HB5321

SCH CD-TEACHER SALARY-CONT ED

Final Passage·5/28/26

Illinois HB5321 establishes criteria for public educational employers to recognize graduate-level continuing education coursework for salary.

Illinois HB5321 amends the School Code to set standards for recognizing graduate-level continuing education coursework for salary advancement. Effective July 1, 2026, school districts and other public educational employers can only recognize coursework that meets specific criteria. These include being offered by a regionally accredited institution, documented on an official transcript, and resulting in a letter grade. The coursework must also be taught by an instructor with a master's degree or higher, who provides substantive instructional support and individualized feedback.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Last
Passed both chambers · May 28
Current
Awaiting the Governor
Next
Session adjourned — paused until it reconvenes

Sponsors

DDDDDD
6
1
R
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

May 27

2:00 PM

House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools Committee Hearing

May 19

2:00 PM

Senate Education Committee Hearing

History

Jun 26

House

Sent to the Governor

Jun 1

Senate

Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

May 31

Senate

Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Mary Edly-Allen