NOTE: Practicum II serves as the introduction to student teaching. These two classes are linked to provide a 20 plus week experience in one school setting.
See Office of Field Experiences for further information about the application process.
Licensure In Illinois, a Professional Educator License (PEL) is required to teach in public schools. It is a foundational license that allows educators to add specific subject endorsements upon completion of required coursework and testing. The PEL is valid for five years and can be renewed through professional development. Application for Licensure The National College of Education’s ECE program is designed to meet educational requirements to obtain licensure and/or certification in Illinois. The program curriculum may meet requirements of other states. NLU has not determined which other states may meet requirements. For more information on state licensure and certification information please visit NLU’s Public Disclosures page. The Application The application for the initial Professional Educator License is completed during the student teaching term. Candidates need to have official transcripts on file at NLU documenting all general education requirements and all professional education requirements. The applications are submitted online to the Licensure Office via the candidates’ NLU Portal account. Complete the “Request for Professional Educator License, Endorsement or Approval” electronic form at the Student Services tab. For a full description of the licensure process, please use the link https://nl.edu/licensure/instructions/. Upon receipt of the applications, the Licensure Office will hold the applications pending the submission of grades for student teaching. Upon receipt of final grades, the Licensure Office reviews the request for license and recommends the applicants for entitlement with ISBE once all requirements are met. Follow up directions will be sent to the applicants on how to finalize the license with ISBE. ISBE requires e- transcripts be submitted for their files. Please order and have e-transcripts sent directly from NLU to ISBE at transcripts@isbe.net.
The timeline for this process varies depending on several factors including the number of applications and the accuracy of the applications. The Licensure Office will contact candidates
27 / MAT Early Childhood Education Handbook
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