ILLINOIS
STATE RESOURCES

You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree and a teaching license to teach in Illinois. In Illinois, teachers are licensed to teach specific grades and subjects. Whether you want to focus on a specific subject, like math, or a particular student population, like special education, you’ll find a fit license. Teacher candidates must pass specific tests that evaluate their knowledge of teaching and the subject area they wish to teach. Your teacher preparation program will determine when you take these assessments. From there, you can apply for licensure. 

Teacher candidates must pass the Teacher Performance Assessment (EdTPA) or meet alternative criteria 

• edTPA is waived through 8/31/2025 per PA 103-0488 

Teacher candidates must also pass Content Tests and Language Proficiency Tests. 

You can find out the specific requirements here: https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Educator-Licensure-Testing-Info.aspx 

Illinois' State Board of Education outlines the steps needed to become a teacher in the state and achieve licensure. Once you create an Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) account, you can submit your application and transcripts. Those with an out-of-state teaching license must submit that as well. For those who do not currently hold a valid teaching license, your college/university must fill out ISBE Form 80-02 or 80/02S and submit it directly to the ISBE.

You can review more information here: https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Educator-Licensure-Requirements.aspx 

Alternative (non-traditional) teacher licensure is an option for those who have not completed traditional teacher preparation programs but are interested in changing careers and becoming teachers. If you hold at least a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and wish to pursue a teaching license, alternative licensure may be the right fit for you.  

Explore more about alternative licensure here: https://www.isbe.net/Pages/ELAlternativeLicense.aspx 

• The Illinois State Board of Education lists colleges and universities offering special education programs. Search Teaching, K-22, and pK-22. The Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS-1) is required to teach special education in Illinois; there are other specialty areas. Currently, 35 programs offer coursework that leads to special education endorsements. The Illinois Board of Higher Education also lists all universities/colleges in Illinois 

• The ARC of Illinois 

• IASA Job Bank 

• Illinois Alliance for Administrators of Special Education 

• Illinois Assistive Technology Program 

• Illinois Center for Transition and Work 

• Illinois Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders 

• Illinois Council for Exceptional Children 

• IDPH Developmental Disabilities 

• IESE 

• Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy 

• Illinois List of Special Education Services 

• Illinois Rules and Regulations for Special Education 

• Illinois School for the Deaf 

• Illinois School for the Visually Impaired 

• Phillip J. Rock Center and School 

• Illinois Student Assistance Commission

• CPS Teacher Residency 

• Educators Rising Illinois 

• Golden Apple 

• Teach Chicago Tomorrow 

• Teach for America 

• Illinois Special Education Teacher Tuition Waiver Program 

• ICEC Scholarships