Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ'S

Below are our most frequently asked questions. Please get in touch with our department by email at tep@siu.edu or by phone at 618-453-2354 for any further questions.

What is required to teach in Illinois public schools?

A Professional Educator License (PEL) is the credential that allows you to work as a teacher in a public school in Illinois. An Illinois teaching license requires a bachelor’s degree or higher, passage of state-mandated exams, and completion of a state-approved program like those here at SIU. A non-teaching PEL is required for school administrators and school support personnel.

How do I earn a PEL?

When you have completed one of our state-approved programs we confirm for the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) that you have met all coursework and testing requirements for the endorsement/license per current Illinois rules and regulations. The pending credential will be listed on your Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) account. You can apply for this credential on your ELIS home page.

What is an ELIS account?

The Illinois State Board of Education maintains an electronic file on each Illinois license holder. Upon admission to the teacher education program, you will create an ELIS account by going to the ISBE website. There is no charge to create an ELIS account.

Educators can access their personal files through ELIS to check that ISBE has received test results and transcripts. School administrators will be able to check an educator’s credentials in ELIS to confirm he/she has a license with the appropriate endorsements.

What is a subsequent endorsement?

A subsequent endorsement added to a teaching PEL can deepen your knowledge and skills, and advance your teaching career. A teaching endorsement may be a grade-level endorsement (e.g., early childhood, elementary, high school, or K-12) or a content/subject-area endorsement (e.g., high school mathematics, special education).

How can I add an endorsement to my PEL?

Contact the Office of Teacher Education TEP@siu.edu to let us know what endorsements you want to add. We will review your transcripts and credentials and identify the courses necessary to obtain the endorsement.

Can I teach in Illinois if I completed a teaching licensure program in another state?

Illinois offers full reciprocity. Applicants would apply directly to ISBE for an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL). At the time of the initial evaluation for the PEL, educators will be considered for all areas listed on his or her valid, comparable out of state license. Contact the Office of Teacher Education TEP@siu.edu if you would like to add endorsements.

What area of licensure are in high demand?

There are teacher shortages throughout the state but some specific areas of continuing demand include special education, ESL/Bilingual, secondary science and mathematics. The State Board of Education regularly studies the supply and demand for various types of educators in Illinois https://www.isbe.net/edsupplydemand.

When I complete the program or an additional endorsement will SIU send my official transcripts to the Illinois State Board of Education for educator license purposes?

No, students must order their electronic transcripts online registrar.siu.edu/alumni/transcripts.php

Choose the PDF delivery option and supply this email address: transcripts@isbe.net. The electronic transcripts are considered official unless the student emails it to themselves and prints it out.

Where can I go for information on job opportunities?

Online at IASA Illinois Education Job Bank

Where can I go for information on state standards, recent legislative issues, and other educator license issues?

Online at https://www.isbe.net/

Who should I contact if I have a question about licensure?

You can send an email with your question to TEP@siu.edu or call us at 618-453-2354.