The teaching and learning program at DePaul University is a unique career change opportunity designed to enable college graduates with a bachelor's degree in a field other than education to become teaching professionals.
The early childhood education program enables qualified students to obtain an Illinois certification to teach birth to third grade. Classes, with the exception of student teaching obligations, are held in the evening so program participants may continue to work and attend school at the same time. There also is an intense day time clinical element to this program-- all students devote themselves to at least 130 hours of experience in area schools beyond their student teaching requirements.
Why is DePaul’s program special?
We view the process of becoming a teacher as lasting at least through the first year of teaching ― so you can be assured of on-going, personalized support.
Here are some qualities that make our program stand out:
- Multiculturalism is infused throughout the curriculum.
- Clinical/field experiences are an integral part of the curriculum.
- Teacher candidates are exposed to a variety of educational theories.
- A research component is included as a basis for further professional development.
Degree Requirements
Masters of Education-M.Ed.
Requires 12 courses plus student teaching (56 quarter hours
Masters of Arts-M.A.
Requires 13 courses(including a thesis) plus student teaching (60 quarter hours)
Printable PDF of program requirements
Content Area Prerequisite
Early Childhood Education students are required to complete one course in health or nutrition. If a student does not meet this requirement in their bachelor's degree program they will need to fulfill it to gain certification. This course may be taken at the undergraduate level. Completion of this course is not a prerequisite for admission but must be fulfilled before student teaching. It is strongly recommended that applicants meet with an advisor upon admission and prior to taking content courses.
In addition, candidates should be prepared to document course work or other experiences that demonstrates that they meet the knowledge and skills to provide health and nutrition experiences for young children. Thiey should demonstrate that they appreciate the interrelationships among child, family and the areas of health, safety and nutrition that affect young children from ages of birth through age eight as well as an understanding of cultural issues and special needs of children with health impairments. Furthermore candidates should be familiar with the knowledge and application of practices that promote good nutrition, dental health, physical, social and emotional well being of young children. This competency can be met with a course offered at DePaul which is ECE 298, a transferred equivalent, or by individual competency experience with a full-time early childhood faculty member.
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 experiences Click Here.
Student Teaching
Student teaching is the culminating experience of the program that places students in a classroom full time for at least 12 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 .