Securing a Teaching Credential

Each public school teacher is required by law to hold a valid certificate issued by the state in which he or she teaches.

To obtain Illinois certification by entitlement, an Olivet graduate must have completed one of Olivet's state-approved Teacher Education programs, all of which meet the minimum Illinois requirements. In addition, applicants must pass the Illinois certification tests in basic skills, subject matter knowledge, and assessment of professional teaching. Upon completion of the academic program, the student should obtain and complete the appropriate certification forms in the Office of the Registrar. After the application form is signed by the certification officer indicating that graduation requirements have been satisfied, the applicant must submit the certification forms and appropriate fees to the Superintendent of Schools in the Illinois region in which the applicant resides or plans to teach. Anyone who has been convicted of a felony for a sex and/or narcotics crime may not be certified for teaching in Illinois.

Applications and information about certification in other states are available in the Office of the Registrar, the library, and the School of Education office. For a specific state's certification requirements and procedures, see the Registrar or Director of Teacher Education. These applications are usually completed during the final semester of the student's senior year. Information regarding endorsement areas is available in the Office of the Registrar and in the School of Education office. Students may also refer to the Teacher Education Handbook for a list of endorsement areas and options they may wish to consider.