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Education Alternative Licensure

 
 

Earn a Salary and Benefits while completing coursework toward a master's degree and teaching license

Earn your MAT while holding a paid position as teacher of record while pursuing an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL).

The Alternative Licensure Master of Teaching programs are designed for:

  • Individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in a non-education discipline and are interested in becoming licensed teachers.
  • Individuals who currently work in education settings but do not hold a PEL.

The Alternative Licensure programs are a great opportunity to combine accelerated graduate coursework with classroom experiences while receiving individualized mentorship to best prepare candidates for licensure.

Format

2 Semesters online, 5 on campus

Program Length

7 semesters (2.5 Years)

Credit Hours

42 to 45* Credit Hours
*Depending on licensure grades and content area

Important Dates

Next Start Date: Spring II - March 17, 2025 (Priority Deadline: March 1)Online Info Sessions

Cost

Tuition Per Credit Hour: $575
Credit Hours to Complete: 30-45
Approximate Cost: $18,975-$25,875

Curriculum

Differs for each programCourse Descriptions

Why Alternative Licensure?

Instead of waiting to get a job until after graduation, this unique program design allows those seeking to become licensed teachers to complete coursework while earning an income and benefits as a full-time teacher of record. A dynamic blend of modern pedagogy, real-world application, and personalized mentorship prepares candidates to seamlessly transition into sought-after teaching positions with exceptional readiness.

Archdiocese of Chicago Residency Agreement:

Alternative Licensure Candidates are secured teaching positions in Archdiocese of Chicago schools during their Residency 1 and Residency 2 years, which provides benefits such as:

  • Candidates do not need to perform a wide search of teaching jobs, we can provide positions for them
  • Candidates receive mentorship from both SXU and the school they choose to teach at
  • Candidates can hone their teaching skills in a nurturing environment unique to Catholic schools

A group of students working on a laptop

 

 

About the Program

Students in the Alternative Licensure programs are introduced to the professional, ethical, and moral responsibility of teaching by a team of dedicated and experienced faculty. The preparation focuses on research-based practices in pedagogy, assessment, and support of students of various needs, as well as connections between theory and the classroom, ensuring teaching readiness.

The Illinois Administrative Code (23 Illinois Administrative Code 25, Section 25.60) provides an alternate route for non-licensed college graduates to obtain a PEL in Illinois by following rigorous guidelines that include accelerated coursework, field experiences, teaching experiences, and licensure testing. Candidates enroll in seven semesters of program coursework including two summer sessions leading to a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT).

Alternative Licensure candidates have the opportunity to implement learnings from their coursework into their classrooms in real time, since they are completing coursework and teachers of record concurrently.


Students working together at their desks

Alternative licensure candidates are exposed to the real world of teaching right from the start, as they are required to complete field experience hours as part of their initial coursework. Once they secure their teaching position, they experience built-in high-impact practice as teachers of record.

Why pursue Alternative Licensure at SXU?

  • Earning an income while completing coursework toward MAT and PEL
  • High-impact practices from the start
  • Small class sizes for interaction with professors and peers
  • One-to-one mentorship
  • Readiness for urgent hiring needs of local, regional schools and beyond
  • Approved by Illinois State Board of Education

 

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Alumni & Student testimonials

"Saint Xavier University helped me complete my goals with their alternative licensure program. I was able to work toward getting both the degree and the teaching license but still work full-time during the day to support my family."
"The program is more than just a degree, it gives me purpose."

 

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