In order to complete Field Experience within an approved site or school in Chicagoland, students must complete a site or school clearance process. Field Experience includes any students completing observations, pre-clinical hours, practicum experiences and any pre-student-teaching experiences in schools or sites where you will be interacting with Pre-K-12 students.
Learn more and take all steps to complete your COE Field Experience Clearance Process.
The College of Education requires that all students seeking to complete field experience hours must submit the following for review: CPS Approval Notice linked to a Background Check
As a university partner of Chicago Public Schools (CPS), the College of Education (COE) uses the CPS Background Check Completion & Approval Process as part of our site/school clearance process.
All COE students are required to fill out the CPS Field Experience Registration, complete a background check with Accurate Biometrics, and receive the CPS Approval Notice before being able to begin accruing field experience hours, regardless of the final placement site/school.
- Complete the CPS Field Experience Registration Form at www.teach.cps.edu/student-teacher
- You will see Field Experience listed on the left-hand side of the page. Complete Field Experience Registration (2nd bullet on the CPS website).
- Enter for University Coordinator: Michelle Maurer, mmaurer5@depaul.edu
- Field Experience Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the school year. Processing typically takes 15 business days for approval.
- Complete a Criminal Background Check
- Download the CPS Fingerprinting Background Investigation Authorization & Release Form
- Print the four pages and take the pages to an Accurate Biometrics Office closest to you. You can find the locations by going to www.accuratebiometrics.com.
- Background Check Fee: $53
- Put the receipt that you will receive from Accurate Biometrics in a safe place. You will need it in case any questions should arise.
- Background Check processing can take anywhere from 3 to 30 days. Plan accordingly and get this done first.
- After you complete the background check, you should receive your CPS Approval Notice to your DePaul email from the CPS Talent Office within 2-4 weeks. Here is an example of the email you will be sent.
DCFS Mandated Reporter Training
All school personnel, including administrators and both certified and non- certified school employees, are considered to be mandated reporters. Student teachers and student observers are mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect when acting in their professional or official capacity.
All students completing Field Experience requirements in a teacher education program are required to complete Mandated Reporter training.
Please go to
DCFS Training to create an account or log in to complete the Mandated Reporter training. At the end of the training students will take a quiz and then receive the Certificate of Completion (which must be downloaded & saved at the time of completion).
Signed COE Field Experience Guidelines
You will need to read and sign the
COE Field Experience Guidelines to acknowledge our expectations. Please take these guidelines seriously and professionally as you are representing DePaul University and most importantly yourself.
Provide your Illinois Education Identification Number (IEIN)
- If you do not yet have an IEIN Number, please go to ELIS and sign up for an account by selecting “Educator Access” and then clicking the link for first-time access.
- Please complete the steps as directed, after which you will be issued an IEIN.
- You must remember exactly how you've listed your name when signing up for an account. The exact name must be used when you take your content area test.