We wanted you to know about a change to our alternative licensure program. We are now requiring just one year of successful residency teaching. All other aspects of the program remain the same.
As a reminder, our alternative licensure program allows people with a bachelor's degree to earn a teaching license and a graduate degree while working as a paid teacher in Illinois.
Western Illinois University’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Alternative Licensure program has partnered with over 180 schools across the state to add qualified teachers to the workforce since 2021. This program reaches potential teachers across the state because students complete all coursework remotely online or via Zoom and can complete their residency training at any Illinois school.
After completing the state’s requirements, including passing the relevant content exam, and accepting an eligible teaching job, students receive an Educator License with Stipulations endorsed for Alternative Provisional Educator (ELS-APE).
The ELS-APE is a provisional license that allows districts in Illinois to hire candidates into vacant teaching positions with the salary and associated benefits of a fully qualified teacher. Most candidates remain in that position for a one-year residency period in lieu of student teaching, following ISBE guidelines. Assuming the candidate completes all course work in the program and that the residency goes well, they are then entitled for a full Professional Educators License (PEL).
Our program provides an alternative pathway to the Professional Educator License in sixteen areas:
Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2)
Elementary (Grades 1-6)
Middle Grades (Grades 5-8) Language Arts, General Science, Social Science, or Mathematics
Music (Grades PK-12)
Physical Education (Grades PK-12)
Secondary English (Grades 9-12)
Secondary History (Grades 9-12)
Secondary Mathematics (Grades 9-12)
Secondary Science (Grades 9-12): Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth, or Space Science, Environmental Science
Special Education (Grades K-Age 22) - Learning Behavioral Specialist (LBS1)
Visual Arts (Grades PK-12)
World Language: French (Grades PK-12)
World Language: Spanish(Grades PK-12
Students are eligible for federal and state grants and other forms of financial aid.
