Secondary and Middle-Grade Endorsement Application Instructions

Students completing an elementary, secondary or special certification program may be eligible to add subject endorsements to their certificates. You must apply for an endorsement using the forms listed below. An evaluation of your coursework for an endorsement will be completed during your last semester of completing your teaching certificate. The application form must be completed, signed by the student and program coordinator or adviser and returned to the Office of Registration and Records by the dates below:

• Spring graduation/completion - due March 1
• Summer graduation/completion - due July 1
• Fall graduation/completion - due October 15

Late endorsement forms may delay the timeliness of recommending a student's Application for Certificate and/or endorsements.

To be eligible for a transcript evaluation for either the Middle-Grade and/or Secondary Endorsement the following is required:

1. Complete all student information requested on the top section of the Endorsement form.
2. Check the box of each endorsement area that you believe you have met. Do not check an endorsement subject if you do not have the minimum requirements. The Office of Registration and Records must have official transcripts on file of coursework completed at other institutions for credit toward the endorsement.
3. Sign the form
4. Have your program coordinator or advisor sign the form and return it to the Office of Registration and Records.

Middle Grade Endorsements

The requirements for teaching at the middle grades include 18 semester hours of credit in the subject area of the major teaching assignment. In some cases, the 18 semester hours requires a specific distribution of coursework. In addition, the middle grade teacher must also complete three semester hours of coursework in philosophy and methodology and three semester hours of psychology and development of the middle school child. The coursework which fulfills these six hours are approved by the State of Illinois and may vary between certification programs. Please see your advisor for additional information on middle school subject endorsements.

To print a middle school endorsement application for your program, first select your program/major field below:

Secondary Endorsements

Secondary subject endorsements generally require a major in the content area (as listed on the transcript) or 32 semester hours in the content area or 24 semester hours in the content area and passing the content-area examination. Please see your advisor for additional information on secondary endorsement areas.