IL SB0578

Establishes endorsement requirements for Professional Educator Licenses including principal, chief school business official, superintendent, teacher leader, special education, and school support personnel endorsements with specific qualification criteria for each.

Phases out the general administrative endorsement beginning September 1, 2014, allowing existing holders to convert to principal endorsement through passage of state assessment, Illinois Educators' Academy course completion, or principal preparation program by July 1, 2015.

Increases application fees for Professional Educator Licenses from $75 to $100 effective January 1, 2015, with separate fees for out-of-state applicants ($150) and endorsement additions ($50 each).

Implements a 5-year renewal cycle requiring 120 hours of professional development activities per cycle, with exceptions for National Board certified teachers (60 hours), administrative staff (100 hours plus annual academy course), and retired/exempt educators.

Allows lapsed licenses to be reinstated upon payment of $500 penalty ($150 for paraprofessional endorsement only) or completion of 9 semester hours of graduate coursework, with all back registration fees owed from expiration date.