Elementary Ed cert talk

1. Elementary Ed cert talk Nov 4, 2010, 7 p.m. 213 Greg Hall

2. COTE • Oversee all things related to certification • Past – Things like CBC and Bloodborne Pathogen training • Here tonight to talk about actually getting certified. • Obtain certification 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 • Other state certification will likely hinge on Illinois certification first

3. Applying for certification • Non citizens? (Provide ISBE Form 73-03C form, etc). • Read instructions on orange sheet carefully • Retain instructions for referral later. • Citizens Instructions and forms also found in Student portal under “Certification Application Instructions” • Read purple cover sheet • Explains basic process from A – Z • Keep as reference form for later.

4. Entitlement Request form

5. Name – Must use name that appears on BANNER • Name change? Change in BANNER then contact us! • Address • Where you will be during your last semester • Email. Important! Print legibly. • Your preference • May use Illinois account • Check regularly. Keep cleaned out.

6. Request for endorsement form (handout) • Will all be endorsed in Elementary Ed (self contained) • Additional endorsements? • High School(front), Middle Grade (5-8) & Elementary (K-4) (on back) • All middle school endorsements require MG coursework. • If you wish to delay certification until after courses are complete next summer, contact me!!!! • If you have been pursuing or want an endorsement, check it off. No penalty for asking.

7. Course categories for endorsements and job applications (white handout) • Help you identify which courses count toward different endorsements • Many job applications will ask how many hours you have in different areas. This form will help.

8. Make copy of entitlement request form • Turn in form as early as December (for May grads) (- or May for August Grads) • May turn in application even if you haven’t yet passed all tests. • After turning in app, go to www.isbe.net/ecs (step 2 on purple form). Create ECS account. • Stop! Go no further until we contact you. • 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 so respond.

9. No problems? Will put application in pending file waiting for things to be completed. • Endorsements? Will send Endorsement letter to address you put on form. Contact us if something is inaccurate or missing. • Won’t get letter if you aren’t getting endorsements • End of final semester processing. • EFE hours (at least 80). (should check Student portal for accuracy) • Student teaching Time Report • Be accurate and fairly specific. Only record we will have of your Student teaching.

10. Departmental Recommendation • Should come automatically from Jack or Jean if you meet all responsibilities • Tests (Elementary/Middlegrade and APT: k-9) at minimum • Grades • Degree • Recommending you to ISBE • Should occur sometime around Middle of June • Early releases. Find out what school needs, then contact us. • Citizens • We will contact you by email at address you provided • Go on www.isbe.net/ecs and claim certificate (Step 3 on purple sheet)

11. Be sure to register certificate with a ROE • Paper copy of certificate will arrive in mail • Any school district with your SSN can verify certification • Non Citizens • Will sign and stamp form • Mail it back to you along with Notice of Intent to become a U.S. citizen. • Bring application, Immigration forms, Notice of Intent and fee to ROE and apply there. • TESTING • Two required tests: • Elementary Education • APT: K-9 • “Highly Qualified” in foreign language or certain other endorsements (most do not require test!)

12. Test dates (see handout) • May Graduates • February 12, 2011 (Recommended) • Allows Fall back • Provides context for answering questions for APT. • (January 8, 2011– Only APT is offered on this date). • Be sure you send test scores to Illinois • Be sure your SSN is accurate (errors may delay certification). • Keep test scores forever. • Odds and Ends (important trivia) • Initial Type 3 certificate • Good for 4 fiscal years. Must renew every 4 years until you receive standard-then it’s 5 years • If you don’t need certificate, May choose to hold off until July 1st to claim. But don’t forget!!!!

13. Other states • Likely will require certification in Illinois first • May begin process of applying now. • Other states may have program verification form. • Send to us to fill out. May include when you turn in application. • Contact information is on our website under “Resources” • Website handout (blue) • Educator Certification System • Illinois Certification Testing System • Take us to school (resources, lesson plans) • U.S. Teacher Certification Offices

14. Highly qualified • By virtue of passing Elementary/Middlegrade test You will be Highly Qualified for: • Language Arts & Reading, English, Math, Science, Arts, History, Geography, Economics, and Civics & Government. • Should distinguish between “HQ” and endorsements- Can be Highly qualified but not endorsed and vice versa. • Foreign Language. Should take ICTS content test if you want to be highly qualified.

15. Summary • Location: 505 E. Green Street, Suite 202 • Upstairs from National City Bank and Coldstone • Contact information on purple (or orange) instruction form and endorsement request form • Email • Include UIN • Urgent matters? Don’t use email. • No appointments by email. Call office.