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Teaching Endorsements Online

NPU’s Online Programs Prepare You for Endorsement

  • No teaching license needed to apply
  • Complete your endorsement faster with accelerated, seven-week courses

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Take an Important Step in Your Education Career

Set yourself apart as a highly qualified teacher when you choose the online teaching endorsement program that suits your personal and professional goals. Prepare for the relevant Illinois State Board of Education endorsement exam and ready yourself for exciting career pathways.

Bilingual Endorsement

  • Online
  • As few as 6 months
  • 18 Credit hours

If you are fluent in an ISBE-approved language, this convenient online program will help you complete state requirements for a bilingual endorsement.

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English as a Second Language Endorsement

  • Online
  • As few as 6 months
  • 18 Credit hours

Enhance your ability to teach English Language Learners and prepare for the ISBE exam with an accelerated, online ESL Endorsement program from NPU.

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Combined Bilingual and English as a Second Language Endorsement

  • Online
  • As few as 8 months
  • 24 Credit hours

For those fluent in an ISBE-accredited language, this online program will qualify you to teach both bilingual students and English Language Learners.

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Learning Behavior Specialist 1 Endorsement (Special Education)

  • Online
  • As few as 4 months
  • 12 Credit hours

Gain practical experience educating students with disabilities when you finish this special education endorsement online in as few as four months.

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Middle School Endorsement

  • Online
  • As few as 2 months
  • 6 Credit hours

If you are pursuing a teaching career or have your license, this 100% online program will prepare you to teach sixth- through eighth-grade students.

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Education Career Outlook

After completing your online program, you will be prepared to enhance your résumé with the relevant teaching endorsement. This versatile teaching credential will give you sought-after education expertise and help you stand out in the workforce as a highly marketable educator.

868,000 openings

From 2023 to 2033, education instruction and library occupations will have more than 800,000 openings each year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1

$59,940 per year

Individuals working in education instruction and library occupations earn nearly $60,000 per year, which is higher than the median annual wage for all occupations at $48,060.1

Careers in Education

ESL Teachers

$60,560/year

As an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, you will teach English language learners to read, write, and otherwise communicate proficiently in English.2

Special Education Teachers

$65,910/year

Develop and implement lessons for students with disabilities that align with Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals and foster a least restrictive environment (LRE).3

Middle School Teachers

$64,290/year

Facilitate the learning of sixth- through eighth-grade students through engaging lessons in public and private schools.4

Expert Faculty Who Are Committed to Your Success

Our instructors have professional experience in their respective fields and are ready to form meaningful relationships with you as they guide and mentor you toward success. Our faculty are committed to the achievement of every student. 

Related Education Programs

MA – Education

Increase your earning potential with a customizable MAEd online that enables you to choose six elective courses. 

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MA – Educational Leadership with Principal Endorsement

As a licensed Illinois teacher, you can prepare for principalship with the MAEL – Principal Endorsement’s online coursework and in-person practicums.

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MA – Literacy, Language, and Culture

Help ESL and bilingual students thrive in the classroom with an online master’s degree program that includes pathways to two additional endorsements.

View Program

Sources and Disclaimer

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Educational Instruction and Library Occupations.” Retrieved February 21, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/home.htm. 
  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers.” Retrieved February 21, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/adult-literacy-and-ged-teachers.htm.
  3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Special Education Teachers.” Retrieved February 21, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/special-education-teachers.htm.
  4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Middle School Teachers.” Retrieved February 21, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/middle-school-teachers.htm.