Initial to the Standard

Initial Teaching Certificate holders are required to teach four years and complete one of the following professional development avenues prior to receiving their Standard Teaching Certificate. The various avenues are:

1. Complete an advanced education-related degree earned anytime prior to applying for the Standard Teaching Certificate.
2. Complete a 1-year Induction and Mentoring program (permitted until 9/1/07, afterwards, the requirement reverts to a 2-year program unless the State fails to fund 2-year programs).
3. Complete four semester hours of graduate level course on assessment of one’s own performance in relation to Illinois Professional Teaching Standards.
4. Complete four semester hours of graduate level course which addresses the requirements for certification by National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).
5. Complete NBPTS Candidacy Process (Certification is not required).
6. Earn a certificate or endorsement in an education field from an accredited institution of higher education.
7. Earn a 12 hour, post baccalaureate education-related professional development certificate issued by an Illinois institution of higher education.
8. Become “Highly Qualified” in an additional teaching field as specified by ESEA/No Child Left Behind.
9. Pass a nationally normed test
10. Accumulate 60 hours of “Y” CPDUs during a four-year period. 15 CPDUs per year. (PA 93-0679 eliminated direct observation requirements referred to as “X” CPDUs. Previously earned “X” type will be counted as “Y” type. The number of CPDUs is prorated for individuals who held an ITC on August 10, 2002. CPDUs are prorated based on number of years of teaching time remaining on the ITC as of 7/1/03. (Example: teacher issued Initial Teaching Certificate in 2000 but never taught would be required to meet full 60-CPDU requirement. Teacher who had taught 2 years would need only 30.)
    Prorated amount:

Once achieved, the Standard Teaching Certificate is valid for five years of teaching. [Please note that this is “five years of teaching” rather than “five years”. If a teacher teaches one semester a year, the certificate would be valid for a ten year period.]

The Application Process

Teachers who have 4 years of teaching and who complete one of the nine professional development options listed above can apply for a Standard Teaching Certificate. They must:

• Complete ISBE Form 73-03C, Application for Teaching Certificate, (one application and fee for each Initial teaching certificate);
• Complete ISBE Form 73-97, Assurance Statement, which verifies completion of professional development requirements & submit to LPDC if applicable;
• Complete ISBE Form 73-10 Certificate Registration (only 1 regardless of how many certificates are held);
• Obtain verification of 4 years of teaching from superintendent or designee;
• Submit application, assurance statement, registration form, statements verifying teaching experience, & fees to regional superintendent; and
• Maintain the evidence of completion of professional development activity or activities completed in preparation for the possibility of a random audit.

If the ROE recommends non-renewal, the certificate holder may appeal to Regional Professional Development Review Committee (RPDRC) and ultimately to STCB and ISBE.