Educator Licensure
With nationwide teacher shortages, pursuing teacher licensure has become more crucial and promising than ever. The NIU Department of English’s long tradition of excellence in teacher preparation ensures that our graduates are well-equipped to meet this demand. Our high-quality faculty members provide students with the practical, subject area, and theoretical knowledge necessary to succeed as professionals in English Language Arts, making them highly desirable candidates for employment across the state.
Undergraduate Educator Licensure
Students majoring in English who seek licensure to teach at the secondary level should consult with the coordinator of educator licensure in English at the earliest possible date. Undergraduate majors apply for admission to educator licensure in English at the end of the sophomore year, except in the case of transfer students, who normally apply at the end of their first semester at NIU.
View English Studies with Secondary Licensure program information
in Undergraduate Catalog (See Track 2)
Graduate Educator Licensure
Graduate students should see the appropriate section of the entry in the Graduate Catalog for the Department of English. Students who already possess the baccalaureate or higher degree and wish to pursue certification without becoming a candidate for a degree should consult the coordinator of educator licensure in English as early as possible.
View Educator Licensure in English program information
in Graduate Catalog
Important Update: Admission and Application Deadline
Effective immediately, admission to the NIU English educator licensure program and placement in the first clinical experience will take place once each year, with the submission deadline falling on February 1. The program’s updated admission requirements will be announced in greater detail as soon as possible.
Students interested in pursuing English educator licensure should contact the coordinator of educator licensure in English at espencer1@niu.edu or askenglish@niu.edu as soon as possible to discuss application materials, program expectations, and potential timelines.
Applicants should be prepared to submit the following materials for admission:
- Completed application form
- Writing sample
- Transcripts
Students considering educator licensure are encouraged to begin the process early to ensure they understand the admission requirements, program sequence, timing of the first clinical placement, and anticipated completion date.
