SB2711 Summary

• Amends Illinois School Code to establish endorsement requirements for Professional Educator Licenses, including principal, chief school business official, superintendent, teacher leader, special education, and school support personnel endorsements.

• Eliminates the general administrative endorsement effective September 1, 2014, and allows existing holders to convert to principal endorsements by passing a state assessment, completing an Illinois Educators' Academy course (through July 1, 2019), or completing an approved principal preparation program.

• Requires principal endorsement candidates to have at least 4 years of teaching or school support personnel experience (in Illinois or out-of-state schools) and a master's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.

• Establishes Professional Educator License renewal requirements including 120 hours of professional development per 5-year cycle, with reduced requirements (60 hours) for National Board certified teachers and alternative requirements for administrative and school support personnel positions.

• Designates approved providers for professional development activities including the State Board of Education, regional offices of education, colleges/universities, professional associations, school districts, and not-for-profit organizations with state grants for English Language Learning services.