Why Continuing Education Courses are Important for Illinois Teachers

Published: January 18, 2021

Author: Alex Staton

Updated: January 19, 2022

In teaching today, a degree is sometimes not enough to get you where you want to go professionally. With an eye on value, school districts often look for teachers who are not only qualified to teach, but who also have the skills to teach in niche areas. These specialties maximize the school's investment and therefore, the teachers' marketability. Often, teaching in niche areas requires continuing education classes or coursework that leads to a teaching endorsement. 

What are Continuing Education Courses? 

Popular continuing education options include coursework in middle grades, special education endorsements known as LBS1 or Learning Behavior Specialist, the Teaching English as a Second Language Endorsement (TESL) and driver education coursework. 

Continuing education courses in these niche areas expand your skills and expertise and make you more marketable to school districts. Coursework that culminates in an endorsement added to your license may help you earn more money as well. 

The Teacher Shortage

According to the Illinois State Board of Education, there are more than 4,000 unfilled teaching and paraprofessional positions in the State of Illinois. Many of these positions are for teachers in special education (LBS1), bilingual education/TESL, and middle grades. Teaching positions in each of these areas typically requires an endorsement. 

If you are interested in advancing your career, request information about how Greenville University can help you complete the courses or endorsement you need to advance your career and teach in the niche area of your choice.