Overview of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Licensure Requirements

All students entering teacher education licensure programs are working toward two goals:

• Completing degree requirements approved and administered by the University of Illinois
• Completing licensure requirements governed by ISBE. ISBE requirements are subject to change without notice and at any time.

ISBE Math Standards:

Students in the Elementary Education program are required to show proficiency in Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) College Algebra and Statistics standards. 

GPA Requirements:

For continuation in all undergraduate professional education licensure programs, all candidates must maintain:

1. a minimum campus GPA of 2.5
2. a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
3. a minimum content area GPA of 2.5
4. a minimum professional education GPA of 2.5

For students in the Learning and Education Studies program, the minimum campus and cumulative requirement is a GPA of 2.0. 

Grade Policy:

All teacher education programs leading to state licensure involve knowledge acquisition in content areas, as well as methodological practices of effective teaching. Students in teaching licensure programs must maintain a C or better in ALL content and professional education coursework. Please see an Education adviser for a list of applicable courses.

Criminal Background Check:

Criminal background checks are required for all students entering the Elementary Education, Early Childhood, and Special Education programs prior to field placements in school districts. For more information please see: The Council on Teacher Education's policy on Criminal Background Checks.

Clinical Experiences Fee:

All students enrolled in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, or Special Education programs in the College of Education will be assessed a one-time clinical experience fee to partially cover the cost associated with early field and student teaching experiences, This non-refundable fee is based on the approved fee at the time you entered the University of Illinois per the Illinois Compiled Statute 110 ILCS 305/25.