After you have completed a teaching program at Illinois State University. Walking in Commencement is NOT the same as graduating. Receiving final grades, completing final audit, & ISBE notification must occur BEFORE you can apply [generally within 2-3 weeks after Commencement].
Most new teachers can apply online at the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Web site for their teaching certificates. Once the Evaluations Office has completed the final audit & have notified the ISBE that you have completed your entitlement program, you will be mailed a letter with instructions on using the ECS system to obtain your teaching certificate. IF you try to apply for your teaching certificate BEFORE your graduation has been finalized, the ECS system will NOT let you complete the process.
Students who are unable to apply for a teaching certificate using the online format will need to fill out the Application for Teaching Certificate form and return it to the Student Service and Referral Center (Moulton 107). Forms are available online at: http://www.isbe.net/certification/pdf/73-03C_teaching_certificate.pdf.
NOTE: All majors who complete programs leading to a Special (K-12) certificate may choose to split the Special certificate into an Elementary (K-9) and a High School (6-12) certificate.
If you are in an Illinois State Teaching Entitlement Program you DO NOT need to get a Substitute Teacher Certificate. You cannot apply for a STC until you have been officially graduated [finalized by the Evaluations Office]. When you are finalized, the ISBE will be notified & you will be able to get the REAL teaching certificate. As we make teachers are primary concern at graduation times, because of the need for certification, all teaching majors are processed first during final audits. Most teaching majors are finalized within 10 business days after Commencement.
If you are NOT in an Illinois State Teaching Entitlement Program but want to sub in the schools after graduation, follow the instructions for Paper Application listed below. Remember, non-teaching majors are finalized AFTER the teaching majors, so allow time after Commencement for final grades & auditing.
In addition to applying for your certificate online, you will be able to use American Express, Discover, Master Card or Visa credit cards to pay your fees. Your certificate will be mailed to the address you provide on the ECS system, so it is imperative that you double-check the address included in your application. Once your certificate has been received, you may register it on line or at a Regional Office of Education for the area in which you will be teaching. Official transcripts from every college/university you attended will be required by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Request a copy of your official transcript ($6 per copy) to be sent to you after posting of your degree. Transcripts can be ordered at SSRC in Moulton, at Student Accounts, via mail or Fax.
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