This program is for college graduates with a bachelor's degree in a field other than education who want to teach exceptional children with a wide variety of needs. DePaul is the only university in the Chicago area to offer a program combining elementary education and special education. An intensive program, dual certification combines coursework in both areas, ― elementary education and special education ― as well as clinical experiences in schools.
Why is DePaul’s program special?
As a graduate of this program, you could work either as a regular classroom teacher or as a “special ed” teacher. This unique opportunity is particularly attractive for college graduates wanting to change careers. It also prepares school leaders to address the mandated Response to Intervention (RTI). DePaul’s dual certification program is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education. When students finish the coursework and pass the state test, they are automatically eligible for certification in both special education and elementary education.
Degree Requirements
Masters of Education (M.Ed.)
Requires 18 courses plus student teaching (80 quarter hours)
Masters of Arts (M.A)
Requires 19 courses (including a thesis) plus student teaching (84 quarter hours)
Advanced Standing
Students are admitted to DePaul’s College of Education as pre-teacher candidates. After a minimum of 8 hours of coursework, students must petition to become an advanced teacher candidate, at which time the College of Education reviews the student’s file to determine if he or she has met the criteria for continuing in the program. The criteria for advanced standing include passing the Illinois Test of Basic Skills, having a minimum GPA of 3.0, and passing the Basic Technology Assessment (EDU 025).
Field Experience
The State of Illinois requires extensive and intensive field experiences during the school day, working with both students and teachers. Field experiences, which are assigned by faculty in program courses, offer a gradual introduction to the full range of experiences associated with teaching. Level I experience provides students an opportunity to observe a classroom and engage with small groups of students. Level II experience allows students to teach short lessons to small groups or an entire classroom.
For more detailed information about field experiencesClick Here.
Student Teaching
Student teaching is the culminating experience of the program that places students in a classroom full time for at least 16 weeks. Students become progressively more responsible for curriculum development and classroom instruction with the end goal being complete control during the last half of the overall experience. An on-campus seiminar accompanies student teaching.
For more information on student teaching Click Here.