Subsequent Endorsement Rule Changes
In an effort to provide districts with more staffing flexibility ISBE rule changes have simplified the process for teachers who wish to add a grade range to a current Professional Educator License (PEL).
Scenarios for Adding Grade Levels to a PEL
Early Childhood
A teacher with a PEL in Early Childhood Education (B-2) who wants to add the elementary (1-6) middle (5-8) or the secondary grade range (9-12)
Elementary
A teacher with a PEL in Elementary Education (1-6) who wants to add the early childhood (B-2) middle (5-8) or the secondary grade range (9-12)
Middle Grades
A teacher with a PEL in Middle Grades Education(5-8) who wants to add the early childhood (B-2) elementary (1-6) or the secondary grade range (9-12)
Secondary
A teacher with a PEL in Secondary Education (9-12) who wants to add the early childhood (B-2) elementary (1-6) or the middle (5-8) grade range
New Pathways for Subsequent Endorsements
- To add early childhood to an existing PEL requires 18 semester hours in early childhood and the content test (specific coursework distribution is required)
- To add elementary grades to an existing PEL requires 18 semester hours in content area and the content test (specific coursework distribution is required)
- To add middle grades to an existing PEL, requires 18 semester hours in the content area, a content specific methods course and the content test
- To add secondary grades to an existing PEL requires 18 semester hours in a specific content area and the content test
- The new LBS I endorsement will no longer be tied to the PEL grade bands. Teachers with the new LBSI will be endorsed to teach special education in grades K-21
- The requirements for the Reading Teacher Endorsement were changed from 24 semester hours to 18 semester hours with a specific distribution of coursework
