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SB 1947

SCH CD-EDUCATOR LICENSURE-MISC

104th Regular Session Introduced by Meg Loughran Cappel and 6 co-sponsors

Reforms educator licensure to expand pathways (paraprofessionals/alternate entrants) and broaden board representation, plus developing a state teacher performance assessment.

Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0128
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Bill Summary · SB 1947

Summary — SB 1947 (Public Act 104‑0128) — SCH CD‑EDUCATOR LICENSURE‑MISC

Status: Enacted (Public Act 104‑0128) — Governor approved 08/01/2025. Effective date: January 1, 2026.

Purpose

SB 1947 revises the Educator Licensure Article of the Illinois School Code to (1) reorganize and change membership of the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, (2) modify licensure coursework and testing requirements (including temporary exemptions), (3) create pathways and supports for paraprofessionals and alternate entrants, and (4) authorize the development of a State teacher performance assessment.

Key provisions and changes

  • Board composition and administration

    • Renames the State Teacher Certification Board to the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board.
    • Expands board membership to include representatives from higher education and community colleges (adds community college administrators/faculty representation) and allows designated ex‑officio nonvoting members.
    • Requires appointing a board secretary and regular (at least quarterly) meetings.

  • Coursework and testing requirements for the Professional Educator License

    • Temporarily relaxes certain mandated coursework requirements for candidates seeking a Professional Educator License: the specified coursework requirement applies only until July 1, 2027 (or until a revised test for a content area is implemented, whichever is later).
    • Exempts applicants for school support personnel and chief school business official endorsements from some specified coursework requirements.
    • Exempts applicants for school support personnel endorsements who already hold an active, valid professional license in the same subject matter from having to pass a separate content‑area knowledge test for that endorsement.

  • Test and assessment changes

    • Directs the State Superintendent of Education to begin incorporating specified topics into revised examinations for teaching and administrative endorsements by July 1, 2027 (with certain exclusions noted for chief school business official).
    • Creates a Teacher Performance Assessment Advisory Committee to advise on operationalizing and piloting a State‑developed teacher performance assessment (including provisions for a pilot).

  • Pathways and programmatic flexibilities

    • Establishes a Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Program to provide an expedited pathway for paraprofessionals to earn a Professional Educator License in a specific content area; sets program criteria and entry requirements and directs the State Board of Education to promulgate rules.
    • Allows institutions of higher education approved to offer educator preparation programs to partner with community colleges to offer approved preparation programs leading to licensure for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree.

Who is affected

  • Prospective and current educator candidates (teachers, school support personnel, administrators, paraprofessionals)
  • Community colleges and four‑year educator preparation programs
  • School districts and employers that hire people with licensure with stipulations
  • The State Board of Education, State Superintendent, and the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board (administration, rulemaking, and oversight)

Implementation and timeline notes

  • Most changes become effective January 1, 2026.
  • Temporary coursework/test exemptions and the timing for revised exam incorporation reference July 1, 2027 (or the date a revised content test is implemented).
  • The Act directs rulemaking and establishment of advisory bodies and pilot programs; specific operational details will be developed by the State Board of Education and the State Superintendent under the bill’s timelines.

Overall, SB 1947 increases institutional and community college representation in licensure governance, creates accelerated career pathways (notably for paraprofessionals), and restructures some coursework and testing requirements while advancing the development of a state teacher performance assessment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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