Teaching Endorsements

Expand your expertise and advance your career in an area of high demand and critical need with a teaching endorsement from Dominican.

Improve your effectiveness in the classroom with a valuable specialty endorsement from Dominican University. These are some of the most in-demand teaching endorsements in Illinois. We designed them to be highly flexible for today’s busy educators. In most cases, you can complete all the coursework online. And, at Dominican, you have the option to go further and earn a full master’s degree with just a few additional courses.

Advance your career quickly and conveniently. Request information

What You’ll Learn

As a leader in professional development programs for teachers in Illinois, Dominican knows you’re looking for an endorsement program that is fast and convenient—with no sacrifice in quality. You’ll develop high-level knowledge in one of the specialty areas that are of highest demand in schools across the state. No matter which endorsement area you choose, you’ll be prepared to make your classroom an inclusive space where all your students can grow and develop.

Quick Program Details
  • Open to educators who already have a Professional Educator License (PEL)
  • Can be completed in as little as three semesters, taking one class at a time in 7.5 week sessions
  • All programs are offered online, except for the Learning Behavior Specialist endorsement, which requires one on-campus evening class per week
  • Online programs are asynchronous; you do not need to log on at set times
  • You can apply all of your endorsement credits toward a Master of Arts in Education, earning the full degree with just a few additional classes
  • Approved by the Illinois State Board of Education

Note: Admission to graduate and endorsement programs in education is open only to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Endorsements in Detail
Bilingual Education (online)

For teachers who are proficient in another language, this online bilingual education endorsement program offers a convenient path to earning a credential that is in high demand in Illinois’ increasingly diverse classrooms. You’ll be prepared to help your students acquire the English language skills as they learn. This endorsement requires 100 hours of field experience in a bilingual setting or three months of teaching experience in a bilingual education program.

English as a Second Language (ESL) (online)

The online ESL endorsement is designed for those seeking employment or already working as teachers serving the increasing number of English as a Second Language students. This endorsement requires 100 hours of field experience in ESL instruction or three months of teaching experience in an English as a Second Language program.

Technology Specialist (online)

From 3-D printing and coding to digital literacy and sophisticated video production, the technology finding its way into today’s classroom presents incredible opportunities. Our online technology specialist endorsement program prepares licensed teachers, librarians and media specialists to use the latest advances to excite and engage students. This endorsement can be completed in four to five semesters. You also have the option of completing a shorter, certificate program in two semesters.

Learning Behavior Specialist I (online)

In Dominican’s LBS I  endorsement program, you’ll learn to effectively teach children with a range of intellectual and other disabilities as well as health impairments—making an enormous difference in the lives of those students and their families. Classes are held on campus one evening a week.

Endorsement vs Approval

In our bilingual education and English as a second language programs, we also offer an approval track for teachers who already have a Learning Behavior Specialist I endorsement. The difference between the approval (9 semester hours) and the endorsement (18 semester hours) is that the approval allows individuals with an LBS I endorsement to work with English language or bilingual learners who have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). The full endorsement allows individuals to work with English language or bilingual learners at the PK-12 grade range.

Have questions about the curriculum or course listings? Request information

What to Expect as you Earn Your Teaching Endorsement

We designed our endorsement programs to be fast and flexible enough to meet the needs and advance the aspirations of working teachers. At Dominican, even in our online programs, we take a relationship-centered approach. That means your instructors will be prepared to go further and become mentors, guide you through career moves and help you expand your network.

Upon completion of your endorsement, you’ll also be eligible to continue on—or return later—to earn a full master’s degree. All of your endorsement credits will apply toward the 30-semester-hour requirement. Master of Arts in Education candidates select electives from the School of Education graduate course listing to complete the master’s degree in just one to three additional semesters, depending on which endorsement they earned.

About Dominican’s School of Education

Dominican University’s School of Education is committed to preparing teachers and leaders to navigate the changing world of education. We continue to innovate and develop new approaches to teaching and learning to better serve our country’s children and youth. See what sets us apart

Financing Your Teaching Endorsement

The process for financing graduate-level education can seem daunting, but you do have options. In addition to loans, the School of Education offers a limited number of scholarships and grants. You may apply for them after you are accepted and have registered for your first course. Federal Stafford loans are also available through the Office of Financial Aid. We can help you navigate the process and find options that work for you.

Contact our Office of Financial Aid to learn more. We can be reached at (708) 524-6809 or via email at finaid@dom.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why earn a teaching endorsement?

Even highly accomplished teachers with many years of experience can benefit greatly from professional development opportunities, including earning an endorsement in a specialty area. Teaching is such a rapidly evolving discipline, and mastering the most up-to-date theory and practice will make you a better educator capable of engaging all of your students. The added credential on your teaching license sets you apart in the job market and makes you more valuable to your district. An endorsement will expand your teaching options, especially if you choose an area where there are currently significant shortages of teachers, such as ESL and bilingual education.

Don’t forget, at Dominican, you’ll have the added bonus of being able to apply your endorsement credits toward a full Master of Arts in Education degree, which requires just a few additional courses. That will enable to advance your career even further, including possibilities to transition to administrative roles.

Which teaching endorsement should I choose?

You can’t go wrong with any of Dominican’s options. All are in areas of high demand and critical need. It is some of the most important and rewarding work in education, and jobs in these specialties are plentiful. As you make your decision, consider your current classroom, school and district and imagine how an endorsement in a particular area could contribute to your goals and improve outcomes for students in your school and district.

How do I formally apply to add my endorsement to my PEL?

Upon completion of the coursework, apply for this endorsement through the License Office at Dominican University. Once entitled, you must apply for the endorsement in your Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) account.

How is Dominican different?

We are committed to fostering the values of scholarship, leadership and service among working teachers, teacher candidates and their students. Our courses of study emphasize the acquisition of professional expertise, the expansion of personal insight, and an appreciation of human diversity.

Ready to take the next step? Apply now online

Build Your Career in Education

At Dominican, we are committed to helping you achieve your goals and fulfill a mission of service as a teacher. We’re here to answer your questions and walk you through the process of earning your teacher endorsement. Request information today