If you are passionate about becoming the type of teacher who shapes the lives of your students, Illinois College’s Teacher Preparation Program will prepare you for success in any classroom.
The Teacher Preparation Committee (TPC) determines admission to the Teacher Preparation Program and retention in the program. Candidates seeking admission to the program are required to meet the admission and retention requirements in effect at the time of their acceptance into the program. Candidates are advised that changes in the certification requirements may occur as a result of subsequent action by the Illinois State Board of Education.
The requirements for admission to the Teacher Preparation Program are listed below:
- Declare a major or concentration in education with the Illinois College Registrar’s Office.
- Complete a minimum of 41 credits.
- Earn a 2.750 or higher IC overall GPA and a 2.750 or higher IC GPA in your major.
- Earn a “C-” or better in all Education classes required for licensure and designated Content Area classes for your program (see program advisement forms for specific course requirements).
- Complete or be currently enrolled in ED 101, ED 203, and ED 289.
- Earn a passing score on three key signature assessments, one each from ED 101, ED 203 and ED 289.
- Successfully complete the required fingerprint-based background check(s) for field placements and be prepared to complete others as required.
- Earn a positive recommendation on all field-based evaluations from Cooperating Teachers (and Supervisors/Instructors).
- Earn qualifying scores on the program’s Assessment of Dispositions for Teaching.
- Submit a Letter of Application that makes the case for why you should be admitted to the program and a reflection on strengths and weaknesses identified from the first two years of coursework (and plan for addressing any identified weaknesses).
- Submit a current four-year plan, signed by the applicant and the applicant’s academic advisor.
All students, including transfer students, should realize that it may not be possible to obtain a certificate within the normal four year sequence if they have not applied to the Education Department by the beginning of the second semester of their sophomore year.