Admission to Teacher Education

Admission to the University neither implies nor guarantees acceptance into the Teacher Education program. Preparation for teaching is a privilege and not a personal right. The University may discourage any individual from attempting to complete preparation for a career in education if, in the opinion of the Teacher Education faculty, he or she fails to meet acceptable professional and personal standards.

Students desiring an undergraduate major in education must first be received into the teacher education program of the University by action of the Teacher Education Committee, must declare that intention by the end of the sophomore year, and must have, and continue to maintain, a 2.5 grade point average in all college work, and a 2.75 grade point average in the major.

A grade of "C-" or above is required in professional education courses for admission to the Teacher Education program, for student teaching, and graduation for all Teacher Education majors.

Teacher certification candidates are advised that teacher licensure in the state of Illinois is currently undergoing many changes. The program listed in the Catalog may need revision as a student proceeds through his or her undergraduate career. The student should maintain close contact with his or her adviser in the School of Education to ensure eligibility for licensure upon graduation.

Admission to the Teacher Education program of the University is necessary for admission to special methods courses in education and to student teaching. Application is usually made during the sophomore year; later application may result in delays in progress through the professional education courses. Application forms may be secured at the education office. Applications for the Teacher Education program will be screened by the Director of Teacher Education, acted upon by the Teacher Education Committee, and reported to the Teacher Education faculty. Factors that are weighed in considering applications are personality, emotional stability, character, scholarship, physical health, competence in communication, and professional interest. The following requirements must be met for admission:

1. Completion of 30 hours of coursework with at least a 2.5 grade point average.
2. Clearance by the Office of Student Development.
3. Grades of "C-" or above in ENGL 108/109 - College Writing I.
4. Grade of "C-" or above in MATH 111 (Elementary and Early Childhood Programs) or MATH 103 (Secondary and K-12 Programs).
5. Grades of "C-" or better in these professional education courses: EDUC 150 and 249 for all programs; in addition, PSYC 211 for Early Childhood Program and EDUC 214 for Elementary, Physical Education/Health, Spanish, Art, and Social Sciences programs .
6. Satisfactory recommendations from two faculty members, and a good character reference.
7. Demonstrate predetermined competency level on the state Basic Skills Test.
8. Successfully pass Level I portfolio/interview.
9. Successfully pass a background check.

In submitting references, students should be sure to include the names of faculty advisers. The evidence of professional interest may be considered questionable for students who have not availed themselves of opportunities for work with youth groups, in church school teaching, or of other opportunities for assisting children and youth to grow.

The required State Basic Skills Test is given several times per year. A student who does not score at or above the state competency level will be permitted to retake the test. For such cases, remediation is available, and is outlined in the Teacher Education Handbook.