How to Become a High School Science Teacher in Illinois

<table border="1"><tr><td> Education Required </td><td> Bachelor's degree in science education from state-approved program; approved coursework in four content areas</td></tr> <tr><td> Experience Required </td><td> Student teaching or equivalent</td></tr> <tr><td> Exams Required </td><td> Basic skills test; edTPA; ILTS subject test in one science field</td></tr> <tr><td> License Renewal Period </td><td> Five years</td></tr> <tr><td> CEU Credits Required for Renewal </td><td> 120 hours of professional development</td></tr> <tr><td> Mean Salary (2018) </td><td> $72,370 (all high school teachers, statewide)*</td></tr> <tr><td> Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026) </td><td> 4% (all high school teachers, statewide)**</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), **Illinois Department of Employment Security </i></p><h3 id="section---EducationAndExperienceRequirements">Education and Experience Requirements</h3><p>Individuals interested in becoming science teachers in Illinois will need to earn a bachelor's degree and complete a state-approved preparation program, such as a bachelor's degree in science education. Students can choose to focus on a specific area of science, such as biology, chemistry, physics, or earth science. Depending on the chosen major, coursework will include topics such as genetics, organic chemistry, and geology. The degree program will also include courses on science teaching methods for high school students. </p><p>Students must also take courses in four content areas: cross-categorical special education methods, reading methods, reading in the content area, and ESL/bilingual methods. The Illinois State Board of Education provides a list of pre-approved courses that can be used to fulfill this requirement. </p><p>Prospective science teachers must also complete a student teaching experience. State-approved preparation programs generally provide opportunities to observe experienced teachers and complete fieldwork as a student teacher in a local school. </p><h3 id="section---ExamRequirements">Exam Requirements</h3><p>All prospective teachers must pass three exams before becoming licensed: basic skills, teacher experience, and subject content area tests. Applicants becoming licensed prior to June 30, 2019 can fulfill the basic skills requirement by successfully completing the four-part Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP). After this date, prospective teachers must either complete the ACT or SAT. The minimum ACT score needed is 22, with a 6 on the writing portion. For the SAT, the minimum score needed is 1110, with a writing score of 26. </p><p>Prospective science teachers must also pass at least one ILTS science content area subject test from biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, or earth and space science. The minimum passing score for all science exams is 240. </p><p>Applicants must also take the performance-based edTPA test and receive a minimum score of 39. </p><h3 id="section---ApplicationRequirements">Application Requirements</h3><p>Applicants must submit transcripts and proof of completing an approved program, a student teaching experience, and content area coursework along with all test scores to the state board of education. They must also complete an application form and submit a fee. </p><h3 id="section---RenewalRequirements">Renewal Requirements</h3><p>The Illinois professional educator license is valid for five years. Teachers must complete a minimum of 120 hours of professional development from an approved provider to renew their licenses. A list of approved providers is available on the Illinois State Board of Education website. </p><h3 id="section---TeacherSalaryAndJobOutlook">Teacher Salary and Job Outlook</h3><p>The 2018 average salary for all Illinois high school teachers was $72,370, states the BLS. Employment of high school teachers in the state is projected to increase by around 4% from 2016 to 2026, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Many schools throughout the U.S. report having trouble filling science teaching positions, increasing demand for those licensed in this area. However, growth in public high school teaching positions may depend on local and state government budgets, according to the BLS.</p>