1. Music Education Certification Talk
Sept 10, 2012, 10 a.m.
Krannert Room, Krannert Center for Performing Arts

2. COTE introduction
Oversee all things related to certification
Past – Things like CBC and Bloodborne Pathogen training
Here today to talk about process of actually getting certified.
Obtain certification as soon as you can!!!!-regardless of other plans (grad school, Peace Corp, raising a family, etc.)
Not protected at all against ISBE changes (Ex: C or better requirement)
Other state certification will likely hinge on Illinois certification first

3. Applying for certification:
Log onto your student portal
(Example: ed-blutarsky (Bluto))
Click on “Certification Application”
System will ask if your are registered for or previously done student teaching.
If you answer no, it will not let you proceed. If yes, it will continue.
Click on “Click here to fill out your application request.”
address-Recommend you use your most reliable-regular account.

4. Phone number Degree period Major Certificate Endorsements
Comments: Provide important information regarding endorsements such as pending transfer coursework, tests, etc.
May choose as many as you wish to be considered for (but please use some common sense)

5. You will all be endorsed in Music (K-12).
To teach any other subject besides Music at the middle grade, you must complete the middle grade coursework and meet the content requirements for the endorsement.
Signature (must “sign” stating you understand) (check mark to the side)
Must submit
Once you submit, you can’t go back. Contact us if you need to modify/correct something.

6. The next day, you should receive an email which says the COTE has received your application.
Can submit application even if you haven’t yet passed all tests (just need to be registered for student teaching).
I will complete an audit based on DARS report or graduate audit we completed earlier.
Problems? Will either contact you or records officer. If contacted, it’s important you respond.

7. End of final semester processing.
Nothing missing? Will put application in pending file until end of spring or summer term
Endorsements? Will send Endorsement to address you put on form. Contact us if something is inaccurate or missing.
End of final semester processing.
EFE hours (at least 80). (Should check your Student portal for accuracy)
Student Teaching Time Report
Be accurate and fairly descriptive. Only record we will have of your Student teaching (directions on student portal).

8. Recommending you to ISBE:
Safety Training
Approved portfolio
Departmental Recommendation
Should come automatically from Dave if you meet all responsibilities
Tests
Music
Assessment of Professional Teaching
Grades
Degree (must appear on transcripts!!!)
Recommending you to ISBE:
We will contact you at address you provided.

9. Will provide a link to the Educator Certification System (ECS) (www
Will provide a link to the Educator Certification System (ECS) (
Click on link.
If you haven’t already done so, create a “Private Certification Account”
Click on “You have an entitlement certificate waiting for your application.”
Click on “Apply online”
Follow steps.
Be prepared to pay by credit card
Be sure to register your certificate with a district!!!

10. TESTING (more information)
Paper copy of certificate will arrive in mail
Any school district with your name and SSN can verify certification
TESTING (more information)
Two tests:
Music(143) (should have already passed)
Assessment of Professional Teaching: Grades K-12 (104)
If you plan to be endorsed in a foreign language and wish to be considered “highly qualified” (NCLB), unless you are double majoring or have 32 hours, plan to take the corresponding Foreign Language Content test.

11. Test dates (December Grads)
Can still take November 10th test and be certified by January). Next test won’t be until Feb 9th.
Be sure you send test scores to Illinois
Be sure your SSN is accurate (errors may delay certification). Can check your tests on Student portal.
Keep test scores forever (or longer)- May need them
Odds and Ends (important trivia)
Initial Type 10 certificate
Good for 4 fiscal years. Must renew every 4 years until you receive standard-then it’s 5 years

12. Certification in other states
Renewing your certificate. Important! The window for renewing is getting smaller (only 6 months from expiration date). Don’t let certificate lapse.
Can renew online through ECS (same site you claim your certificate on).
Certification in other states
Likely will require certification in Illinois first
Other states may have program verification form.
Send form to COTE to fill out.
Contact information is on our website under Links” in
Certification Map
US Teacher Certification Offices
(If you ask us about certification in other states, this is where we’ll likely refer you).

13. Website: www.cote.illinois.edu Email
Summary
Location: 505 E. Green Street, Suite 202
Upstairs from PNC Bank and Coldstone Creamery
Website: or
Pick one of us.
Include UIN
Urgent timely matters? Don’t use .
No appointments by . Call office.

14. COTE website www.cote.illinois.edu
LINKS:
Educator Certification System (ECS)
Illinois Certification Testing System (ICTS)
Certification map
Other Certification Tests (for certification in other states)
Take Us To School – Resources for student teachers
U.S. Teacher Certification Offices
Illinois Education Job Bank