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Educator Certification

Professional Development Providers

Educators can use a number of professional development activities to meet requirements for

The activities that require an approved provider are as follows:

All approvals take place through the Professional Development Providers System (PDP).  The first step to becoming an approved provider is to enter the system and create a login and password.  Once logged in, you can choose which of the types of activities for which you plan to apply for approval.  You can also enter the system as a guest to view lists of approved providers and programs.

In the case of the conferences and workshops, the provider is approved and agrees to a set of assurances that activities offered are designed to help improve the certificate holders’ skills and knowledge and are aligned with the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards and, in the case of Standard/Master teaching certificates or School Service Personnel Certificates, one or more of the purposes that teachers must address, or the purposes School Service Personnel are required to address. 

The Induction and Mentoring Programs and the Self-assessment and NBPTs prep semester-hour courses; however, must meet legislated requirements and, therefore, the actual programs must also be approved.

Workshops, Conference, Symposia, and Similar Trainings

Approved providers of workshops, conferences, etc., must complete the top portion of the following forms and distribute them at the conclusion of the activity they are offering:  the evaluation (ISBE 77-21A) and evidence of completion (77-21B).  Providers collect and maintain completed evaluation forms for three years.  The participants keep the evidence form.  Attendance records must be kept for five years.  (Providers offering activities outside of Illinois or in Illinois on a national level or those that offer online activities are not required to be approved or distribute the forms.)

Educators maintain the evidence of completion in a portfolio that must be available in the event they are selected for audit. 

Schools or districts that offer professional development should note that the evidence form is issued for conferences, workshops or similar trainings and not for “housekeeping” activities. 

The law allows one CPDU per contact hour.

Notices of Professional Development—In the past, providers had to submit to the State Board a Notice of Professional Development prior to offering an activity.  The requirement to submit the Notice was eliminated in 2004. 

Continuing Professional Development Units (CPDUs) can be earned one per contact hour, excluding breaks and lunch. 

Evidence of Completion



Workshops, conferences, and similar trainings

Coursework:  grade slips or transcripts

Induction and Mentoring programs: Certificates of completion issued by those offering approved programs.  A template (optional) is available to providers by entering the provider system and calling up the Induction and Mentoring application submitted and scrolling to the bottom of the page.  Providers have the option issuing their own certificates of completion.

Standards