LBSI Licensing talk

1. LBSI Licensing talk October 11, 2012 7 p.m. Rm 22 Education Bldg

2. COTE introduction • Oversee all things related to certification • Past – Things like CBC and Bloodborne Pathogen training • Here tonight to talk about process of actually getting certified. • Obtain license as soon as you can!!!!-regardless of other plans (grad school, Peace Corp, etc). • Only protected against program changes for 1 year • Not protected at all against ISBE changes (Ex: C or better). • Other state certification will likely hinge on Illinois certification first

3. Applying for certification: • Log onto your student portal • Go to your student portal http://www.cote.illinois.edu. • (Use ed-blutarsky as example) • Click on “Certification Application” • Will ask if your are registered for or previously done student teaching. • If you answer no, it will not let you proceed. If yes, it will continue. • Click on “Click here to fill out your application request.” • Email address-Recommend you use your most reliable-regular email account.

4. Phone number • Degree period • Major • Certificate • Endorsements • Comments: Opportunity to provide important information regarding endorsements such as pending transfer coursework, tests, etc. • May choose as many as you wish to be considered for (but please use some common sense)

5. You will all be endorsed in Learning Behavior Specialist I (Pre K – 21) “Cross categorical” • All Middle grade endorsements require middle grade coursework (CI 410, EPS 427, EPSY 430 if from UIUC). • All High School endorsements require passing a content test. • Signature (must “sign” stating you understand) (check mark to the side) • Must submit • Once you sign, you can’t go back. Contact us if you need to modify/correct something.

6. The next day, you should receive an email which says the COTE has received your application. • Can submit application even if you haven’t yet passed all tests (just need to be registered for student teaching). • I will complete an audit based on DARS report or grad audit completed earlier. • Problems? Will either contact you or records officer. If contacted, it’s important you respond.

7. Nothing missing? Will put application in pending file until end of spring or summer term • Endorsements? Will send Endorsement email to address you put on form. Contact us if something is inaccurate or missing. • End of final semester processing. • EFE hours (at least 80. You all should have way more). (Should check Student portal for accuracy) • Student Teaching Time Report • Be accurate and fairly descriptive. Only record we will have of your Student teaching (directions on student portal).

8. Safety Training • Approved portfolio • Departmental Recommendation • Should come automatically if you meet all expectations • Mandated reporter training • Tests • LBSI (155) • Special Education General Curriculum (163) • Assessment of Professional Teaching: Grades K-12 (104) • Grades (C or better in professional Ed and content) • Degree (must appear on transcripts!!!) • Spring graduates – Middle of June • May cause problems with summer school • Summer grads – Middle of September • May cause problems with teaching in the fall. Recommending you to ISBE: • We will contact you at email address you provided.

9. Will provide a link to the Educator Licensure System (ELS) (www.isbe.net/els) • Click on link. • If you haven’t already done so, create a “Private Educator Account” • Click on “You have an entitlement certificate waiting for your application.” • Click on “Apply online” • Follow steps. • Be prepared to pay by credit card • Be sure to register your license with a district.

10. Paper copy of certificate will arrive in mail • Any school district with your name and SSN can verify certification • TESTING (more information) • 3 more required tests • LBSI (before student teaching) • Special Education General Curriculum (before student teaching) • APT: K-12 (before you can be certified • If you plan to be endorsed in a foreign language and wish to be considered “highly qualified” (NCLB) (unless you are double majoring or have 32 hours) plan to take the corresponding Foreign Language Content test.

11. Test dates (May Grads) • LBSI and SPED Gen Curriculum • No later than Nov 10, 2012 • APT • Recommend you take February 9, 2013 Allows fall back • May take content test and APT on same day for convenience and save $$$ • Be sure you request test scores be sent to Illinois • Be sure your SSN is accurate (errors may delay certification). • Can check your tests on Student portal. • Keep test scores forever (or longer)- May need them • Odds and Ends (important trivia) • Professional Educator License • Must renew every 5 years

12. Renewing your certificate. Important! The window for renewing is getting smaller-don’t let certificate lapse. • Can renew certificate online through ELS (same site you claim it on). • Certification in other states • Likely will require Licensing in Illinois first • Other states may have program verification form. • Send form to us (COTE) to fill out. • Contact information is on our website under “Links” in www.cote.illinois.edu • Certification Map • US Teacher Certification Offices • Illinois has reciprocity with a number of states however there is a broad disclaimer.

13. Summary • Location: 505 E. Green Street, Suite 202 • Upstairs from PNC Bank and Coldstone Creamery • Website: www.cote.illinois.edu • Email • (jbuck@illinois.edu or bmclvngr@illinois.edu • Pick one of us Include UIN • Urgent timely matters? Don’t use email. Call office at 333-7195. • Don’t schedule appointments by email. Call office.

14. COTE websitewww.cote.illinois.edu Requirements & Procedures • Links • Certification Timeline • Educator Certification System (ECS) • Illinois Certification Testing System (ICTS) • Certification map • Other Certification Tests (for certification in other states) • Take Us To School – Resources for student teachers • U.S. Teacher Certification Offices • Illinois Education Job Bank