INITIAL CERTIFICATION IN ILLINOIS
Procedures:
Individuals that have a bachelor’s degree in a non-teaching major may apply for an evaluation for a initial certificate through the Teacher Certification Office. The Certification Officer will evaluate transcripts for the certificate being sought. Course work and/or field experiences will be at the undergraduate level.
Individuals seeking this evaluation must submit a Transcript Evaluation for Initial Certification Request form (pdf) [requires Adobe Reader] and letter to the Teacher Certification Office—91 HH, Western Illinois University, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455 requesting an evaluation. The letter must include specific certificate and discipline (i.e. music K-12 or secondary math) wanted, official transcripts from all institutions attended, and the fee for the evaluation (fee information available through the Certification Office).
The certification officer will review the information, work with the specific department as needed, and will send a letter outlining program deficiencies to be removed before recommendation for a certificate will be made by the Certification Officer at Western Illinois University. All teacher education requirements must be met and all state tests must be passed.
Transcript Evaluation for Initial Certification Request form is available online,by calling 309-298-1434, or e-mail