In order to be approved to take a class and receive reimbursement(s) totaling $5,250 in a calendar year for the class(es), including a possible lane change, then you must get pre-approval. Pre-approval can be obtained by completing the Graduate Course Pre-Approval Application. Once you complete this online form. Notification will be sent to the Human Resources Department and we will review your data. Once a determination is made, you will receive confirmation of your class approval or denial. The average turnaround time is 2 weeks, so please complete the pre-approval process sooner rather than later.

BE ADVISED!

If you are searching for institutions that we will approve for graduate-level degrees and reimbursement, begin AND end your search at the following ISBE website https://www.isbe.net/Pages/IHE.aspx. These are the only advanced degree programs we will approve.

You can also search this website for the pursuit of graduate-level degree institutions that reside outside of the State of Illinois but it will require a review on our end to determine exactly what the university is offering.  https://www.chea.org/national-council-accreditation-teacher-education

After you have pre-approval and take your class, you are eligible to submit for reimbursement. You should review your CBA to follow reimbursement guidelines. Reimbursement requests must be sent to the Human Resources Department for verification and processing.

You can apply for reimbursement via the Graduate Course Reimbursement Application. You will need to complete the fillable form and send it to the Department of Human Resources either by e-mail or inter-office mail.  Either way, you will need to include a copy of your grade report, which indicates a minimum grade of "B" or equivalent, in addition to course payment receipts.  The average turnaround time for reimbursement is 1 to 2 payrolls depending on when the reimbursement request is received and if all documents are included.

Please note that all classes for each school year must be completed by June 15 of the end of that school year if you are looking for payment. If you are looking for a lane change, your final class completion must be no later than May 15th of the end of the school year. Anything submitted beyond these dates will be paid out with the beginning payroll of the next school year.

If you have any additional questions regarding reimbursements or lane changes, please feel free to contact Brandie Roark, Human Resources Assistant. Thank you in advance.

If your class completion will result in a lane change due to degree completion (i.e. Master’s Degree), please complete the Lane Change Application in conjunction with your reimbursement request. You will need an official copy of your transcript reflecting your degree completion date in order to receive a lane change based on degree completion. Transcripts can be sent electronically to Brandie Roark or they can be mailed to the District Center attention Human Resources.

Please note if you do not require a reimbursement for your class but you are eligible for a lane change, the Human Resources Department has no way of determining your lane change degree completion without the trigger of your Lane Change Request Form.