Illinois State Board of Education Links
Professional Educator License (PEL)
Listing of Non-Traditional Programs for Special Education Teaching License
OPTION 1 CURRENT ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE
**Illinois State University PULSE: Paraprofessionals Unlocking Licensure in Special Education **Eligibility Candidates need the following to be considered for the PULSE program by the start of the program Associate's degree (Associate of Arts) or 60+ hours with IAI Requirements or General Education requirements completed At least 2 years of experience working as a paraprofessional in a special education setting Complete PULSE Employer Acknowledgement Form; this form should be completed by an administrator in your district/cooperative and demonstrate their support for you completing the program, including clinicals and student teaching, while employed as a paraprofessional.
Contact Derrek Drenckpohl ddrenck@ilstu.edu
https://education.illinoisstate.edu/centers/pulse-paraprofessional-licensure/
SIU-C Special Ed. Teacher LBS1 Cohort Requirements: Current Associate’s Degree and currently employed as a Paraprofessional for a District or a Spec. Ed. Cooperative. 3-year, night/weekend program. ***SIU offers students in this program financial aid assistance /loan forgiveness through GYO IL.**not through TCSE employer tuition reimbursement process in exchange for committing to teaching at least four years at a school-of-need For more info https://soe.siu.edu/academics/gyo.php Contact gyoteachers@siu.edu
OPTION 2 - CURRENT BACHELOR'S DEGREE ( No Teaching License)
University of West Florida(TeacherReady) Requirements: Current Bachelor’s degree in an area other than Special Ed. 12-15 month, online program for LBS1 Endorsement. Florida teaching license upon completion then apply to ISBE for a reciprocal Illinois teaching license. Visit teacherready.org for additional information Sarah Miller sarah.miller@studergroup.com Dr. Sarah Miller, Senior Director University of West Florida’s TeacherReady Office TeacherReady® Line: 850-898-3949 | Mobile 850-525-6216
Golden Accelerator Program https://www.goldenapple.org/scholars The Golden Apple Accelerators Program provides a path to teaching for career-changers and college seniors who commit to living and teaching in targeted school districts in southern, central, and western Illinois for four years after obtaining their teaching license. * Up to $23,000 awarded and Golden Apple Accelerators commit to teaching at least four years at a school of need in targeted communities in south, central, or western Illinois Keona Roberts KRoberts@goldenapple.org Office Mobile: 312-392-2618 ext: 138
OPTION 3 - CURRENT TEACHING LICENSE (PEL) with ISBE Short Term Emergency Approval
SIU- C LBS1 Endorsement on a current Gen Ed Teaching License (PEL) 4 Course - Summer Cohort * Tuition scholarship/grant offered through SIU After taking the courses, you must pass the state content exam, Learning Behavior Specialist Test # 155. For questions contact Maria Bechtold 618-453-6350 soe@siu.edu
Greenville University LBS1 Endorsement on a current Gen Ed Teaching License(PEL) with ISBE Short Term Emergency Approval (see quick links) https://www.greenville.edu/dotAsset/319f352d-bda4-4dd0-9214-66c95ed0ef6b.pdf
National Louis University LBS1 endorsement is for teachers with a valid Illinois Teaching License (PEL) endorsed for early childhood general education (age 0 to grade 3), general education (kindergarten to grade 9) or secondary education with applicable levels and content areas. To earn the endorsement, candidates must pass the LBS I content test. (see quick links) https://nl.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Undergraduate-and-Graduate-Catalog/National-College-of-Education/Non-Degree-Endorsement-Offerings/Learning-Behavior-Specialist-I-LBS-I-Endorsement
Early Childhood Special Education approval on a Professional Educator License already endorsed for self-contained general education (age 0 to grade 3 or LBSI (PreK to age 21) endorsement by having completed the four courses required by the Illinois State Board of Education. https://nl.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Undergraduate-and-Graduate-Catalog/National-College-of-Education/Non-Degree-Endorsement-Offerings/Early-Childhood-Special-Education-Approva
Western Illinois University The LBS1 endorsement at WIU, current valid Illinois Teaching Licenses(PEL) consists of four courses (13 semester hours). An LBS1 endorsement can be added to any Professional Educator License. Further questions on any endorsements and grade levels should be directed to Tammy Wilson, WIU's Licensure Officer,TS-Wilson@wiu.edu.
After taking the courses, you must pass the state content exam, Learning Behavior Specialist Test # 155.http://www.il.nesinc.com/Home.aspx
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Graduate School Application http://www.wiu.edu/admissions/apply_now/
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The transcript from your highest degree granting institution, submitted to the School of Graduate Studies. This can be uploaded during the only application process, emailed toGrad-Office@wiu.edu,or mailed to the School of Graduate Studies, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455