
You have many options when it comes to becoming a teacher here in Illinois. Depending on the current teacher shortage, you may be able to find a more flexible program. Check with the Illinois Board of Education to find out more about the different programs available.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT).
The Master of Arts in Teaching in Illinois (MAT) program prepares students for middle-level teacher certification. This program focuses on the development of knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to succeed as an educator. The program requires candidates to complete six semesters in online courses and 45 hours of field-based education experiences in public schools. In addition, candidates are required to complete 200 hours of clinical teaching experience and complete a 16-week student teaching placement. Candidates receive an Illinois Middle Grade Professional Education License after completing the program.
The MAT program can be a great choice for people who want to pursue teaching careers in the state. This degree program is student-centered and requires extensive coursework in education. The courses that are most commonly offered include classroom management, learning theories, and measurement and assessment methodologies. Prospective teachers have the option to choose to specialize in one or more of these areas.
ICTS Basic Skill Exam
One of three tests required to become a teacher for Illinois is the ICTS Basic Skills Exam. Pearson administers the exam and it's designed to assess teachers' knowledge and skills. Illinois doesn't have reciprocity with all other states so applicants must fulfill its requirements to be a teacher there.

You will need to register on the ILTS website to create an account if the exam has not been taken. This account will grant you access to helpful resources and will send you admission tickets for the testing center. This ticket must be presented along with a valid form ID when you arrive at testing center. It is important to allow sufficient time for the test.
ILTS Assessment of Professional Teaching
The ILTS Assessment of Professional Teaching, (APt), is a test that candidates taking to become Illinois teachers are required to pass. This test consists of 120 multiple-choice questions and two short-answer questions, divided into four different areas: development and learning, instruction and assessment, and professional environment. A practice test is available from Mometrix Test Preparation to prepare you for the ILTS Assessment of Professional Teaching (AP) exam.
Illinois' incoming teachers must take the ILTS Test. The test covers topics like human growth, cognitive processes associated learning, student variety, communication theory, how individuals influence groups, and how individuals interact with others. It tests knowledge of assessment techniques, planning and delivery methods, and other topics. It also tests your ability communicate information about student performance.
ILTS content area test
It is a necessary component of teaching in Illinois. The test tests the potential teachers' knowledge and skill in specific content areas. Many teachers already have an idea of which subject they want to teach, but the ILTS content-area test is a way to prove how prepared you are and how well you are able to deliver the subject matter. The test has a time limit for three hours and 45 minutes and contains approximately 125 questions.
ILTS exams are not limited to questions about content. They also allow for open-ended or essay responses. There are typically two sessions for the exam. However, most exams have only one session. The questions are scored using a scale from 100 to 300. You don't have to fail the exam on the first attempt. You can always take the exam again.

ILTS Test of Academic Proficiency
The ILTS test will determine your academic proficiency in order to become a Illinois teacher. This test tests a teacher’s reading, writing, and math skills. Use the right materials and preparation techniques to pass this test. Also, at least one practice exam is required. Also, the test will score you on your written response. This should be clear and focused.
Pearson is responsible for administering the ILTS test. All prospective Illinois teachers must pass it before they can get their teaching license. If you want to teach in Illinois public schools, the ILTS test is not negotiable.
FAQ
What does early childhood education mean?
Early Childhood Education refers to a field dedicated to helping children become happy, healthy adults. It covers everything, from teaching them to read to preparing them to go to kindergarten.
Early childhood education has the goal of helping children learn and grow by offering them age-appropriate experiences.
Early childhood educators are often called upon to assess the developmental needs of each child they come across. This helps to decide if a particular program would benefit each child.
Early childhood programs also provide opportunities for parents to interact with teachers and other professionals who have experience working with young children.
Parents play an important role in an early childhood education as well. They must know how to properly care for their children and offer guidance and support when needed.
Parents can also take part in activities that teach skills to their children for the rest of their lives.
Sometimes, early childhood education is also called preschool education. However this term is interchangeable with daycare centers. Prekindergarten education typically begins around three years, while early childhood education generally starts at three.
What is the difference between college and university?
A university is an institution that offers higher education. It offers various undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in different fields.
A college is generally smaller and less respected than a university. Although it may offer fewer courses, colleges often have their own specialist departments.
Do I want to specialize in one area or should I branch out?
Many students prefer to focus on one subject, such as English, History, Math, rather than branching out into other subjects. It is not always necessary to become a specialist. For instance, if your goal is to become a doctor you can choose to focus in either surgery or inner medicine. You could also choose to specialize in family practice, pediatrics, gerontology or neurology. A business career could include sales, finance and marketing. The decision is up to you.
What amount of money can a teacher earn in early education? (earning potential)
The median salary for early childhood teachers is $45,000 per calendar year.
But, salaries in certain areas are more than average. Teachers in large urban school districts are often paid more than teachers in rural schools.
Salaries also depend upon factors such as how big the district is and whether or no teacher holds a master's/doctoral degree.
Teachers make less at first because they aren't as experienced as other college graduates. However, their salaries can rise dramatically over time.
Statistics
- They are also 25% more likely to graduate from high school and have higher math and reading scores, with fewer behavioral problems,” according to research at the University of Tennessee. (habitatbroward.org)
- Data from the Department of Education reveal that, among 2008 college graduates, 92.8 percent of humanities majors have voted at least once since finishing school. (bostonreview.net)
- And, within ten years of graduation, 44.1 percent of 1993 humanities graduates had written to public officials, compared to 30.1 percent of STEM majors. (bostonreview.net)
- In most developed countries, a high proportion of the population (up to 50%) now enters higher education at some time in their lives. (en.wikipedia.org)
- They are more likely to graduate high school (25%) and finish college (116%). (habitatbroward.org)
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How To
What is vocational education?
Vocational Education, which is an educational system that prepares high school students for jobs after college or high school, provides them with training in specific skills required for a job (e.g. welding). This includes apprenticeship programs and on-thejob training. Vocational education is different from general education in that it prepares individuals for specific career paths rather than acquiring broad knowledge for future uses. Vocational education does not prepare students for university, but it helps them find work after graduation.
Vocational education can be offered at any level of schooling: primary, secondary, college, university, technical institutes and trade schools. You can also find specialized schools such a culinary arts school, nursing school, law school, medical schools or dental schools. Many of these schools provide both academic instruction as well as practical experience.
Over recent decades, there have been significant investments made in vocational education by many countries, including Australia, Denmark (Finland), Germany, Ireland and Japan. The effectiveness of vocational training is still a controversial topic. Some critics argue that it does little to improve students' employability; others argue that it provides useful preparation for life after school.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 47% of American adults possess a postsecondary certificate, or degree related to current occupation. This number is higher for those with higher education. 71% of 25-29-year-olds have a bachelor's or higher degree and are employed in areas that require postsecondary credentials.
The BLS reported in 2012 that almost half of all adults had some type of postsecondary credential. Around one-third of Americans hold a two or four-year associate degree. One fifth of Americans have a master's, or doctorate.
The median annual salary for people with a bachelor's was $50,000. This compares to $23,800 for those who don't have a degree. The median salary for people with advanced degrees was $81,300.
For those who did not complete high school, the median wage was only $15,200. A person with a lower high school diploma earned $13,000 annually.