Illinois Teacher Resources and Salary Information

It's a unique and exciting time to become a teacher in Illinois, given the numerous government initiatives and fellowships that focus on education improvements.

The state's successful school system, which include over 4,000 public schools and a small but growing number of charter schools, boasts the third highest college placement exam score in the nation.*

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third largest public school system in the nation—which generates a sizable need for qualified teachers. This makes Chicago, as well as the whole of the state, a promising setting for aspiring teachers.

Along with the extensive teaching opportunities fueled by education reform, Chicago offers competitive teaching salaries in a vibrant, metropolitan environment. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average Chicago teacher salary in the district in 2009 was over $68,200.

This makes Chicago not only an appealing city with its many urban attractions, but also a great setting for a well-paying and rewarding teaching career.

But Illinois teacher salaries prove substantial overall as well. In 2009, The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also reported an annual average Illinois teacher salary of $67,960—over $10,000 higher than the national average. Your salary will vary depending on where you work, your level of education, and your seniority.

But teaching anywhere in Illinois will prove rewarding both personally and monetarily.

Unlike some other states, Illinois boasts a plentiful teacher supply for its public school system. Because of this, new Illinois teachers may benefit from applying at lower-demand schools, such as those in outlying or rural areas.

If you become a teacher in Illinois, consider teaching a subject area that is experiencing a shortage and your chances of landing a job as a new teacher rise considerably.

The U.S. Department of Education reports that in 2008, math, reading, science and bilingual and special education teachers were in demand throughout Illinois. And Chicago teachers certified to teach elementary classes were a surprising addition to that list.

For the inspiring story of a young secondary history teacher who was able to secure a much sought-after teaching position outside of Chicago, see our teacher job market interview.

Illinois has a three-tiered professional certification system which includes initial, standard and master teaching certificates:

• Initial certification is for teachers with less than four years of teaching experience.

• Standard certification is for teachers who have completed their first four years of teaching and want to renew for an additional five years.

• Master certification is for teachers who have met the rigorous standards of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). This certification is valid for 10 years.

In order to obtain a first professional certificate, prospective Illinois teachers must complete an approved education program, which usually means a bachelor's degree in education from an accredited university that is approved by the State Superintendent of Education and the State Board of Education.

A basic skills test, subject matter tests for endorsements, and an Assessment of Professional Teaching exam (that focuses on grade-level appropriate teaching skills) are also required.

For more information about Illinois teacher certification requirements, contact the Illinois State Board of Education.

Renaissance 2010

Renaissance 2010 is an initiative that focuses on improving education in Chicago's schools by 2010. It has been one of the catalysts for education transformation throughout Chicago's 600 public schools. Its vision to promote student learning has created programs like Chicago Teaching Fellows and the Illinois New Teacher Collaborative (INTC).

Chicago Teaching Fellows

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) recently marked the largest one-year jump in scores on the Illinois Standards Achievement Test since 1995.

The city is looking to continue this trend through promising programs such as the Chicago Teaching Fellows, a competitive alternate Illinois teacher certification program that provides a pathway for new teachers to bring their knowledge, experience and leadership to CPS classrooms and to obtain their teaching credentials while earning a teaching salary.

If you specialize in math, science or special education, this fellowship could be your ticket to a competitive Chicago teacher's position.

Illinois New Teacher Collaborative (INTC)

If you become a teacher in Illinois, joining a professional development organization like the Illinois New Teacher Collaborative (INTC) can be very helpful to your career. Members of INTC can find mentors, contribute resources and join online communities which best fit their interests.

_{Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2009}