Professional development opportunities offered by the Regional Educational Academy for Leadership (REAL) at the University of St. Francis include programs and graduate courses that are rigorous, challenging, and embedded with research-based instructional strategies.
What separates us from other institutions is our ability and willingness to customize offerings to meet the evolving needs of today’s educators.
You’re already working in education. REAL gives you flexible ways to keep learning, earn graduate credit, pursue additional credentials, and advance your career without necessarily committing to a full degree program.
Try one course first! Affordable, fast and easy registration, eligible for rollover into master’s program!
Learn more about REAL Courses and Illinois Requirements for Salary Advancement by reviewing Public Act 104-795 and other frequently requested information and helpful links below.
Click to learn more about Courses, Pricing & Semester Specials
REAL Courses and Illinois Requirements for Salary Advancement
The University of St. Francis College of Education is pleased to confirm that graduate-level courses offered through our REAL
(Regional Educational Academy for Leadership) program are structured to meet the requirements established under Illinois
Public Act 104-0795 regarding continuing education coursework used for teacher salary advancement.
Under the new Illinois law, beginning with coursework completed on or after July 1, 2026, graduate coursework recognized by a public school employer for salary advancement must be graduate-level, degree-eligible credit offered through a regionally
accredited institution of higher education, documented on an official academic transcript, and include an instructor of record. REAL courses are graduate-level University of St. Francis courses, appear on an official USF transcript, include an instructor of record, and are degree-eligible. REAL coursework may be applied toward applicable University of St. Francis graduate degree requirements, subject to the requirements of the specific degree program.
Accordingly, REAL courses are structured to satisfy the coursework standards established in Public Act 104-0795 for graduate credit that may be recognized for salary advancement. Individual school districts and other public educational employers retain responsibility for determining salary-schedule placement and implementing their own documentation and approval procedures. Educators should continue to consult their district or collective bargaining agreement regarding local requirements for salary advancement.
Educators interested in taking courses with the prefix EEND, REAL, RECT, or REND do not need to complete a university application for admission. Courses are offered in a stand-alone format. A brief registration/application will be required for each course in which you wish to enroll within a given semester.
Individuals taking courses or enrolling in programs to pursue licensure, endorsements, certification, or to secure employment requiring specific teaching credentials should refer to their state board of education prior to enrollment to determine whether the course or program meets the requirements in the state in which they reside.
