I'm a high school student
or recent graduate
Gain the credentials you need

• Step 1:
  
  
  You must have a college degree to become a teacher in any field. Gather information from accredited schools of education.
  
  
  • University of Phoenix
  • Walden University
  • Capella University
  • Ashford University


• Step 2:
  
  
  After completing the most important step, now it is time to take care of details. In order to be accepted into the best schools while also looking attractive to future employers, it is important to immerse yourself into your community by volunteering in non-profit, community building organizations in your town or city. Request applications to some of these organizations:
  
  
  • Housing and Urban Development
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters
  • ProLiteracy World Wide
  • American Red Cross
  • General Volunteering Information


• Step 3:
  
  
  You now have the ball rolling. The last step is to constantly be aware of your own career desires. Regularly assess your feelings toward becoming a teacher. Teaching is a difficult profession and requires a large commitment. If you are not sure, there are other college programs that will allow you to take steps toward becoming a teacher, but are less committing. Kaplan University has a two year program for people wishing to become a paraprofessional. This is a great intermediate step on your way toward becoming a teacher.
  
  
  
  Back to Illinois Teacher Certification/Credentialing
  Or, Steps to become a teacher in Illinois

Learn about the requirements of another state by clicking on one of the state certification links to your left.

Request information from schools by clicking on the links or school logos below.