IL SB3877

School districts, special education cooperatives, and public educational employers may only recognize graduate-level continuing education coursework for teacher salary advancement or lane changes if it meets new specified requirements, effective July 1, 2026

Qualifying coursework must be degree-eligible credit from a regionally accredited institution, documented on an official transcript, and result in a letter grade (pass/fail or completion-only courses are excluded)

Instructors of record for qualifying courses must hold a master's degree or higher, be academically qualified in the content area, provide substantive instructional support throughout enrollment, and give individualized written feedback

Collective bargaining rights to negotiate salary schedules remain intact, provided any recognized continuing education coursework complies with the new requirements

The State Board of Education, in consultation with the Board of Higher Education, may adopt rules for documentation, transcript verification, accreditation standards, and compliance monitoring