 |
       
|
| |
Graduate Programs of Study
M.A. or M.Ed, Teaching & Learning Certification
Program Description
The Teaching and Learning Program is a two-year sequence that is designed for students who hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and would like to enter the teaching profession. Students take 11-12 courses (typically 2 courses per quarter), and complete student teaching. Students in secondary education take an induction course during their first year of teaching. The requirements for State of Illinois teaching certification are completed while earning a Master's degree.
The program prepares individuals for a teaching career either in
early childhood (ages birth-8 or 3rd grade)
elementary (grades K-9),
secondary (grades 6-12), or
world languages (grades K-12).
A Dual Certification Program in Elementary and Special Education is also available. This intensive pogram leads to certification in both elementary education and special education
You may also pursue the Middle School Mathematics Program which leads to an additional endorsement on an elementary or secondary certificate. For students interested in pursuing certification in secondary math, another option is the Master's in Math Education (MAMEd) program. For more details contact Dr. Jeff Bergen.
Program Philosophy and Features
The School of Education prepares all its graduates to be Multicultural Urban Professional Educators with a holistic orientation towards education. Multicultural Urban Professional Educators operate from an interplay between theory and practice, weigh and choose multiple perspectives, exhibit Vincentian personalism, and promote positive transformation of themselves, other persons, and society. Professionals bring knowledge and understanding, skills, appropriate attitudes and above all, judgment to their roles as educators. Exercising good judgment as educators involves not just knowledge of teaching, learning, and of subject matter content; it also involves an understanding of the social and cultural context in which teaching and learning take place, as well as an understanding of the role of education in the lives of individuals and in society.
The program includes five distinctive features:
- Becoming a teacher is viewed as a developmental process continuing at least through the first year of teaching
- Multiculturalism is infused throughout the curriculum
- Field experiences are an integral part of the curriculum
- Students are exposed to a variety of educational theories
- The program includes a research component as a basis for further professional development.
Support During the First Year of Teaching: Induction Course
A unique feature of the Secondary Education program is the induction course that is designed to induct the new teacher into the teaching profession and provide support from faculty and peers during the first year of teaching. Students in the Early Childhood Education program may choose an optional induction course. Students receive their teaching certificate, enter the classroom, and then take the Induction Course in order to complete their Master's Degree. Graduates of the program have found these courses to be a vital part of their development as teachers.
Review Admission Requirements below, or view details and degree requirements by choosing a program area:
Campus Locations
All program elements and concentrations are offered at the Lincoln Park campus. Elementary Education is offered at the Naperville campus.
Admission Requirements
The initial application process requires:
- A bachelor's degree conferred by an accredited, recognized institution
- A previous grade point average of 2.75 or above on a 4.0 scale
- Two letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors
- One official transcript from each college or university attended
- Written statement of purpose
- Interview with program advisor, upon request
- Evidence of adequate background for the program
Content Area Pre-Requisites
The School of Education requires that students have a college background in the subject area(s) they are preparing to teach. The School of Education reviews students' previous college transcripts to determine whether the content prerequisites are met. If deficiencies are noted, students must take additional college courses (beyond the professional education courses required by the program) to meet these content area requirements. Requirements differ by program. For further information, please see the degree requirements for each program.
Advanced Standing
Just as a physician progresses through stages of medical school (medical student, intern, resident), so also education candidates must progress through stages of teacher preparation. If a student's admission application is approved, he or she is admitted to DePaul's School of Education as Pre-Teacher Candidates. After 8-12 hours of coursework, students must petition to become an Advanced Teacher Candidate, at which time the School 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:
Teacher Certification
DePaul's teacher education programs are approved by the State of Illinois. However, certification is not automatic. The student must apply through the School of Education. Forms and procedural information are available in the School of Education.
All certification and endorsement requirements are subject to change based on Illinois State Board of Education modifications in requirements. In all instances, students must meet the Illinois certification requirements in effect at the time of application.
State Certification Tests
Students are required to take three State of Illinois Certification Tests.
- The Basic Skills Test covers functional English and Math Skills. Successful completion of this test is required to be fully admitted to the School of Education. Graduate students should take the Basic Skills Test prior to applying to the program.
- The Subject Matter Knowledge Test covers the subject you are preparing to teach (elementary majors take the elementary test, early childhood majors take the early childhood test, and secondary majors take the test in their subject area). Effective July, 2004, successful completion of this test is rquired for admission to student teaching.
- The Assessment of Professional Teaching Test covers such topics as planning and delivering instruction, classroom management and use of technology. Successful completion of this test is required for certification.
Field Experiences
Students are required to complete and document Field Experiences as the School of Education requires future teachers to spend a minimum of 100-150 hours (varies by program) during the day in schools interacting with students and learning about schools. These field experiences are assigned as a required part of specified courses. Students must be able to arrange their work schedule to meet this daytime field experience requirement. Learn more about field experiences.
Student Teaching
Teacher candidates complete a period of Student Teaching, which is a full time, 10 week commitment.
Requirements for Student Teaching
All graduate students in teacher preparation programs must provide evidence of the following requirements for academic approval to student teach:
- Completion of all content area pre-requisites
- Completion of all professional education courses with no more than 2 Cs
- Cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 or better
- Pass the relevant Illinois Content Area (Subject Matter) Test
Once a student has received academic approval for student teaching, the following additional evidence is required:
- Completion of all required field experiences (minimum of 100 hrs of supervised contact with students)
- Three satisfactory evaluations in field experiences
- Negative TB (tuberculosis) test valid within 90 days of the start of student teaching.
Learn more about student teaching.
Learn about:
©2002 DePaul University, 1 E. Jackson, Chicago, IL 60604 | Disclaimer
| Site Index
|
|
