After you have received notification from the Registrars’ Office that your teaching entitlement program is completed. 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].

How do I apply for my Teaching License?

Most new teachers can apply online at the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Web site for their teaching license. Once the Evaluations Office has completed the final audit and has notified the ISBE that you have completed your entitlement program, you will be emailed through your ISU account with the instructions on using the ECS system to obtain your teaching license. If you try to apply for your teaching license 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 license using the online format will need to fill a)out the Application for Teaching license form b)submit the completed form to the Registrar Service Center (Moulton Hall 107) for verification and official authorization; c)send the form with the University seal and signatures, the application fee, and official transcripts from all colleges that were attended to the local Regional Office of Education. DO NOT SEND the form to the ROE or ISBE without the school seal and authorizing official signature. Forms are available online at :http://www.isbe.net/certification/pdf/73-03C_teaching_certificate.pdf.

What about getting a Substitute Teacher License?

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 our primary concern at graduation, 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.

Instructions for Completing the Application for Teacher Licensure

Online

Go to the ECS Web site & log in (If you do not have one, set up an ECS account)
Select the "Applications" menu item.
Select the "Entitlement Certification Application" menu item
Click on the "Apply Online" link.
Follow the 11-step wizard through the application process
Print the final page for your records.
Mail OFFICIAL transcripts from allinstitutions you have attended to the ISBE
Allow 1-2 weeks for processing by the state. Your teaching certificate will be mailed to you

In addition to applying for your certificate online, you will be able to use American Express, Discover, MasterCard 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.

Paper form:

Fill out the "Application for Certificate" using black/blue ink or typed. (http://www.isbe.net/certification/pdf/73-03C_teaching_certificate.pdf) Be sure to complete all sections and indicate your complete mailing address.
Mail your completed application to Illinois State University, Campus Box 2202, Normal, IL 61790-2202 or drop it off at the Registrar Service Center (Moulton 107). Do not send money.

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 Registrar Service Center in Moulton, at Student Accounts, via mail or or through the National Student Clearinghouse online ordering service

After finalization of your degree/entitlement program your Application for Certificate will be officially signed, sealed, and mailed to you unless you request at Pick-Up from the Registrar Service Center.
Once you receive your sealed application, take your official transcript(s), the application, $50 cash/check [for county registration fee] and a $75 money order or certified check [for state fee] for each certificate type to your Regional Office of Education.
Allow 6-8 weeks for processing by the state. Your teaching certificate will be mailed to you.

Forms

Application for Teaching Certificate