So You Want to Become a School Counselor in Illinois? Buckle Up, Buttercup - It's Time to Get Your Type 73!
Ever looked at a group of teenagers and thought, "Hey, I could wrangle that herd of hormones and existential dread?" Well, buddy, if you've got the charisma of a rockstar and the patience of a saint, then becoming a school counselor might be your calling! But first things first, you gotta get that shiny Type 73 certification, Illinois style.
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| How To Obtain A Type 73 Certification Illinois |
The Nitty-Gritty: What You Need
Now, before you go out and buy a cape (because let's face it, that's what school counselors deserve), there are a few hurdles to jump. But fear not, intrepid counselor-to-be! Here's the lowdown:
- Master Your Domain: You'll need a master's degree in school counseling or a closely related field like psychology or social work. Think of it as your superhero origin story.
- Program Power: Make sure your degree program is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). Not all capes are created equal, and the same goes for programs.
- Knowledge is Power: Be prepared to dive deep into the fascinating world of adolescent development, counseling techniques, and educational law. Think of it as your superhero utility belt.
Bonus points if your program includes a practicum or internship. This is where you get to put on your trainee mask and fight the forces of teenage angst... alongside a seasoned pro.
The Hero's Journey Continues: Exams and Applications
With your degree in hand, you're ready to take on the next challenge!
QuickTip: Pause to connect ideas in your mind.
- Test Your Might: You'll need to pass the ISBE content exam for school counseling. Consider it your final exam before entering the School Counselor Academy (not a real place, but it sounds cool, right?).
- Application Time: Head over to the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) and apply for your official Type 73 certification. Think of it as your official application to join the ranks of super counselors.
Pro tip: Don't forget to pay the fees! Being a superhero doesn't mean you get to skip out on the bill.
You Did It! You're Officially a Type 73-Certified School Counselor!
Congratulations! You've conquered the path to becoming a Type 73-certified school counselor. Now go forth and be the beacon of guidance and support those teenagers need! Just remember, with great power comes great responsibility (and maybe a few detentions).
##FAQs for the Aspiring School Counselor
Tip: Stop when confused — clarity comes with patience.
How to find an ISBE-approved program?
The Illinois State Board of Education website has a directory of approved programs [search for ISBE approved programs].
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How to apply for the ISBE content exam?
Tip: Make mental notes as you go.
Information on applying for the ISBE content exam can be found on the Illinois Licensure Testing System website [search for Illinois Licensure Testing System].
How to navigate the ELIS system?
The Illinois State Board of Education website has a user guide for the ELIS system [search for Illinois ELIS user guide].
Tip: Jot down one takeaway from this post.
How long does the Type 73 certification last?
The Type 73 certification is valid for five years and needs to be renewed.
How much does it cost to get a Type 73 certification?
There are fees associated with the program, application, and exam. The exact cost can vary, so it's best to check with the specific program and testing agencies.
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