Licensure
At the Regional Office of Education #8, we provide assistance to area educators in all areas of licensure. We provide assistance with applications, renewals, registration and professional development. We strive to keep educators informed on important changes to licensure and act as a liaison between the Illinois State Board of Education, school districts and educators.
Have any questions that you don't see addressed below? Please contact our office at 815.599.1408, or email Chris Coy at chris.coy@roe8.org.
REQUIREMENTS
One of the following options must be demonstrated:
- At least 19 years of age to serve students in prekindergarten through grade 12.
- Beginning January 1, 2023, you may qualify for the ELS-Paraprofessional license by meeting the requirements outlined below at age 18 but only may serve in prekindergarten through grade 8.
- Completed 60 semester hours of college credit at a regionally accredited institution of higher education (evidence is an official transcript); or
- Obtained an associate degree (or higher) at a regionally accredited institution of higher education (evidence is an official transcript); or
- Passing score of the ETS paraprofessional test. Please click on this link to view registration details.
- ETS parapro test study guide: link
- Link to ISBE Requirements
Short-Term Approval for Paraprofessionals
*At least 19 years of age to serve students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12.
- Short-Term Paraprofessional Approvals are available for application until June 30, 2025, and may not be renewed.
- High school diploma (or equivalent) or higher
- While working on the approval, the educator must fulfill the requirements for the full license.
- Link to ISBE Requirements
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, you will need:
- A submitted application, including $100.00 fee, paid to Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS)
- Official* transcript(s) from a regionally accredited college or university.
- A copy of a high school diploma or GED certificate, only required for applicants who completed only have 60 semester of college hours.
*Note: To be official, transcripts must be submitted in an envelope sealed by the college or university or be sent directly by the institution. Transcripts received that are not in a sealed envelope from the university or not sent directly from the university will be considered unofficial and cannot be used for evaluation purposes. Please submit your documentation to the Regional Office of Education #8 at the address below:
Regional Office of Education #8
Attn: License Dept.
27 S. State Ave, Suite 101
Freeport, IL 61032
You will need to register your license in the region you will be working to make the license valid. That is done after your license has been issued.
Paraprofessional ETSParapro test
Paraprofessional testing is conducted at the Regional Office of Education by appointment ONLY. You can only make your appointment once the ROE has notified you they received the required form above and the $65 payment to take the paraprofessional test.
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Check, cash, or credit or debit card paid at the ROE. An additional fee will be incurred if you pay by credit or debit card.
Schedule your appointment below.
WHO CAN BE A SUBSTITUTE?
Substitute Teachers in Illinois Public Schools must hold either a valid Illinois teaching license or a Substitute Teaching License. Either license allows a person to substitute at any grade level and any subject area.
NEED A SUBSTITUTE TEACHING LICENSE?
Learn about the two different type of sub licenses: Substitute vs. Short-term Substitute License. To qualify for a Substitute License an individual must:
- have been issued a Bachelor's degree for any major from an accredited institute of higher education.
- submit Official transcripts indicating degree and date awarded to the ROE. Transcripts must arrive to the ROE in a sealed envelope or eSCRIPT from the institution.
- apply for the license by visiting the Illinois Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) and creating an account, and following these instructions: How to Apply for a License.
WANT ON THE ROE SUB LIST?
To be added to the Regional Office of Education's Official Substitute List, you will need to complete the appropriate packet, made available below, to the Regional Office.
- Has valid Illinois teaching license: Professional Educator License or Substitute Teaching License.
- No valid Illinois teaching license: No PEL or SUB license or if you hold an out of state license.
The Career and Technical Educator License with Stipulations is available in two routes, depending on an individual's work and/or college experiences. Please see below for the specific requirements for each licensure route.
Career and Technical Educator License (ELS-CTE):
- Minimum of 60 college semester hours
- Documented minimum 2000 hours work experience
- Length: 5 years
- For more information: Career and Technical Educator (isbe.net)
Provisional Career and Technical Educator License (ELS-CTEP):
- Documented minimum 8000 hours work experience
- Requires a hiring district's signature
- Length 5 years
- For more information: Career and Technical Educator (isbe.net)
CTE Program Pathways:
- Agriculture Education: Agricultural Science, Agricultural Business & Management, Agricultural Mechanization & Technology, Horticulture, Natural Resource Conservation Management
- Business/Marketing/Computer Education: Accounting-Bookkeeping, Administrative Support & Information Processing, Business & Personal Services Marketing, Business Systems Networking, Computer Operation & Programming, Enterprise Management & Operations, Product Marketing Operations, Webpage Development & Design
- Family and Consumer Sciences: Adult Development & Aging, Foods/Nutrition/Wellness Studies, Cooking & Culinary Arts, Child Care Provider, Child Care & Support Services Management, Education, Apparel & Textiles, Facilities Planning & Management, Family & Consumer Sciences Communications, Work & Family Studies
- Health Science Technology: Health Occupation Programs - Technology and Technician Programs, Health Services, Health Unit Coordinator/Ward Clerk, Medical Assistant, Home Health Aide, Rehabilitation, Licensed Practical Nurse Training, Nursing/Patient Care, Health Professions & Related Clinical Sciences
- Technology and Engineering Education (Industrial): Arts & Audio/Video Technology & Communications, Architecture & Construction, Law/Public Safety/Corrections & Security, Science/Technology/Engineering/Mathematics, Transportation/Distribution/Logistics
WHERE TO START?
If you hold a valid out-of-state educator license, you will qualify for an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL).
Documents Required for Evaluation:
- Official transcripts
- A copy of your out-of-state license
Steps to obtain a PEL in Illinois:
- Apply online through ELIS https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Educator-Licensure-Application.aspx
- Submit official transcripts (must be a sealed envelope or e-scripted to ROE office staff)
- Proof of a valid out-of-state license
Illinois offers full reciprocity. At the time of the initial evaluation for an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL), educators will be considered for all areas listed on his or her valid, comparable out of state license. In order to serve as a teacher, school support personnel, or an administrator in the state of Illinois at a public or recognized non-public school, an individual must obtain a license.
https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Professional-Educator-License.aspx
https://www.isbe.net/Documents/PEL-Checklist-0817.pdf
NEED TO APPLY?
All applications for Illinois licensure go through the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS). An account can be created by visiting http://www.isbe.net/ELIS. All documentation and information provided to the Regional Office will be uploaded to the applicant's ELIS profile. Once all required documentation has been received, applicants can apply at www.isbe.net.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES
FOR RENEWAL
Beginning with the 2015 – 2020 renewal cycle, and every cycle thereafter, teachers and school support services personnel must complete 120 hours of professional development to renew regardless of the number or types of degrees held. Acceptable Professional Development: Coursework from a regionally accredited Illinois College or University, National Board Certification, National Licenses (For School Support Personnel) and activities provided by an Approved Illinois Professional Development Provider. Professional development credit is awarded on a 1:1 basis – 1 clock hour of attendance = 1 professional development hour. Below are the most recent requirements for license renewal provided by the Illinois State Board of Education. If further clarification is needed, please contact ROE8 at 815.599.1408.
For more information: ISBE: RENEWAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR EDUCATORS
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At the end of their license validity period, educators are expected to re-register their license within the region(s).
STATE OF ILLINOIS EDUCATOR LICENSURE LINKS
- Illinois State Board of Education
- Educator Licensure Home Page
- Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS)
- Illinois Licensure Testing System
ISBE RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS
- Licensure Forms
- Directory of Illinois Approved Educator Prep Programs
- Licensure Requirements
- Directory of Approved Programs
ELIS HELP
Schedule Your Appointment with Our Licensure Specialist
If you'd like to work with our Licensure Specialist, you can easily schedule an appointment using the calendar below. Be sure to bring any applicable paperwork or forms that you may need for your appointment to ensure a smooth and efficient process. If you have any questions please contact Chris Coy at 815-599-1408 (option 1) or email Chris.coy@roe8.org.
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