Illinois Bachelor’s in Education Programs
If you are passionate about molding young minds and shaping the world with the power of teaching, Illinois is an excellent state to begin your journey. Teaching is not just a job; it is a rewarding and challenging profession that will provide many opportunities. As one of the best states for teachers, Illinois continues to support and promote the academic excellence of educators and students.
At EducationDegree.com, we want to help you plan for a career in education in Illinois. Explore the featured listings from accredited Illinois universities on this page, then read on to learn more about becoming a teacher in Illinois, as well as the outlook for educators in the state. As a general rule, we recommend contacting multiple universities to gather the most information possible as you make decisions about your future!
Earning Your Bachelor’s in Education in Illinois
Enrolling in a state-approved Bachelor’s in education program will begin your path to becoming a teacher in Illinois. Courses in philosophy, psychology and the humanities will provide a foundation for advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In addition to your general education requirements, you are expected to choose a specialty area of concentration that will lead to a teaching licensure in your field of practice. Your specialty will determine your core courses for licensure. Illinois offers several areas of licensure such as:
- Early Childhood
- Elementary Education
- Secondary Education
- Special Education
- School Counselor
- School Psychologist
Post-graduation, you will be required to complete a teacher licensure preparation program. The course work and teaching experience projects for licensure provides you with up to three years to complete the requirements. You may work as a full-time teacher while you are working on your teaching credentials.
The Outlook for Teachers in Illinois
According to the Illinois State Board of Education, a teacher shortage exists throughout the state. In particular, Illinois reported a need for licensed teachers for special education and bilingual education for the 2013-2014 academic school year.
The public and private school districts have exceptional opportunities for new graduates and experienced teachers. Overall, the state of Illinois ranks well for education employment at many levels. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Illinois ranks among the top five states in the nation for highest employment of elementary, secondary, middle school and special education teachers. In terms of salary, Illinois also offers competitive pay. The BLS reported the annual mean wage of several popular positions in 2012 as:
Illinois offers excellent opportunities for teachers to become creative and autonomous practitioners in education. You may enjoy the summers and holidays off to travel, relax and recharge or spend quality time with your family.
Take the first step to becoming a teacher today! Start by exploring the featured Bachelor’s in education programs on this page, then contact several for more information. As a general rule, we recommend contacting several to compare programs and make the most informed decision about the future of your education.
