1. Visual Art Certification Talk
April 18, a.m.
229 Art & Design

2. COTE introduction
Oversee all things related to licensing
Past – Things like CBC, Bloodborne Pathogen training, etc.
Here today to talk about process of actually getting certified.
Obtain license as soon as you can!!!!-Regardless of other plans (grad school, Peace Corp, etc).
Only protected against program changes for 1 year
Not protected at all against ISBE changes (Ex: C or better)
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”
Will ask if your are registered for or previously done student teaching.
If you must answer no, do not proceed. If yes, continue.
Click on “Click here to fill out your application request.”

4. address-Recommend you use your most reliable-regular account. (UIUC’s account will go away)
Phone number
Degree period (or licensing period)
Major
License (Should pull in as Visual Arts-K-12)
Endorsements
Comments: Provide important information regarding endorsements such as pending transfer coursework, tests, etc.

5. May choose as many as you wish to be considered for (but please have mercy as each audit takes time)
You will all be endorsed in Visual Arts (K-12).
To teach any other subject besides Art 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 click “submit”
Once you submit you can’t go back. Contact us if you need to revise or add 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 Fall 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 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
Mandated reporter training acknowledgement
Approved portfolio
Departmental Recommendation
Should come automatically from Robin if you meet all responsibilities
Tests
Visual Arts
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 Licensure System (ELS) (www. isbe
Will provide a link to the Educator Licensure System (ELS) (
Click on provided link.
If you haven’t already done so, create a “Private Educator Licensure Account”
Click on “You have an entitlement license 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 license will arrive in mail
Any school district with your name and SSN can verify certification
TESTING (more information)
Two tests:
Visual Arts (145)-Must take/pass before student teaching (state law).
Assessment of Professional Teaching (K-12) (104) (or non- grade specific version)
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. Testing (Continued)
Be sure you send test scores to Illinois
Be sure your SSN is accurate (errors may delay license). Can check your tests on your Student portal.
Keep test scores forever (or longer)- May need them later

12. Odds and Ends
Unlike those before you, you will be issued a “Professional Educator License” endorsed in Visual Arts.
The APT will become available as a non-grade specific test. You can take either version (K-12 or non-grade specific version).
the former will remain “valid.”
The non-grade specific version will be computer-based only

13. Certification in other states
Renewing your license. Important! The window for renewing is getting smaller-don’t let your license lapse.
Can renew online through ELS (same site you claim your certificate on).
Certification in other states
Likely will require licensure 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 – Talks about reciprocity, etc
US Teacher Certification Offices
(If you ask us about certification in other states, this is where we’ll likely refer you).

14. “Highly Qualified” A Federal No Child Left Behind definition
Will be “Highly Qualified” for art by virtue of your major and by passing the content test in Visual Arts
To teach other subjects, it’s generally advisable to be both endorsed and “highly qualified.”
Questions? Go to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on our website (

15. 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
Include previous dialogue.
Urgent timely matters? Don’t use .
No appointments by . Call office.

16. COTE website www.cote.illinois.edu
Requirements & Procedures
Certification Timeline
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
Student Portal