Accreditation



The College of Education at Lewis University is one of only 24 programs in Illinois to be accredited by the prestigious National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Ncate logo

When a school of education is NCATE accredited, it provides an assurance that the school’s teacher preparation program has met national standards set by the teaching field at large and has undergone rigorous external and impartial review by professionals, policymakers, and representatives of the public.

  • NCATE’s performance-based system of accreditation fosters the development of competent classroom teachers, specialists, and administrators who work to improve the education of all P–12 students and help all students.

  • Graduates from an NCATE accredited teacher preparation program are in high demand because they are well-prepared for initial licensing and advanced board certification. Candidate performance at NCATE institutions is thoroughly assessed throughout the program of study and before the candidate is recommended for licensure.

  • Many states have reciprocity agreements based on graduation from NCATE accredited schools, so graduates of NCATE-accredited schools will generally find it easier to apply for licensure when they move out of state.

  • Individuals applying to an NCATE accredited school will have the assurance that the school’s educator program has met national standards and received the profession’s ‘seal of approval.’

Lewis University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. The Lewis University certification programs are approved for entitlement by the Illinois State Teacher Certification Board in conjunction with the Illinois State Board of Education for:

  • the Standard Specialist Certificate (Type 10) in Reading
  • the General Administrative Certificate (Type 75)
  • the Initial Learning Behavior Specialist I Certificate (Type 10) in Special Education
  • the Initial Elementary Certificate (Type 03)
  • the Initial Secondary Certificate (Type 09)
  • the Superintendent Endorsement (Type 75).

Recognition and Approval Status
Inquiries concerning regional accreditation should be directed to the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504; by phone (312) 263-0456 or (800) 621-7440.

The teacher education programs at Lewis University are recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education in consultation with the State Teacher Certification Board for approval in the following areas: science with designation in biology, chemistry or physics, English, language arts, mathematics, social science with designation in psychology or history, elementary education, and special education. Successful completion of the elementary education program entitles students to apply for the Standard Elementary (K-9) Certificate. Successful completion of the special education program entitles students to apply for certification (Type 10) in Learning Behavior Specialist I (K-12). Students successfully completing the combined special education/elementary education program are entitled to apply for certification in Learning Behavior Specialist I (Type 10: K-12) and the Standard Elementary (K-9) Certificate. Successful completion of the biology, chemistry, English, mathematics, physics, psychology, history, entitles the students to apply for the Standard High School (6-12) Certificate. All students seeking certification are required by the Illinois State Board of Education to pass tests in basic skills, their content area(s) and assessment of professional teaching (APT). All Lewis University College of Education Certification Programs are subject to amendment by the State Teacher Certification Board, the Illinois State Board of Education, and the Illinois State Legislature. The College of Education newsletters and bulletin board announcements will contain information on any new mandates or program modifications. Students should also consult with their academic advisor regularly, at least once per semester.

ISBE Professional Certification


The Illinois State Board of Education site contains information on ISBE test registration, requirements for teaching certification, location, cost and more.