How To Become a High School Teacher in Illinois 2025

Teaching high school in Illinois can be a meaningful and fulfilling career, especially if you enjoy working with teenagers and want to help shape their futures. If you're wondering how to become a high school teacher, you'll need to meet specific educational and licensing requirements set by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). These include earning a bachelor's degree, completing a teacher prep program, passing exams, and applying for licensure.

There's more than one way to get there. Illinois supports both traditional pathways and alternative routes for career changers. Whether you're fresh out of college or thinking about making a switch, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to get certified and start teaching in an Illinois high school.

What Does a High School Teacher Do?

A high school teacher in Illinois does more than deliver lessons. You help students think critically, develop life skills, and prepare for what's next, whether that's college, a career, or something else. You'll usually focus on one subject, like English, chemistry, or history, and teach several class periods each day.

Daily responsibilities may include:

• developing lesson plans aligned with Illinois Learning Standards
• grading assignments and giving meaningful feedback
• managing the classroom in a positive, productive way
• collaborating with counselors, administrators, and families
• preparing students for standardized tests like the SAT
• advising clubs or mentoring students outside of class

You'll also attend staff meetings, participate in professional development, and use classroom technology to support learning.

How To Become a High School Teacher in Illinois

If your goal is to teach high school, ISBE has a clear process you'll need to follow. These steps walk you through everything, from your first college class to full certification.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

You'll need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Most future teachers major in the subject they want to teach, like biology, literature, or history, since it helps meet the content-area requirements for licensure in Illinois.

If you're still deciding what to study, keep in mind that Illinois schools often need teachers in subjects like math, science, special education, and bilingual education. Majoring in one of these high-demand areas may increase your job opportunities and could even qualify you for extra financial aid.

Step 2: Complete a State-Approved Educator Preparation Program

Next, you'll complete a teacher preparation program that's approved by ISBE. These programs cover essential skills for the classroom, lesson planning, instructional methods, classroom management, and inclusive education practices. You'll also learn how to support students with different learning needs and backgrounds.

A big part of this step is student teaching. You'll spend time in a real high school classroom, teaching under the supervision of a licensed teacher. It's where you'll apply what you've learned and get feedback to help you improve before stepping into your own classroom.

Step 3: Pass Licensure Exams

Before you can teach, you'll need to pass a few exams. These include:

• the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP), unless your ACT or SAT scores qualify for a waiver
• a content-area test for your subject (e.g., English, math, biology)
• the edTPA, which evaluates your teaching skills through lesson plans, video clips, and reflections

These exams make sure you're ready to teach your subject effectively. If you're entering through an alternative certification program, you might need to take a basic skills test first.

Step 4: Apply for the Educator License with Stipulations

Once you've finished your degree, passed your exams, and completed your teacher prep program, you can apply for a license. Many new teachers start with the Educator License with Stipulations (ELS), especially if they're coming from a nontraditional or accelerated path.

This license allows you to start teaching while finishing any remaining requirements. It's valid for up to five years and may require things like mentorship or continued enrollment in a teacher prep program.

Step 5: Complete Induction and Professional Development

After you start teaching, you'll go through an induction period. Most schools provide support like mentorship from experienced teachers, which can be a big help as you adjust to your first year in the classroom.

To keep your license valid, you'll need to complete ongoing professional development. Illinois teachers regularly train in topics like classroom safety, ethics, new technology, and supporting diverse learners. Once you've met the state's requirements, you'll upgrade to the Professional Educator License (PEL), which you renew every five years.

Education Degree Programs in Illinois

If you're planning to become a high school teacher in Illinois, several public universities offer affordable degree programs that meet state licensure requirements. Each of the schools below offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in secondary education or a closely related degree, along with student teaching experiences, certification preparation, and flexible course formats.

Illinois State University

Illinois State University (ISU) offers one of the most comprehensive secondary education programs in Illinois. With more than 40 professional educator licensure options, students can choose from a wide range of high school subject areas, including English, math, biology, and social sciences. The program combines academic coursework with extensive classroom training, ensuring graduates are ready to lead their own classrooms by the time they complete student teaching.

One of ISU's key strengths is its focus on early and continuous field experience. Students begin observing and assisting in local schools well before their final semester of student teaching. ISU's close relationships with school districts across the state provide a variety of placement options. Faculty and advisors also help students prepare for the edTPA and licensure exams, making the transition from college to classroom smooth and well-supported.

• Estimated tuition cost: $11,524 (in-state); $23,048 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University (EIU) offers a structured pathway for students seeking secondary teacher licensure in grades six through 12. The program combines a strong foundation in education with content-area expertise, allowing students to major in subjects such as English, math, or science while completing licensure requirements through the College of Education.

EIU stands out for its focus on career changers and post-baccalaureate students. Those who already hold a bachelor's degree can pursue licensure through an alternative track, making it easier to transition into teaching without starting from scratch. All candidates complete field experiences in local schools and receive guidance on classroom management, lesson planning, and teaching diverse student populations.

• Estimated tuition cost: $347 per credit
• Accreditation: HLC, CAEP

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU) prepares future high school teachers through its educator licensure programs in subjects like English, mathematics, social science, and science. The curriculum includes a mix of subject-specific coursework, professional education classes, and multiple field placements in area schools, culminating in a full semester of student teaching.

SIU's programs are performance-based and align with both state and national standards. Students are guided through the edTPA assessment process and receive individualized support from faculty throughout their coursework and field experiences. The university also offers opportunities to earn additional endorsements in areas like special education or English as a Second Language.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,638
• Accreditation: HLC, CAEP

Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University (NIU) offers a variety of secondary education licensure programs for students who want to teach grades six through 12. Students complete a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts (BA) in their content area (such as history, biology, or mathematics) alongside professional education coursework and clinical experiences arranged through the College of Education.

NIU's teacher preparation programs are structured to give students early exposure to real classrooms. From observation and practicum placements to student teaching, candidates develop instructional skills in diverse educational settings. The university also provides licensure support, test preparation, and career services to help graduates transition into teaching roles across Illinois and beyond.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,792
• Accreditation: HLC, CAEP

How Much Does a High School Teacher Make in Illinois?

The average high school teacher salary in Illinois is around $ 80,200 per year. That number can go up or down depending on where you work. Teachers in rural or smaller districts may start around $50,000, while educators in suburban or Chicago-area schools can earn more than $80,000. Extra duties like coaching or earning a master's degree may also increase your salary.

Job Outlook for High School Teachers in Illinois

There's steady demand for qualified high school teachers across the state. Illinois needs educators in math, science, special education, and reading intervention in particular. Urban schools and rural districts often offer bonuses or extra incentives to recruit teachers in these hard-to-fill areas.

Financial Aid for High School Teacher Programs

If you're worried about affording your teaching degree, there are several financial aid options that can help, especially for students studying in high-need fields or committed to teaching in underserved communities.

Federal Aid via FAFSA

Filing the FAFSA is the first step. It unlocks access to federal grants, loans, and work-study. Many online colleges that accept FAFSA offer flexible teaching degrees that let you use financial aid, including online programs based in Illinois.

State Loan Repayment Programs

Illinois offers the Teacher Loan Repayment Program, which can give you up to $5,000 per year if you teach in a subject or region with high demand. You'll need to meet eligibility rules based on location and subject area.

Federal TEACH Grant

If you're willing to teach in a high-need subject at a low-income school for at least four years, the TEACH Grant can provide up to $4,000 per year while you earn your degree. If you don't meet the service requirement, it turns into a loan.

University Scholarships and Grants

Many Illinois universities offer scholarships for future teachers. These may be based on grades, financial need, or your teaching subject. For example, some schools offer extra aid for students entering STEM or bilingual education fields.

FAQs About Becoming a High School Teacher in Illinois

If you're considering becoming a teacher in Illinois, you probably still have a few questions. Here are answers to some of the most common questions future educators ask as they navigate the certification process.

How Long Does It Typically Take To Become a High School Teacher?

Most people complete the full process in about four to five years. That includes your bachelor's degree, a teacher prep program, student teaching, and licensure exams. If you're going through an alternative route, it may take less time, often one to two years, depending on your background and how quickly you complete your requirements.

Can I Teach in Illinois If My Degree Is in a Different Subject?

Yes, you don't need an education degree to start teaching. If you already have a degree in a subject like history or biology, you can qualify through an alternative certification program. These programs help you complete required coursework and prepare for licensure exams while gaining classroom experience.

Do I Need To Pass All Tests Before Applying for Licensure?

Usually, yes. Most teachers must pass all state-required exams, including content-area tests and the edTPA, before getting a full Professional Educator License. However, some districts hire teachers on provisional or emergency licenses in high-need areas, allowing you to complete testing while teaching.

What If I Am Already Certified in Another State?

If you're already licensed in another state, Illinois offers reciprocity. That means you may be able to transfer your credentials, especially if your teaching license and training match Illinois standards. You'll still need to submit your transcripts, proof of licensure, and test scores, and in some cases, you might need to take additional coursework or exams.

Explore Teaching Degrees in Illinois

If you're ready to take the next step, explore accredited teaching degree programs across Illinois. On Learn.org, you'll find programs that support your goals and prepare you for certification, student teaching, and career success.