The College of Education offers eight undergraduate teacher licensure and non-licensure degree programs that prepare students for careers in the field of education, human resources, business, technology, government, and more. Students interested in transferring to the College of Education are highly encouraged to visit the Transfer Students website and submit the Prospective Transfer online form.
Majors that lead to teacher licensure in the state of Illinois:
- Early Childhood Education (Birth-2nd grade)
- Early Childhood Professional Education (licensure)
- Elementary Education (Grades 1-6)
- Middle Grades Education (Grades 6-8; concentrations in Math, Science, Social Science, and Literacy)
- Special Education, Learning & Behavior Specialist I (Grades K-Age 22)
Majors that lead to careers in education-related fields:
- Learning & Education Studies (Concentrations in Educational Technology; Educational Equality & Cultural Understanding; and Workplace Training and Development)
- Early Childhood Education: Early Childhood Professional Education (non-licensure)
Teacher Licensure
Many of our College of Education programs prepare you for teacher education licensure in the state of Illinois (list above). Please note that as a student in one of these programs, you must also meet the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) requirements for teacher licensure.
In compliance with Title II of the Higher Education Act, Section 207 (f) (2), the university annually publishes an Institutional Report Card. This Institutional Report Card contains data regarding the pass rate of teacher education program completers on assessments required by the state for teacher licensure or certification, the statewide pass rate on those assessments, and other basic information on teacher preparation programs. Written copies of the report may be obtained by contacting the Council on Teacher Education at 217-333-2804. You can also view the report online.
The following information is an overview of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) requirements. These requirements only apply to programs preparing students for teacher education licensure in the state of Illinois (list above). All students entering licensure programs are working towards:
- Completing degree requirements approved and administered by the University of Illinois, and
- Completing licensure requirements governed by ISBE.
Note: ISBE requirements are subject to change without notice at any time.
Grades lower than a C-
Students in teaching licensure programs must maintain a C- or better in ALL content/professional education coursework as well as any courses specified by degree program. Please contact our office for a list of courses applicable to this policy. Courses with a grade of Credit/CR can be counted towards the 120-125 hours required to graduate, but will not be allowed to meet degree requirements (e.g. General Education, Professional Education coursework, major requirements, etc.)
Criminal Background Check
Criminal background checks are required for all students entering teaching licensure programs prior to field placements in school districts. For more information, please visit here.
Student teaching is completed only during the spring semester.
Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS)
Prospective teaching licensure candidates must establish an ELIS account. Please see herefor details.
James Scholars Honors Program
Transfer students who enter the College of Education in the fall with a minimum of a 3.5 GPA will be invited to participate in our James Scholar Honors Program. For more information, visit on our James Scholars website.
Contact
Student Academic Affairs Office (SAAO)
College of Education
110 Education Building
1310 S. Sixth Street
Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: 217-333-2800
Email: saao@education.illinois.edu