Illinois Graduate Alternative Licensure Program

Single Endorsements: Elementary Education (Grades 1-6); Middle Grades Language Arts (Grades 5-8); Middle Grades Mathematics (Grades 5-8); Middle Grades General Science (Grades 5-8); Middle Grades Social Sciences (Grades 5-8); Senior High English Language Arts (Grades 9-12); Senior High Mathematics (Grades 9-12); Senior High Science- Biology (Grades 9-12); Senior High Science- Chemistry (Grades 9-12); Senior High Social Science- History (Grades 9-12); Learning Behavior Specialist I (Kindergarten - Age 22)

The Illinois Graduate Alternative Licensure Program is intended for students who have completed an undergraduate degree and want to seek teacher licensure in Illinois through an alternate route. 

The Illinois Graduate Alternative Licensure Program is offered through enrollment in a corresponding Master of Arts in Teaching program:

• Elementary, middle grades, and senior high endorsements are offered through enrollment in a corresponding MAT program (32 credits/6 terms). 

• Students seeking the Learning Behavior Specialist I (Kindergarten - Age 22) must enroll in the MAT in Special Education (39 credits/6 terms). 

Students complete aligned coursework and qualifying clinical experiences in a “two-year residency” as a co-teacher or teacher of record entitled under an Educator License with Stipulations for an Alternative Provisional Educator (ELS(APE)). Students’ teaching assignments must match the endorsement sought. Clinical experiences are supervised by Relay faculty and a school-based clinical mentor. Academic plans detailing specific course requirements may be accessed on the Academic Plans site. Students are provided with a detailed course schedule at orientation.

Successful program completers who meet all necessary requirements for licensure may apply for the Professional Educator License (PEL), valid for 5 years. A complete list of requirements for program admission, completion, and licensure can be found in the Illinois Graduate Alternative Licensure Program Transition Points Guide.