learn more about getting yourteaching credentialon Teach.com.

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Discover an 8-week Online Teaching Short Course from Harvard’s Bok Center

Become a Teacher in Illinois (2)

Harvard University

Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning

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Higher Education Teaching Certificate

Deepen your understanding of higher-order teaching practices and broaden your skill set while creating a unique and inclusive strategy for your specific context.

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Alternative Certification in Illinois

Illinois has a pathway for those who did not go the traditional teaching route to earnalternative certification. The Alternative Teacher Certification programs consist of intensive methods/pedagogical coursework, a 2 year residency, and an exam requirement.

Illinois Troops to Teachers Program

The Troops to Teachers program helps members of the military transition to a teaching career. In order to participate, you must have or earn a four-year college degree. Participants can receive a stipend to cover certification expenses if they teach in a high-needs school or in a district where a high percentage of students live below the poverty level.

Illinois Teacher Certification Information & Links

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Transferring Your Certification

Certification Reciprocity in Illinois

Interstate reciprocity is a program that allows teachers certified in one state to teach in another state. To find out which other state teaching licenses can be used in Illinois, or for more specific questions about your situation, contact theIllinois State Board of Education.

To find out what other state teaching licenses can be used in Illinois, check out ourTeacher Certification Reciprocitypage on Teach.com.

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Jobs, Benefits, and Opportunities for Teachers in Illinois

Illinois Teaching Jobs

The Recruitment section ofTeach In Illinoiswebsite compiles job postings and teaching job initiatives, such as theTroops to Teachersprogram for returning military personnel.

Learn more about finding ateaching jobon Teach.com.

Illinois Teacher Salary and Incentives

According to 2018Bureau of Labor Statisticsdata, the average teacher in Illinois makes $63,000 to $72,000 per year, depending on grade level taughtIllinois also offers loan forgiveness as an incentive to teach in high demand school districts, like Chicago’s public schools.

Learn more aboutteacher salarieson Teach.com.

Illinois Teacher Benefits and Retirement

TheTeacher’s Retirement System (TRS) for Illinois aims to provide its members with assistance in managing their retirement funds, as well as additional benefits that depend on county and school districts. Teachers who began participating in the TRS before 2011 can retire at age 55 with a minimum of 35 years of service, and at 62 with a minimum of five years of service. Those who began on or after January 1, 2011, must have reached 67 years of age and completed at least 10 years of service to retire with full benefits.

Learn more aboutbenefits for teacherson Teach.com.

Illinois Teacher Shortage Areas

The United States Department of Education defines a Teacher Shortage Area (TSA) as a subject matter or grade level within a state in which there is an inadequate supply of elementary or secondary teachers. The shortage may be caused by teaching positions that are unfilled or are filled by teachers who have temporary certification or teach in an academic subject other than their area of preparation. According to a report by theUS Department of Education, Illinois has the following Teacher Shortage Areas:

  • Academic Intervention
  • Academically Advanced
  • Art and Music
  • Career and Technical Education
  • Elementary Education
  • Drivers Education
  • Bilingual Education
  • English as a Second Language
  • Health and Physical Education
  • Language Arts
  • Math
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Special Education
  • Resource Teacher
  • World Languages

Financial Aid in Illinois

Illinois residents are eligible for theApplegate/Jackson/Parks Future Teacher Scholarship, as well as theTEACH Grant, which gives financial aid to students in return for an agreement to teach in a high-need school.

Learn more abouthow to finance your Master’s degreeon Teach.com.

(Video) What is Alternative Teacher Certification? I want to be a Teacher

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Career Advancement

Professional Development for Illinois Teachers

Illinois requires those with a Professional Educator License in teaching to complete 120 hours of Professional Development Units each 5 year cycle or 60 hours if an NBCPTC is held. Learn more about professional development for teachers by visiting the Illinois Board of EducationEducator Licensurepage.

Benefits of a Master’s Degree in Illinois

It is no longer enough to just have years of experience for teaching. After No Child Left Behind and other academic quantification measures, the careers of teachers increasingly depend on their results in the classroom. A master’s degree in the field of education can give you more educational theory and classroom skills, as well as more hands-on student teaching experience with a mentor. After a Master’s program, you have thepotentialto achieve better results in the classroom andmay have more job security and higher pay.

Learn more about the benefits of a Master of Arts in Teaching vs. Master of Education on Teach.com.

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Become a Teacher in Illinois (3)

University of Southern California (USC)

USC Rossier School of Education

info

Master of Arts in Teaching online

The Master of Arts in Teaching online (MAT online) from the USC Rossier School of Education prepares aspiring teachers for diverse and high-needs educational settings and can be completed in as few as 12 months.

  • Fieldwork placement
  • Complete in 12-36 months
  • GRE scores not required

Become a Teacher in Illinois (4)

Harvard University

Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning

info

Higher Education Teaching Certificate

Deepen your understanding of higher-order teaching practices and broaden your skill set while creating a unique and inclusive strategy for your specific context.

infoSPONSORED

Last Updated May 2020

(Video) HOW TO BECOME A TEACHER WITHOUT A TEACHING DEGREE | Teacher Life ep.17

FAQs

How do I get certified to teach in Illinois? ›

To qualify, you need to have a bachelor's degree with adequate coursework in a teachable subject area and complete a teacher preparation program. You must also have student teaching experience and pass the state's certification tests, including content-area exams in the subject(s) to be taught.

How to become a teacher in Illinois without a teaching degree? ›

Illinois teaching candidates who have completed at least 20 semester hours of coursework at a regionally accredited school and 8,000 hours of work experience within the last ten years, both relating to the subject to be taught, may apply for a Provisional Career and Technical Education license.

Is there a teacher shortage in Illinois? ›

Of the Illinois school leaders from 690 school districts surveyed, 73% say they have a teacher shortage problem, 93% say the shortage is as bad or worse than last school year, 95% report receiving the same or fewer applicants for vacant positions, and 92% say they have a substitute teacher program.

How much is a teachers salary in Illinois? ›

How much does a Public School Teacher make in Illinois? The average Public School Teacher salary in Illinois is $57,695 as of February 27, 2023, but the range typically falls between $48,183 and $70,359.

How long does it take to get an Illinois teaching license? ›

How long does it take to become a teacher in Illinois? Illinois teachers spend several years completing the requirements for a teaching license. Teaching in Illinois requires a bachelor's degree, which generally takes four years. Most teachers complete an educator preparation program as part of their bachelor's degree.

How much does a teaching license cost in Illinois? ›

Apply for the Professional Educator License in your ELIS account. A $150 application fee will be assessed electronically when the application is completed. (Please have credit card, debit card, or prepaid card available.) View screen-by-screen tutorials under “ELIS How-To Demonstrations” for assistance.

Can I become a teacher if I don't have a degree? ›

To become a teacher without a degree is certainly possible, although you're going to have to acquire some training, experience or qualifications. In this article, we discuss the possibilities of becoming a teacher without a degree, the teaching qualifications you can acquire and the different schools you might work at.

Can you be a teacher without teacher training? ›

You can work as an unqualified teacher in a secondary school/further education while training part-time or you can complete a University or College course such as the Professional Certificate in Education (PCE) or the Certificate of Education (CertEd), which both meet the requirements of Level 5 DET.

What qualifications do you need to become a teacher? ›

What are the minimum entry requirements?
  • degree: you need a degree for all postgraduate teacher training programmes. ...
  • GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C / Grade 4.
  • GCSE Science at Grade C / Grade 4 applies only to those wanting to teach Primary or Key Stage 3.

Do teachers get paid well in Illinois? ›

While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $47,384 and as low as $13,601, the majority of Teacher salaries currently range between $21,059 (25th percentile) to $32,466 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $41,680 annually in Illinois.

Does Illinois pay teachers well? ›

13 as the best state for teachers due in large part for its high average wages for teachers of all types.
...
Overall ranking of best and worst states for teachers in 2022.
StateIllinois
Overall score6.12
Overall cost of living rank20
Student/teacher ratio rank22
Average annual wage rank13
49 more columns
May 31, 2022

Is Illinois a good place to be a teacher? ›

(The Center Square) – A report by WalletHub ranks the 50 states from best to worst for teachers. Illinois finishes 16th on the list. The report uses specific metrics, including affordability, compensation, and others, to determine which cities are considered the most teacher friendly.

What state pay teachers the best? ›

Highest-Paid Teachers By State
RankStateAverage Teacher Salary
1Maryland$61,254
2Hawaii$59,222
3New York$57,919
4California$57,193
46 more rows
Dec 4, 2022

Where do teachers get paid the most in Illinois? ›

Highest paying cities for Teachers near Illinois
  • Campus, IL. $43.29 per hour. 6 salaries reported.
  • Chicago, IL. $35.15 per hour. 764 salaries reported.
  • Decatur, IL. $32.50 per hour. 23 salaries reported.
  • Peoria, IL. $28.82 per hour. 35 salaries reported.
  • Chatham, IL. $25.13 per hour. 7 salaries reported.
  • Show more nearby cities.
Feb 28, 2023

Do teachers make good money in Chicago? ›

How much does a High School Teacher make in Chicago, IL? The average High School Teacher salary in Chicago, IL is $66,800 as of February 27, 2023, but the range typically falls between $54,100 and $83,100.

How much do subs make in Illinois? ›

Substitute Teacher Salary in Illinois
Annual SalaryHourly Wage
Top Earners$39,047$19
75th Percentile$31,150$15
Average$28,975$14
25th Percentile$21,059$10

Does Illinois accept out of state teaching license? ›

Illinois offers full reciprocity. At the time of the initial evaluation for an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL), educators will be considered for all areas listed on his or her valid, comparable out-of-state license.

How long does an Illinois teaching license last? ›

The license is valid for five years and may be renewed if the educator has passed Illinois' test of basic skills (TAP 400.)

What is the new teacher law in Illinois? ›

The law is effective January 1, 2023. Currently, the minimum age requirement is 19 for paraprofessional educators who work with students from pre-K to eighth grade. Senate Bill 3988 lowers this age requirement to 18, providing prospective educators with the chance to start a career earlier.

How long is Illinois student teaching? ›

Student teaching is a full-time commitment for 16 weeks. During this period, the teacher candidate's main objective is to continue to develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to become an effective teacher proficient in the Illinois Teaching Standards.

How is Illinois addressing the teacher shortage? ›

Pritzker said the new initiatives build on a number of education-related moves such as raising the minimum wage for teachers to $40,000 per year, increasing funding by 120% for the Minority Teachers of Illinois scholarship program, a $200 million investment in early childhood education workforce development programs ...

Is 40 too old to become a teacher? ›

Wherever you are in your journey to becoming a teacher, don't let your age be a factor. Students and schools need all kinds of teachers. Your experience will most likely be an asset: part of what makes your teaching and your classroom uniquely valuable to your school community. In short, it's never too late to teach!

Can you be a teacher in Canada without a degree? ›

To be certified, teachers must: have completed a minimum three-year postsecondary degree from an acceptable postsecondary institution. have successfully completed a four semester teacher education program. apply to the College for certification and pay the annual membership and registration fees.

Can you become a teacher without a degree Canada? ›

Teachers of academic subjects require a bachelor's degree in education which is often preceded by a bachelor's degree in the arts or sciences. Teachers of vocational or technical subjects require a bachelor's degree in education which is usually preceded by specialized training or experience in the subject.

Can a non qualified teacher teach? ›

There are no prescribed qualifications required for instructors. You can appoint an instructor even if there's a suitable qualified teacher or teacher on the employment-based training scheme that's available.

Can a teaching assistant become a teacher? ›

If you have been working in a classroom for a significant amount of time, as a teaching assistant or in a similar role, you may be able to get qualified teacher status (QTS) through a 12-week 'assessment only' programme. You must also have a degree. You'll need to show that you already meet the standards for QTS.

How long is teacher training? ›

This Programme is run over a period of 36 weeks. You will undertake two Masters level (level 7) modules as part of the PGCE, with a total of 60 Masters credits on completion. The programme consists of three core modules, two at level 7 and one at Undergraduate level (level 6) and three school placements.

Can a foreigner be a teacher in USA? ›

Can a foreigner be a teacher in the USA? Yes. If you're a foreigner and you meet the pre-defined requirements, you can teach in the US. The J-1 Teacher Program is a nonimmigrant cultural exchange that enables international teachers to teach in accredited primary and secondary schools in the US.

How hard is it to become a teacher? ›

Depending on the route you take, becoming a teacher can require years of study before you can qualify. However, once you have qualified, you'll be embarking on a lifelong career in which you'll be making a lasting difference to thousands of children.

What is the average teacher salary? ›

Find out what the average Teacher salary is

The average teacher salary in Ireland is € 37 538 per year or € 19.25 per hour. Entry-level positions start at € 30 000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to € 48 812 per year.

What is the minimum teacher salary in Illinois? ›

The new law phases in the increases over four years: $32,076 for the 2020-2021 school year, $34,576 for the 2021-2022 school year, $37,076 for the 2022-2023 school year, and $40,000 for the 2023-2024 school year.

What is the salary of a beginning teacher in Illinois? ›

How much does an Entry Level Teacher make in Illinois? The average Entry Level Teacher salary in Illinois is $43,541 as of February 27, 2023, but the range typically falls between $36,363 and $53,099.

How much is a teachers salary in Chicago? ›

How much does a Public School Teacher make in Chicago, IL? The average Public School Teacher salary in Chicago, IL is $59,263 as of February 27, 2023, but the range typically falls between $49,492 and $72,271.

What state is the lowest paid for teachers? ›

The state with the lowest average teacher salary in the US is Mississippi, at around $48,000 a year.

Which state needs teachers the most? ›

According to U.S. Department of Education data from the 2022-2023 school year, Maine is experiencing the most teacher vacancies in special education, math, science, language arts, early childhood, elementary core subjects, art and music, and career and technical education.

Does Chicago have a teacher shortage? ›

And CPS is still short teachers. The teacher vacancy rate is 4%, up one point over last year.

What school district pays the most in Illinois? ›

Top companies for Elementary School Teachers in Illinois
  • Jefferson County School District. 3.8 $51.25per hour. ...
  • Afterschool Enrichment Solutions. 3.9 $44.26per hour. ...
  • Hawthorn District 73. 4.2 $40.10per hour. ...
  • Fruitport Community Schools. 4.1 $35.41per hour. ...
  • COMPTON UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT. 3.6 $34.26per hour. ...
  • Show more companies.
Feb 28, 2023

Where is the best place to live as a teacher? ›

New York is the best place in America to be a teacher, according to a new report published Monday. The report from the personal finance website WalletHub compared all 50 states and Washington, D.C., along 24 metrics around opportunity, competition and academic and work environment.

What kind of teacher makes the most money? ›

Salaries for educators vary widely. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for K-12 teachers is around $61,000 .
...
Highest-paying jobs in education
  1. School superintendent. ...
  2. K-12 principal. ...
  3. Dean of students. ...
  4. College professor. ...
  5. Instructional coordinator.
Feb 16, 2023

What states have a demand for teachers? ›

Top 10 States with the Worst Teacher Shortages
  • 1. California. Even before the pandemic, the state of California began experiencing mass teacher shortages. ...
  • Nevada. ...
  • Washington. ...
  • Arizona. ...
  • Hawaii. ...
  • Indiana. ...
  • District of Columbia (Washington D.C.) ...
  • Virginia.
Feb 10, 2023

What is the cost of living in Illinois? ›

Average Cost of Living in Illinois: $43,981 per year

Illinois enjoyed the ninth lowest cost of living in the United States for the third quarter of 2021, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC ).

How much does a teacher with a master's degree earn in Illinois? ›

Illinois: $94,950 – $118,760.

Are Chicago teachers the highest paid? ›

No matter their level of education or experience, Windy City teachers get salaries that are at least the 5th-highest among the nation's biggest districts.

Do you have to live in Chicago to teach in Chicago? ›

On July 9, 1980, the Board adopted a “Resolution to Require Residency Within the City of Chicago of all Personnel Employed by the Board of Education On or after September 1, 1980” (See Resolution #80-149-2.)

Can a teacher live in Chicago? ›

Yes. As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools, Resident Teachers must be an actual resident of the City of Chicago or be willing to become a resident within six months of the date of his/her employment as a Resident Teacher with Chicago Public Schools.

Are teachers well paid in USA? ›

Average High School Teacher Pay vs.

High School Teachers earned an average salary of $69,530 in 2021. Comparable jobs earned the following average salary in 2021: Elementary School Teachers made $67,080, Middle School Teachers made $66,880, School Counselors made $63,090, and Sports Coaches made $50,550.

What states is an Illinois teaching certificate valid in? ›

Once you have completed your degree and earned your Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL), you will be qualified to teach in schools in Illinois as well as in every other state in the U.S. except Alaska, Iowa and Minnesota.

Is Illinois teaching license reciprocity? ›

Illinois offers full reciprocity. At the time of the initial evaluation for an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL), educators will be considered for all areas listed on his or her valid, comparable out-of-state license.

What is a Type 10 teaching certificate for Illinois? ›

Type 10 - This person has graduated from an ISBE-approved program, or a comparable out-of-state program. The program included school practicum and coursework in education as well as the speech-language pathology coursework.

Is Illinois good for teachers? ›

In our study, the lower the score, the better the state is for teachers.
...
Overall ranking of best and worst states for teachers in 2022.
StateIllinois
Overall score6.12
Overall cost of living rank20
Student/teacher ratio rank22
Average annual wage rank13
49 more columns
May 31, 2022

What state pays teachers the most? ›

Highest pay for teachers by state
States 1-12Teacher SalaryStates 13-25
New York$87,738Illinois
Massachusetts$86,315Oregon
California$85,892Delaware
District of Columbia$80,659Michigan
9 more rows
Jan 24, 2023

Does Illinois require basic skills test for teachers? ›

Individuals currently enrolled in an Illinois educator preparation program A test of basic skills is no longer required prior to student teaching or for licensure. Individuals who are currently seeking the Professional Educator License A test of basic skills is no longer required for licensure.

Do you have to have a bachelor's degree to be a substitute teacher in Illinois? ›

Substitute License

Must hold a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Beginning January 1, 2023, applicants enrolled in an approved Illinois educator preparation program may qualify for the substitute license with at least 90 semester hours of coursework.

Can I teach in Florida with an Illinois teaching certificate? ›

The state of Florida offers professional educators from other states to earn their professional educator certification in Florida through reciprocity. There are two routes to certification: 1.) You must hold a current teaching certification issued by another state, OR 2.)

What is a highly qualified teacher in IL? ›

A teacher with primary responsibility for teaching content in core subjects is considered HQ if he/she holds a secondary, spe- cial K-12, or, for Grade 9 only, a valid elementary certificate for subject(s) taught and, for each core subject area of teaching responsibility: 1.

What is the difference between a certified and classified teacher? ›

What is the difference between Certificated and Classified employees? Certificated employees are required to have a credential from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC ). Classified employees are not required to have a teaching credential.

How much is a substitute teaching license in Illinois? ›

Valid for five years. Renewable every five years with payment of $50 registration fee.

How many days do Illinois teachers work? ›

IL School Code allows up to 4 full day training days for parents, teachers, or school staff during the school year. Kids get these days off. They do not count as pupil attendance days. Those 4 days, plus 5 emergency days, and 176 days of attendance make the full school term of 185 days.

Do Illinois teachers get tenure? ›

Illinois law allows teachers who have completed a two-year probationary period to be eligible to receive tenure. Usually, a teacher must complete four consecutive school terms to qualify during the probationary period to be eligible for tenure.

How do I become a preschool teacher in Illinois? ›

In public schools, preschool teachers are generally required to have at least a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field. In Illinois you must take and pass the Early Childhood Education content examination administered by the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS).

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