How To Become a Teacher in Illinois 2025

<p>Starting a rewarding K-12 teaching career requires the right academic background and teaching certification. If you want to become a teacher in Illinois, several pathways to licensure are available. Keep reading to learn the steps to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_teacher.html">become a teacher</a>, including how to pick a college major and earn the right teaching credential. </p> <h2 id="section---StepsToBecomeATeacherInIllinois">Steps To Become a Teacher in Illinois</h2> <p>The requirements to become a teacher in Illinois differ based on each candidate's background and licensure status. The steps below outline the process of becoming a teacher if you have no college degree, haven't completed a teacher preparation program, and aren't licensed. </p> <h3 id="section---Step1DecideWhatSubjectAndGradeLevelYouWantToTeach">Step 1: Decide What Subject and Grade Level You Want To Teach</h3> <p>One of the first steps in becoming a certified teacher in Illinois is choosing the subject and grade level you want to teach. If you prefer elementary education, you'll teach multiple subject areas, while teachers in middle and high schools focus on one subject. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAnElementarySchoolTeacher">Becoming an Elementary School Teacher</h4> <p>Obtaining a teaching license for Illinois' public elementary schools starts with earning a bachelor's degree and completing a teacher preparation program. Students must also pass the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) elementary education content area exam, which covers teaching methods for subjects like math, science, language, and fine arts. Contact the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) for Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) requirements. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAMiddleSchoolTeacher">Becoming a Middle School Teacher</h4> <p>Students who want to teach grades five through eight must complete <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Are_the_Requirements_to_be_a_Middle_School_Teacher.html">middle school teacher educational requirements</a> that include earning a bachelor's degree and finishing a teacher preparation program. To become licensed, students must pass an ILTS middle grades content area test for one of four subjects. The edTPA could also be required. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAHighSchoolTeacher">Becoming a High School Teacher</h4> <p>If you want to become a high school teacher, you'll pick a bachelor's degree and teacher preparation program that prepares you for licensure in the subject area you plan to teach. Other <a href="https://learn.org/articles/High_School_Teacher_How_to_Become_a_High_School_Teacher_in_5_Steps.html">high school teacher educational requirements</a> include passing an ILTS content area test for your preferred subject and possibly taking the edTPA. </p> <h3 id="section---Step2ChooseYourMajor">Step 2: Choose Your Major</h3> <p>The next step in becoming a teacher in Illinois is choosing the major that aligns with your career goals. For instance, if you want to work with young learners in grades one through six, you'll pick an elementary education major that covers all necessary subject areas. </p> <p>If you want to start a middle school teaching career, a middle grades major can prepare you to teach language arts, math, science, or social studies. At the high school level, you'll select a major focused on a specific area of study. Subjects might include earth and space science, art, English, music, math, and physical education. </p> <h3 id="section---Step3EarnYourBachelorSDegree">Step 3: Earn Your Bachelor's Degree</h3> <p>A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement to teach in Illinois. Programs throughout the state prepare students for elementary, middle school, or high school teaching roles through education courses exploring how to manage classrooms, plan lessons, and deliver lectures. These degrees also include teacher preparation programs that give students the chance to observe and teach in real-life classrooms. </p> <p>Completing a bachelor's program is typically the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/fastest_program_to_become_a_teacher.html">fastest way to become a teacher</a>. However, some students choose to pursue a master's degree. In the next section, we'll share the perks of taking this route. </p> <h3 id="section---Step4ConsiderAMasterSDegree">Step 4: Consider a Master's Degree</h3> <p>A master's degree program helps students secure the same teaching license as a bachelor's program. So, why choose this advanced degree? Enrollees have the chance to study aspects of instruction, research, and curriculum development that aren't always covered in a bachelor's program. </p> <p>But that's not all. Master's degree holders are often better able to compete in the job market. Some school districts prefer to hire candidates with an advanced degree&mdash;and they often pay higher salaries. Earning a master's degree is also good for teachers who plan to become principals or pursue other high-level roles in K-12 settings. </p> <h3 id="section---Step5PassIllinoisTeachingExamsAndGainLicensure">Step 5: Pass Illinois Teaching Exams and Gain Licensure</h3> <p>After earning a college degree and completing a teacher preparation program, students must pass an ILTS content area exam to begin teaching in Illinois. Future elementary school teachers take the Elementary Education (Grades 1-6) exam, while students who want to teach in middle school take the Middle Grades (5-8) exam for social studies, language arts, science, or mathematics. High school teaching candidates choose from exams in specific subject areas. </p> <p>Upon passing the ILTS exam, you're ready to obtain a teaching license. To get started, you'll apply for a Professional Educator License (PEL) in the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS). You'll also have your college transcripts sent to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). </p> <p>Candidates from other states who already have teaching licensure can use Illinois' reciprocity option to obtain a state license. Anyone who has completed an out-of-state educator preparation program but doesn't have a license will follow the ISBE 80-02 option. </p> <h3 id="section---Step6ApplyForTeachingJobs">Step 6: Apply for Teaching Jobs</h3> <p>Once you've become a licensed teacher, the next step is to apply for jobs. School districts statewide are looking for qualified educators at all grade levels. If you're not sure how to start your search, consider these tips: </p> <ul><li><b>Use school resources:</b> Most schools assist with job searches, resume writing, and interviewing through their teaching programs or career services. </li><li><b>Search job sites:</b> Monster, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and other job search sites can help you locate quality teaching roles. </li><li><b>Network with other teachers:</b> Connecting with K-12 teachers at conferences and social media platforms like LinkedIn can help you find jobs in your area. </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowToChooseTheRightTeachingDegreeProgram">How To Choose the Right Teaching Degree Program</h2> <p>Picking the right teaching degree program is a crucial step in obtaining licensure. For instance, if you don't have a college degree, you'll choose a bachelor's or master's program that provides student teaching options and prepares you to take an ILTS certification exam. If you have a degree, you can pick a standalone teacher preparation program that prepares you for licensure. </p> <p>When making your choice, you'll want to confirm that the program aligns with the grade level and subject area you plan to teach. Students interested in special education or early childhood education should pick a teaching program that trains for these careers. </p> <h2 id="section---FAQsAboutBecomingATeacherInIllinois">FAQs About Becoming a Teacher in Illinois</h2> <p>Are you ready to begin a teaching career in Illinois? Before getting started, review the FAQs below to learn more. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatQualificationsDoYouNeedToBecomeATeacherInIllinois">What Qualifications Do You Need To Become a Teacher in Illinois?</h3> <p>To become a teacher in Illinois, you should do the following: </p> <ul><li>Earn a bachelor's or master's degree at the grade level and in the subject you want to teach. </li><li>Complete an Illinois educator preparation program. </li><li>Pass the correct <a href="https://www.il.nesinc.com">ILTS exam</a>. </li><li>Secure a teaching license for the state of Illinois. </li></ul><h3 id="section---DoRequirementsDifferAtPrivateSchoolsAndPublicSchools">Do Requirements Differ at Private Schools and Public Schools?</h3> <p>Private schools typically seek teachers with a bachelor's degree in the grade level and subject they plan to teach. However, while public schools also require candidates to have a teaching license, private schools usually don't. If you want to teach in a private school, contact its HR department to learn about teaching job qualifications. </p> <h3 id="section---HowLongDoesItTakeToBecomeATeacherInIllinois">How Long Does It Take To Become a Teacher in Illinois?</h3> <p>Whether you want to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Kindergarten_Teacher_How_to_Become_a_Kindergarten_Teacher_in_5_Steps.html">become a kindergarten teacher</a> or educate students in a high school, starting a teaching career takes about four years due to the time needed to complete a bachelor's degree program. If you want to begin teaching sooner, consider an accelerated program with shorter classes and a generous transfer policy. These programs help students graduate in a fraction of the time. </p> <h3 id="section---CanIGetATeachingJobWithoutATeachingDegree">Can I Get a Teaching Job Without a Teaching Degree?</h3> <p>Yes, you can qualify for a teaching job without earning a teaching degree. In Illinois, candidates can earn a bachelor's degree in any subject as long as they also complete a teacher preparation program. It's good to note, however, that securing a degree that focuses on teaching helps students gain the key skills needed to excel in K-12 settings. </p> <h3 id="section---HowDoIBecomeASubstituteTeacherInIllinois">How Do I Become a Substitute Teacher in Illinois?</h3> <p>To become a substitute teacher in Illinois, students have to meet one of two requirements. They should have a bachelor's degree from an accredited school. Or, they should be enrolled in an approved teacher preparation program with at least 90 semester hours of coursework completed and have a PEL in pre-completion status. </p> <h3 id="section---HowDoIApplyToATeachingProgram">How Do I Apply To a Teaching Program?</h3> <p>Before applying to a teaching program, you'll want to ensure you meet its admission requirements (e.g., minimum GPA, prerequisite coursework, etc.). Once you've confirmed that you qualify, you'll submit an online application to your school of choice. Be sure to include transcripts and any other required documents. </p> <h2 id="section---StartYourTeachingCareerToday">Start Your Teaching Career Today</h2> <p>Take the next step toward a rewarding teaching career by exploring degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools of interest today to learn how they can help you reach your goals.</p>