How To Become a Teacher Online in Illinois

Teachers have the unique opportunity to help k-12 learners prepare for life after high school. With their teacher's guidance, students can grow their social skills and build a strong academic background for college or a career in their chosen field.

Have you considered becoming a teacher in Illinois but worry that your busy schedule will make attending school difficult? Online degree programs with flexible course schedules can provide working students with the professional development to become teachers online in Illinois.

Below, we'll review the steps to become a teacher online in Illinois. We'll also discuss how you could become a teacher online for free and examine the job landscape for online teachers.

Steps for Becoming a Teacher Online in Illinois

Becoming a teacher in Illinois requires years of study and practical experience. Fortunately, you can handle some of the process online. Here are the steps to starting a teacher career while spending much of your time at home.

1. Determine Your Area of Focus

Teachers should choose their specialization or area of focus and preferred grade level before starting an online degree program. Here are some options to consider:

• early childhood education
• elementary education
• middle school
• high school
• special education
• English as a Second Language (ESL)

If you plan to become a middle school or high school teacher, you might be required to pick a specific subject area to teach. Mathematics, English, physical science, physical education, and social science are some to consider.

2. Gain an Undergraduate Degree Online

Your next step is to find an online bachelor's degree offering a flexible schedule for busy students. You can enroll in a combined online degree and certification program that includes in-class observation hours and full-time, in-class student teaching experiences. These online programs guide students through the steps to obtain their teaching license. You can also find alternative certification options that serve as licensure programs for students who already possess a bachelor's or master's degree.

You could become a teacher online for free or at a reduced cost by using grants and other financial aid to pay for your undergraduate degree program. Federal grants like Pell and FSEOG could give you thousands annually toward your degree. The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant covers some school costs in exchange for a teaching service obligation. Also, look into teaching scholarships to help cover your tuition.

3. Pass a Background Check

Illinois state law requires all teacher candidates to pass a criminal background check for the school district in which they're placed. This background check includes a State of Illinois conviction check and an FBI background check (which shows arrests and convictions). Candidates are also checked against the statewide Sex Offender and Murder and Violent Offender Against Youth databases. Depending on the convictions and offenses revealed during this check, candidates could be barred from pursuing a teaching career in the state.

4. Participate in a Teacher Preparation Program

A teacher preparation program ensures students have the necessary classroom and practical experience to secure their professional educator license. In Illinois, educator preparation programs align with Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) requirements. Admission to programs might have varying requirements but could include:

• completing a minimum number of credits
• earning a minimum GPA
• earning a specific letter grade in education classes required for licensure
• completing a fingerprint-based background check
• receiving positive recommendations on all field-based evaluations

Pass Performance and Content Area Exams

The ISBE requires teaching candidates to pass the Illinois Content Test and Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA). The Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) website lists available content area tests, including computer science, mathematics, elementary education, and middle grades subjects.

The edTPA Teacher Performance Assessment measures teachers' classroom knowledge and skills in planning, assessment, and instruction. This assessment is subject-specific and includes versions for 28 teaching fields.

5. Complete Required Teaching Hours

Student teaching experiences are typically required to secure educator licensure and teach in Illinois. If you're enrolled in a degree program that includes an educator preparation program, you'll have to meet the specific teaching hour requirement to graduate and pursue educator licensure.

6. Obtain Teaching Certification

An Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a teaching endorsement is required to become a teacher in Illinois. Once you meet all requirements, you'll apply for licensure by following these steps:

• create an Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) account
• apply for your desired credential through your ELIS account
• have your school send official transcripts to the ISBE
• send other required documentation to the ISBE

If you're completing a teacher preparation program at an Illinois school of higher education, the ISBE recommends working closely with the school to ensure its requirements are met. Students who have completed an out-of-state preparation program can also secure licensure when meeting specific requirements.

Online Bachelor's in Education Degree Programs in Illinois

Several online programs are available to help you earn your bachelor's degree in education in Illinois. The following degrees prepare students for state-based teacher licensure.

Greenville University � BS in Elementary Education

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in elementary education from Greenville University is an ISBE-approved program that prepares students to teach in Illinois elementary schools. This accelerated online program helps students become licensed teachers in just two years. Admission is granted to students with an associate degree. Enrollees receive 400 hours of practical classroom experience.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign � Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a BS in early childhood education with a licensure track. This track helps students earn ISBE professional educator licensure for birth to the 2nd grade and a Gateways Level 5 credential. This program is designed for transfer students with an associate degree in early childhood or similar. Courses are offered online in the evening. Students must participate in field and clinical experiences to complete the program.

University of Illinois Springfield � BA in Secondary Education English

The University of Illinois Springfield offers a secondary education (English) Professional Educator License (PEL) program for students interested in teaching grades nine to 12. Students pursuing their bachelor's degree will spend about four years completing general education, teacher education, content, and ECCE coursework. Students with a bachelor's degree or higher can pursue the licensure-only, non-degree-seeking route. Online secondary education programs are also available for educators interested in teaching math and history.

Should Illinois Teachers Pursue a Graduate Degree?

While Illinois teaching jobs require at least a bachelor's degree, master's degree programs are available to prospective teachers interested in securing their teacher licensure. But is a graduate degree necessary?

Pursuing a graduate degree is a great idea if you want to advance in your career. For example, becoming a chief school business official (CSBO) requires a minimum of a master's degree and two years of business experience. You might also need a graduate degree to become a principal or superintendent.

What Is the Demand for Online Teachers in Illinois?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for k-12 and special education teachers nationwide isn't expected to grow from 2023 to 2033. In specific fields like kindergarten and elementary education, teachers can expect a slight drop in employment over this period. However, job openings are still projected to be plentiful (more than 100,000 annually for kindergarten and elementary teachers) as current educators retire and try new occupations.

Individuals interested in filling these teaching positions could benefit from having online teaching skills. While most school districts still prioritize in-class learning, many incorporate online learning methods to customize students' academic experiences. Online learning is also a great tool for snow day school closures.