Section 1.782  Requirements for Teachers of English as a Second Language in Prekindergarten, Kindergarten and any of Grades 1-12

a)         Bilingual teachers currently teaching English as a Second Language and employed in an approved bilingual education program prior to September 1, 1985 are not subject to the requirements set forth below, provided they continue to hold a certificate issued prior to that date and valid for their current teaching role and have exchanged that certificate for the appropriate educator license (see 23 Ill. Adm. Code 25.15 (Types of Licenses; Exchange)). 

b)         On September 1, 1985 and thereafter, teachers of English as a Second Language in State-approved bilingual education programs must:

1)         Possess a valid professional educator license endorsed for special K-12 and for teaching English as a Second Language, issued by the State Board of Education in accordance with 23 Ill. Adm. Code 25 (Certification); or

2)         Possess a valid professional educator license endorsed for English as a Second Language when evidence is presented of having completed 18 semester hours distributed among the following areas and including 100 clock hours of clinical experience or 3 months experience teaching English as a Second Language:

A)        Linguistics (including English and non-English phonology and syntax);

B)        Theoretical foundations of teaching English as a Second Language;

C)        Assessment of the bilingual student;

D)        Methods and materials for teaching English as a Second Language; and

E)        Cross-cultural studies for teaching LEP students; or

3)         Hold an educator license with stipulations endorsed for visiting international educator that is valid for the grade levels of the students to be served and meets the requirements set forth at 23 Ill. Adm. Code 25.92(i).

(Source:  Amended at 38 Ill. Reg. 6127, effective February 27, 2014)