SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Peters is aiming to make it easier for teachers to obtain licensure for pursuing careers in Montessori education in Illinois.

“There's a growing interest in alternative educational approaches like Montessori,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “By fast-tracking certification, we remove financial and time barriers for educators, building a pipeline for more teachers to help meet the demand for qualified educators in Montessori schools.”

To teach at public schools in Illinois, a teacher must hold a Professional Educator License or educator license with an endorsement in the area they are teaching. Montessori schools require their teachers to hold a Montessori certificate in addition to a Professional Educator License, which under current regulations, can add an extra one to two years of training.

Peters’ legislation would establish a Montessori education endorsement for Professional Educator Licenses through the Illinois State Board of Education. This endorsement would help reduce barriers, such as financial and time barriers for teachers pursuing Montessori certificates.

Senate Bill 2689 passed the Senate Friday and now heads to the House for further consideration.