Illinois · Career guide

How to become a Elementary Teacher in Illinois

Elementary teachers (typically K-5 or K-6 depending on the state) deliver self-contained instruction across all core subjects. Hiring competition varies — popular metro districts can have dozens of applicants per opening, while rural and high-poverty districts often run staffing fairs to recruit. Bilingual / dual-language certification can dramatically expand opportunity.

No elementary teaching positions are open in Illinois right now — set up an alert and we'll notify you when new postings are scraped.

Certification path in Illinois

  1. Earn a bachelor's degree. Most candidates complete a teacher-preparation program either as part of their undergraduate studies or as a post-baccalaureate add-on.
  2. Pass the required exams. Illinois typically requires:
    • Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) — Basic skills assessment
    • ILTS Content Area Assessment — Subject matter knowledge for your area
    • edTPA — Performance assessment during student teaching

    Most states issue a generic elementary license (K-6 or K-8). Adding a content endorsement (e.g. middle-grades math) expands grade-level placement options.

  3. Apply for your initial license through Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) →
  4. Job-search in Illinois. We'll track elementary teaching openings as districts post them; set up an alert to be notified immediately when new positions go live.

Alternative pathways in Illinois

If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, Illinois offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:

  • Illinois Alternative Educator Licensure — for career changers employed by a district
  • Teach For America (active in Chicago)
  • Chicago Teaching Fellows
  • Career and Technical Education licenses

Illinois salary context

Average teacher salary in Illinois: $67,882/year (rank #9 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $38,000/year.

Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full Illinois salary guide for the breakdown.

Full Illinois certification guideAll license tiers, alt routes, and reciprocity from other states.Illinois salary guidePay schedule, COL context, top-paying districts.Illinois teacher shortageWhich subjects are in shortage status — and the loan-forgiveness eligibility.