Section 1.781  Requirements for Bilingual Education Teachers in Prekindergarten, Kindergarten, and any of Grades 1-12

a)         Bilingual education teachers employed in an approved bilingual education program prior to September 1, 1985 are not subject to the requirements set forth in subsection (b), provided they continue to hold a license issued prior to that date and valid for their current teaching role.

b)         Beginning on September 1, 1985, bilingual education teachers in State‑approved bilingual education programs must meet one of the following requirements:

1)         Possess a valid educator license with stipulations endorsed for transitional bilingual educator issued in accordance with 23 Ill. Adm. Code 25.90 (Endorsement for Transitional Bilingual Educator).

2)         Possess a valid professional educator license endorsed for bilingual educator when evidence is presented demonstrating that the following requirements have been met:

A)        Verification of reading, writing, grammar skills, and speaking proficiency in the non-English language for which the endorsement or approval is sought by graduating from an institution where the non-English language was the medium of instruction, through passage of the test of language proficiency in that language, or by holding an Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy; and

B)        18 semester hours distributed among the following areas and including 100 clock hours of clinical experience or 3 months teaching experience in a bilingual education program:

i)          Foundations of bilingual education;

ii)         Assessment of the bilingual student;

iii)         Methods and materials for teaching English learners (ELs) in bilingual programs;

iv)        Methods and materials for teaching English as a Second Language; and

v)         Cross-cultural studies for teaching ELs.

3)         Hold a valid educator license with stipulations endorsed for visiting international educator and for the grade levels of the students to be served and meets the requirements set forth at 23 Ill. Adm. Code 25.92(i) (Endorsement for Visiting International Educator).

(Source:  Amended at 46 Ill. Reg. 6272, effective April 11, 2022)