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 campusProgram Length
7 semesters (2.5 Years)Credit Hours
42 to 45* Credit Hours*Depending on licensure grades and content area
Start Dates
Next Start Term: Spring II - March 17, 2025 (Priority Deadline: March 1)Online Info SessionsCost
Tuition Per Credit Hour: $575Credit Hours to Complete: 30-45
Approximate Cost: $18,975-$25,875
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
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.
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
Quick Links
Request Information
Want to know more about graduate programs at Saint Xavier University? Please fill out the form below!
Graduate Admission
- 773-298-3053
- Email: graduateadmissionFREESXU
Four Alternative Licensure Paths to Choose From
You Might Be Interested in:
"Qualified Teachers in High Demand as Illinois Faces Shortage"
Read Article
"Top Reasons to Pursue Special Education or Secondary Education"
Read Article
Meet the Faculty
Meg Carroll
Professor
Phone: 773-298-3212
Email: carroll@sxu.edu
Tony DeCesare
Assistant Professor
Phone: 773-298-3222
Email: decesare@sxu.edu
Laura Laskowski-Ferrell
Asst Professorial Lecturer
Phone: 773-298-3435
Email: laskowskiferrell@sxu.edu
Kathleen McInerney
Professor
Phone: 773-298-3591
Email: mcinerney@sxu.edu
Julie Reinhart
Professor
Phone: 773-341-5030
Email: jreinhart@sxu.edu
Rania Sadeq
Asst Professorial Lecturer
Phone: 773-298-3224
Email: sadeq@sxu.edu
Alexandra Santau
Director of Education
Phone: 773-298-3221
Email: santau@sxu.edu
Melissa Stefanko
Asst Professorial Lecturer
Phone: 773-298-3225
Email: stefanko@sxu.edu