1. Early Childhood Ed cert talk Nov 1, 2011, 6:30 p.m. 166 Wohlers

2. – COTE introduction Oversee all things related to certification – Past – Things like CBC and Bloodborne Pathogen training Here tonight to talk about process of actually getting certified. Obtain certification 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 answer no, it will not let you proceed. If yes, it will continue. Click on “Click here to fill out your application request.” Email address-Recommend you use your most reliable-regular email account.

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

5. You will all be endorsed in Early Childhood Education (Pre K –grade 3 self contained) All qualify for Early Childhood Special Education Approval (Pre K) – If you want to teach Special Education K-3, will need to meet requirements for Learning Behavior Specialist I endorsement (6 additional courses-available only to grad students) Only a very limited number of additional endorsements (fewer still which are available to undergrads) The most common additional endorsement is foreign language (18 hours of same foreign language). Signature (must “sign” stating you understand) Must submit – Once you sign, you can’t go back. Contact us

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 grad audit completed earlier. – Problems? Will either contact you or records officer. If contacted, it’s important you respond.

7. Nothing missing? Will put application in pending file until end of spring or summer term Endorsements? Will send Endorsement email It should have the ECSE approval. 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. This is only record we will have of your Student teaching (directions on student portal).

8. – Safety Training – Approved portfolio – Departmental Recommendation Should come automatically from Jay Mann if you meet all responsibilities – Tests – Content test: Early Childhood Education (107) – Assessment of Professional Teaching: Birth to Grade 3 (101) – Grades – Degree (must appear on transcripts!!!) – Spring graduates – June 18, 2012 – Summer grads – Sept 10, 2012 – Obviously may pose problems for fall employment. “Claiming” your certificate – We will contact you at email address you provided.

9. Will provide a link to the Educator Certification System (ECS) (www.isbe.net/ecs)www.isbe.net/ecs Click on this 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. Paper copy of certificate will arrive in mail Any school district with your name and SSN can verify certification TESTING (more information) – Two required tests: Early Childhood Education (107) – May 2012 Grads do NOT have to take/pass before student teaching. Assessment of Professional Teaching: Birth to Grades 3 (101)

11. Test dates (May Grads) February 11, 2012 (Recommended) – Allows Fall back date if you don’t pass – Provides context for answering questions for APT. – May take content test and APT on same day for convenience and save $$$ – (On Jan 7 th date only the APT is offered). Be sure you request test scores be sent 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 04 certificate If you don’t need certificate right away, may choose to hold off until July 1 st to claim. But don’t forget!!!! Valid for 4 fiscal years. Must renew every 4 years until you receive standard-then it’s 5 years

12. Renewing your certificate. Important! The window off opportunity for renewing is getting smaller-don’t let your certificate lapse. – Can renew online through ECS 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 “Resources” in www.cote.illinois.eduwww.cote.illinois.edu If you ask us how to get certified in another state, we’ll likely only refer you to this link or to contact the respective states.

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

14. COTE website www.cote.illinois.edu www.cote.illinois.edu Requirements & Procedures Certification Timeline Resources Educator Certification System (ECS) Illinois Certification Testing System (ICTS) Other Certification Tests (for certification in other states) Take Us To School – Resources for student teachers U.S. Teacher Certification Offices Links Illinois Education Job Bank Student Portal