Visual Art Certification Talk November 27, 10:30 a.m. 319 Art & Design

– 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, 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

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.”

address-Recommend you use your most reliable-regular account. 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 show some mercy) 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 submit – Once you sign, you can’t go back. Contact us if you need to modify/correct something.

The next day, you should receive an 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.

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).

– 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.

Will provide a link to the Educator Certification System (ECS) ( Click on provided 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.

Paper copy of certificate 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. Assessment of Professional Teaching 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.

Testing (Continued) Be sure you send test scores to Illinois Be sure your SSN is accurate (errors may delay certification). Can check your tests on your Student portal. Keep test scores forever (or longer)- May need them later

Odds and Ends Depending on when you claim your certificate, it will either be an Initial “Type-10” or it will simply be a Professional Educator License endorsed in Visual Arts. – After June 1 st, it will become the latter. 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” assuming you claim your certificate right away. – The non-grade specific version will be computer- based only

Renewing your certificate. Important! The window for renewing is getting smaller-don’t let your license 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 – 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).

“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 (

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.

COTE website 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