IL HB0655

Professional Educator License holders must complete 120 hours of professional development per 5-year renewal cycle to renew their license, with exceptions for National Board certified teachers (60 hours) and those holding administrative endorsements working in administrative roles (100 hours plus annual Illinois Administrators' Academy course).

License holders must electronically enter professional development activity details into the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) before renewal, and the State Board of Education must notify them electronically at least 6 months before license expiration if an email address is available.

Lapsed licenses may be reinstated by paying a $500 penalty to the State Board of Education or completing 9 semester hours of coursework from a regionally accredited institution in a relevant content area, plus all back registration fees owed.

Approved providers of professional development include the State Board of Education, regional offices, higher education institutions, school districts, state agencies, museums, and certain not-for-profit organizations, and must align activities to state standards and demonstrate impact on student learning or school improvement.

Licensees who are retired, working in positions not requiring licensure, or working less than 50% time need only pay registration fees; those with current Department of Financial and Professional Regulation licenses related to school support personnel endorsements are exempt from professional development requirements.