IL HB3402

School districts must prioritize hiring or assigning physical education, music, and visual arts educators who hold an educator license and endorsement in those specific content areas.

Professional educator licensure applicants must either pass the licensure content area test or complete at least 9 semester hours of coursework in their assigned content area before their employment start date.

Employees hired without full licensure must complete remaining coursework in their content area and apply for a license endorsement within 3 calendar years of their employment start date to retain employment for subsequent school years.

School districts may follow existing employee contract language when conducting reductions in force and filling positions.