Bill
SB 1945
SB 1945 reforms Illinois teacher licensing, offering alternative paths, specialized special ed licenses, and streamlined admin certification to increase educator diversity and address shortages.
SB 1945, also known as the "SCH CD-LICENSE TYPES-TESTING" bill, is a proposed piece of legislation that seeks to amend the School Code in Illinois to modify the requirements and processes for obtaining certain educational licenses and certifications.
The main provisions of SB 1945 include:
Teacher Licensure: The bill would allow candidates for teaching licenses to fulfill certain testing requirements through alternative methods, such as completing additional coursework or submitting a portfolio, rather than solely relying on standardized exams.
Administrator Licensure: The bill would streamline the process for obtaining principal and superintendent licenses by reducing the number of required tests and providing more flexibility in meeting qualification criteria.
Special Education Licenses: The legislation would create new specialized license types for teachers in the field of special education, tailored to different age groups and disability categories.
Alternative Certification Programs: SB 1945 would expand the availability and requirements for alternative teacher certification programs, providing more pathways for individuals to enter the teaching profession.
The proposed changes in SB 1945 are intended to:
Increase Educator Diversity: By offering more flexible and alternative routes to licensure, the bill aims to attract a more diverse pool of candidates to the teaching profession.
Address Teacher Shortages: The bill's provisions for alternative certification and reduced testing requirements are expected to help alleviate ongoing teacher shortages in certain subject areas and regions.
Improve Special Education Services: The creation of specialized special education licenses is designed to better prepare and support teachers working with students who have diverse learning needs.
Streamline Administrative Processes: The reduced testing requirements and more flexible qualification criteria for principal and superintendent licenses are intended to make it easier for qualified individuals to obtain these leadership positions.
SB 1945 was introduced in the Illinois Senate on March 5, 2025 and has been added as a co-sponsorship by Senator Javier L. Cervantes. It is currently being considered in the Senate Education Committee, where it will undergo further review and potential amendments before being voted on by the full Senate. If passed by the Senate, the bill would then move to the Illinois House of Representatives for consideration.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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