Illinois enacted Public Act 104-0795 on August 7, 2026. This new law purports to establish statewide standards for the continuing education coursework that may be used by teachers to qualify for salary advancement. The law aims to ensure that coursework linked to compensation reflects meaningful academic rigor and high-quality instruction.
The law says that, beginning with coursework completed on or after July 1, 2026, salary advancement credit may be awarded only for qualifying continuing education coursework. In general, the coursework must involve graduate-level, degree-eligible credit from a regionally accredited institution and requires active instructional oversight through an instructor of record who provides academic support, evaluates participant work, and offers individualized feedback. However, the law also recognizes other approved professional development pathways for salary advancement that are bargained for between unions and school districts, an exception that may limit or even nullify the new standard the law seemed to create.
Although the legislative debate surrounding the bill was relatively limited and noncontroversial, the measure appears to have been driven by concerns about consistency and quality among the various programs educators have used for lane movement and salary advancement. The bill’s sponsors emphasized the importance of linking compensation-related coursework to legitimate graduate-level classes. The legislation ultimately received overwhelming bipartisan support, passing unanimously in the Senate and nearly unanimously in the House.
For school leaders, the practical implications remain unclear, as many school districts already offer salary schedule lane advancement for various coursework that, even if it does not meet the new heightened standard, may still be valid under the “collectively bargained” exception. Districts should review their collective bargaining agreements and consult with counsel to determine whether any currently accepted coursework will needs to be reevaluated.
Contact any member of our Labor and Personnel Practice Group with your inquiries.
Source: P.A. 104-0795
