Alternative Educator Licensure Program
The Alternative Educator Licensure Program (Alt Cert) option at National Louis University (NLU) allows teaching candidates to work in a school in Illinois under an experienced teaching mentor while also earning their Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) and Alternative Professional License (APE).
Which Programs Are Offered?
M.A.T. Early Childhood Education (PK-2)
M.A.T. Elementary Education (Grades 1-6)
M.A.T. Special Education (PK-22 years old)
M.A.T. Secondary Education (Grades 9-12)
Program Structure
The Alternative Educator Licensure Program is designed to be completed in two years. Candidates start in the summer with intensive education courses before they begin working as the teacher of record in the fall.
All Alternative Educator Licensure Program candidates will complete an intensive summer jumpstart experience that incorporates coursework and field experiences.
Candidates who finish their summer coursework, field experiences, and pass the content test are eligible for the Alternative Professional License, which will allow them to teach in the State of Illinois.
Requirements for Alternative Educator Licensure Program
- A BA from a regionally accredited college or university
- Major must be in Reading, English/Language Arts, Mathematics, or a Science degree
- If none of content areas above apply, the applicant must submit transcripts to the State Board of Education for review.
- Candidate must pass the appropriate content test.
For Hiring Districts
Are you seeking to fill teaching vacancies with qualified, energetic candidates? You can hire NLU's Alternative Educator Licensure Program candidates as full teachers or co-teachers.
Districts must provide each candidate with a qualified teaching mentor. The principal must complete a comprehensive assessment of the candidate, as well. A district representative must also meet regularly with an NLU representative to ensure the candidate is supported.
Interested?
Interested school districts should email Marci Mazza at mmazza@nl.edu.
