In collaboration with the School of Education, the School of Exercise Science & Sport offers courses leading to eligibility for State of Illinois teaching licensure in K-12 Physical Education and optional subsequent endorsements in Health and Driver Education.
Illinois requires that all candidates for an initial teacher’s license complete a state-approved program at a recognized teacher education institution. In addition, all candidates must pass the Illinois Licensure Testing System examinations in content knowledge in the major field before student teaching and the edTPA.
Teacher Licensure
In addition to the required departmental course work, students seeking teacher licensure must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education or complete the University requirements for graduation, complete the professional education core of courses required by the School of Education, and pass required Illinois State Board of Education examinations. Academic standards are required for admission into the School of Education, including a minimum GPA of 2.7. Specific requirements are outlined in the School of Education section of this Bulletin.
Students who successfully complete this program will be eligible for teacher licensure entitlement in Physical Education for grades K-12. Students are encouraged to also complete required coursework and content area examinations for any endorsements, if applicable. Students may elect to add an endorsement in Special Education, English as a Second Language, or Bilingual Education to their professional educator license upon completion of their degree program. Completion of specified endorsement coursework and applicable content area tests will meet the requirements to add this area as a subsequent endorsement to the teaching license. Students should contact the School of Education’s Licensure Officer if they have questions regarding subsequent endorsement options.
Return to: