Endorsement Opportunities

Bilingual

• Grade range: PreK-12
• 6 additional courses
• Application: Apply by the summer before sophomore year; open to all teacher education majors

The Bilingual Education endorsement allows teachers to work in dual-language classrooms where content is delivered in both English and an additional language. Fluency in English and any other second language is required, through the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy or by passing the applicable Target Language Proficiency Test. Students can earn the ESL endorsement on top of the bilingual endorsement by adding one additional linguistics course.

Early Childhood

• Grade range: Birth-grade 2
• 5-6 additional courses
• Application: Apply in September of sophomore year; open to all teacher education majors

Teacher candidates will gain the professional knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to specialize in early learning. Must pass the Early Childhood Content Area Test (#206) to earn the endorsement.

Early Childhood Special Education (Approval)

• Grade Range: PreK
• 2 additional courses
• Application: No Application Needed; Consult with advisor

The Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Approval allows teachers to work with students with disabilities aged 3-5 years old. This approval is available to Special Education majors and Early Childhood Education majors.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

• Grade range: PreK-12
• 5-6 additional courses
• Application: Notify advisor by the summer before sophomore year; open to all teacher education majors

The ESL endorsement allows teachers to teach English Language Learners in the grade levels covered by the individual’s PEL.

Middle Level

• English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, or Social Science
• Grade range: 5-8
• Up to 6 additional courses
• Application: Notify advisor as early as possible; open to all teacher education majors

Middle level endorsement allows candidates to teach additional subjects and/or additional grade levels. Must pass the corresponding Middle Grades subject area content test (#201, #202, #203, or #204).

Reading Teacher

• Grade range: PreK-12
• 3-6 additional courses
• Application: Notify advisor by the summer before sophomore year; open to all teacher education majors

Those who pursue the Reading teacher endorsement alongside their teaching major will have enhanced preparation in literacy instruction. Must pass the Reading Teacher Content Area Test (#222) to earn the endorsement.

Special Education Learning and Behavior Specialist (LBS 1)

• Grade range: K through Age 22
• 5-6 additional courses
• Application: September of Sophomore year; open to all teacher education majors

Those who pursue the Learning Behavior Specialist I minor/endorsement alongside their teaching major will be better prepared to serve all students in their classroom and work with the special education teachers in their district. In addition to the minor coursework, students interested in earning the LBS I endorsement on their Professional Educator’s License (PEL) will need to pass the ILTS #290 Learning Behavior Specialist I exam.