Section 25.25  Requirements for "Full" Certification

The requirements of this Section shall apply to the issuance of early childhood, elementary, secondary, special K-12, and special preschool-age 21 certificates.

a)         Each applicant shall:

1)         have completed an approved Illinois teacher preparation program for the type of certificate sought, including coursework addressing the psychology of, the identification of, and the methods of instruction for the exceptional child, including without limitation the learning disabled (Section 21-2a of the School Code [105 ILCS 5/21-2a]) (see Subpart C of this Part); or

2)         have completed a comparable program in another state or country or hold a comparable certificate issued by another state or country (see Section 25.425 of this Part); or

3)         hold a valid certificate of another type issued by Illinois, submit his or her credentials for evaluation under Section 21-11.2 of the School Code [105 ILCS 5/21-11.2], and complete such additional coursework and/or experiences as may be required pursuant to Section 25.37 of this Part.

b)         Each applicant shall have completed 32 semester hours, or a major as identified by the accredited institution on the individual's official transcript, in early childhood education, elementary education, or a field of specialization, as applicable to the type of certificate sought.

c)         Each applicant shall have completed pre-student teaching field experiences at the grade level(s) and in the area of specialization relevant to the certificate sought (see Section 25.610 of this Part).  However, applicants with teaching experience at the applicable level, as verified by the employer, need not complete pre-student teaching field experience, except as may be required under Section 25.37 of this Part.

d)         Each applicant shall have completed student teaching in conformance with the requirements of Section 25.620 of this Part.  However, applicants presenting the required credit in student teaching and evidence of teaching experience, as verified by the employer, need not complete another student teaching experience, except as may be required under Section 25.37 of this Part.

e)         Each applicant shall be required to pass the tests required for the certificate as specified in Section 25.720 of this Part.

f)          Nothing in this Section is intended to preclude the issuance of a provisional certificate under Section 21-10 of the School Code [105 ILCS 5/21-10].

(Source:  Added at 29 Ill. Reg. 15831, effective October 3, 2005)