Initial to Standard Certification Process

Requirements:  

1. The equivalent of 4 years of teaching experience must be attained and proved by providing a letter (or letters) of experience from the administration on the district(s) letterhead to the ROE.
2. Professional Development must be submitted electronically via the ECS (Educator Certification System) link on the Illinois State Board of Education website.  The PD options are listed under “Certification” and “New Teachers” on that website.   www.isbe.net
3. An application must be completed at the ROE.  The best time is between May 1 and June 30 of the last full year.
4. A fee of $30 (per certificate), as required by the ISBE, in the form of cash or money order must accompany the application.

Notes:  

• Time spent substituting on a valid certificate (not a Substitute Certificate) could count toward the 4 years of experience in some circumstances.
• Private (not Home School) and public school teaching in Illinois and other states (with comparable certification) does count toward the 4 years of experience.
• Registration cycles may not always coincide with completion of the 4 years.

Direct any questions or concerns to your school’s ReTRAC representative or Karen Manker at the ROE: 243-1804.