1. Do I need to be a current classroom teacher in order to join?
The courses are designed to meet the requirements for the Elementary Math Specialist Endorsement in Illinois. To get that endorsement, you must have an Illinois Professional Educator License, at least 2 years teaching experience, and a Master’s Degree. All of the courses involve fieldwork within a classroom or school setting. In addition to classroom teachers, instructional coaches or math leaders in schools can successfully complete the coursework if they can work with groups of students in their schools. However, if you don’t have the ability to work with students in a school, this program would not be a good fit.
2. What if I don’t have a Master’s degree?
The state of Illinois requires a Master’s degree in order to add the Elementary Mathematics Specialist Endorsement to your Professional Educator License. You are welcome to take the classes for professional learning, but wouldn’t be eligible for the endorsement through ISBE until you also earned a master’s degree.
3. What if I don’t live in Illinois, or don’t have an Illinois Professional Educator’s License?
The courses are designed to meet the requirements for the Elementary Math Specialist Endorsement in Illinois. To get that endorsement, you must have an Illinois Professional Educator License, at least 2 years teaching experience, and a Master’s Degree. If you don’t meet these requirements, but would like to enroll in the courses for your own professional development, you are still welcome to apply.
4. Will all of the courses be remote? When will future courses be held?
All six courses for this cohort will be held remotely. Future cohorts will be held either remotely, hybrid, or in-person, based on interest from teachers and staff availability.
5. Do the credits count toward salary lane placement or a Master’s degree?
Teachers receive graduate level credits and a university transcript that can be applied toward “lane” advancement on local salary schedules, as applicable, but this is not a degree-seeking program. The credits cannot be applied toward a Master’s Degree at the University of Chicago.