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HB 3151

SCH CD-TEACHER-FOREIGN LANGUAG

104th Regular Session Introduced by David Friess

Creates a foreign language endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations, valid about five years, lets endorsed teachers teach that language and allows 25+ non-degree substitutes to fill gaps.

Referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 3151

Summary — HB 3151 (SCH CD‑TEACHER‑FOREIGN LANGUAG)

Status: Enacted; introduced 2/18/2025 by Rep. David Friess. Signed by the Governor 6/20/2025. Effective date: September 1, 2025. Companion: SB 2093.

Purpose / Intent

HB 3151 amends the School Code (105 ILCS 5/21B‑20) to create a clear pathway for issuing a foreign language endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations. The bill is intended to expand options for staffing foreign language instruction and substitute coverage in Illinois schools.

Key provisions

  • Adds a foreign language endorsement that may be placed on an Educator License with Stipulations if an applicant provides satisfactory evidence of meeting specified requirements (details of required evidence are to be satisfied per the amended statute and any implementing rules).
  • Establishes the foreign language endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations as valid until the June 30 following the fifth anniversary of issuance (i.e., roughly a five‑year term).
  • Clarifies that an individual who holds a valid foreign language endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations may teach the foreign language course for which the endorsement is issued.
  • Permits an individual who holds a valid foreign language endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations but does not hold a bachelor’s degree to serve as a substitute teacher in foreign language classrooms, provided the individual is at least 25 years old.
  • Retains the authority of the State Board of Education (in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board) to adopt rules governing licensure and endorsements.

Who is affected

  • Prospective foreign language instructors and paraprofessionals seeking licensure under an alternative/stipulated pathway.
  • School districts and charter schools that hire teachers or substitutes for foreign language courses.
  • State licensing and educator preparation authorities charged with implementing endorsement requirements and oversight.

Procedural timeline / implementation

  • Introduced in House (2/18/2025); passed both chambers in May 2025; enrolled and sent to Governor 5/28/2025; signed 6/20/2025.
  • Effective September 1, 2025.
  • Rulemaking by the State Board of Education / State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board may follow to specify implementation details.

Potential impact (practical effects)

  • Increases flexibility to staff foreign language courses and fill substitute needs, particularly where credentialed teachers are scarce.
  • Creates a non‑degree substitute pathway (age 25+ with endorsement), which may broaden applicant pools but could prompt local discussion about qualification standards and classroom oversight.
  • Implementation details (what constitutes “satisfactory evidence”) will be defined through Board rulemaking and local hiring policies.

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

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