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
Note: The state of Illinois is changing its requirements for educator licensure in English Language Arts. Please watch this page to see how we adapt our programs to meet these new requirements while continuing to provide an outstanding mix of pedagogy and content knowledge as well as a focus on professional career preparation.
