Once you hold a Professional Educator License (PEL) or Educator License with Stipulations endorsed in a teaching field, you can add additional content area endorsements.

The PEL serves as a foundation to which you can add teaching endorsements once you complete applicable coursework and testing.

Endorsements allow experienced teachers to expand their qualifications by obtaining additional credentials. Earning an endorsement gives you opportunities to advance or transition to a new position.

Teachers must (1) complete 18 semester hours of coursework in the content area, including a methods course, and (2) pass the Language Arts (201) exam.

Note: Some of your prior coursework may count toward the 18 semester hours required for the endorsement. Our Educator Services team will work with you to determine which courses to take to fulfill your requirements.

The following courses are pre-approved by ISBE to count toward your Middle Grades Language Arts endorsement:

• American Literature
• British Literature
• Multicultural U.S. Literature
• Shakespearean Literature
• Women’s Literature through a Feminist Lens

Interested in other endorsements? Many of our courses are applicable toward Illinois teaching endorsements. E-mail or schedule a call with our Educator Services team for help creating a plan to earn your endorsement.

Yes. In addition to completing the coursework, you will still need to register with ISBE and take the appropriate exam.

Yes. You can apply up to six credits toward any Greenville University Master of Arts in Education pending acceptance into the program.

Possibly. You would need to submit the course(s) to ISBE for approval first. If you’re unsure about the course information, please e-mail or schedule a call with our Educator Services team for assistance.

For questions about coursework and how it can apply toward an endorsement, please e-mail or schedule a call with our Educator Services team.

For questions about the exam, endorsement application, and other Illinois state requirements, please visit the ISBE website.