Students

Begin your journey to becoming a teacher/leader.

National Criminal Background Check (NCBC) Requirements

Complete a one-time online National Criminal Background Check (NCBC) prior to beginning any clinical experience.

Read more about the NCBC
Get Licensed

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) grants teacher/school licenses in the State of Illinois to students who complete approved programs, pass exams, and meet ISBE requirements.

Read more licensure information

Gateways

All teacher education students must complete Milestones broken down into the following two:

Gateway 1: Pre-Student Teaching:

prepares students for the rigors of teaching by providing them with foundational knowledge and skills and helping them fulfill basic legal requirements
Gateway 2: Student Teaching:

students are placed in real classrooms where they can put their knowledge and skills into practice under the guidance of a mentor teacher.

Check out a few of the resources available to help you along the way:

If you need to learn more about the Gateway options, e-mail your question(s).

Pre-Student Teaching Experiences

Teacher candidates increase knowledge and develop skills through observation, tutoring, and teaching in diverse school and agency settings.
- Checklist, Forms, and Resources
- Teacher Education Appeal Process
Student Teaching Experiences

Student teaching is the capstone of the teacher education process, requiring candidates to increase classroom responsibilities and demonstrate competency in planning, assessment, and instruction.
- Resources
- Apply to Student Teaching
Professional Development Schools

The Professional Development Schools (PDS) program offers senior education students at Illinois State University a year-long experience in a public school that replaces the 16-week student-teaching semester.
- Learn about Professional Development Schools program
- Professional Development Schools FAQs