Switching Careers to Teaching

If you have a recognized undergraduate degree the School of Education can help you become a certified teacher in the State of Illinois.  An Illinois teaching certificate is recognized as a professional credential and is reciprocal with most states.

Illinois Teaching Certificates at North Park University

• Early Childhood Education (Infant to Grade 3) Type 04
• Elementary Education (K - Grade 9) Type 03
• Secondary Education (Grades 6 - 12) Type 09
• K-12 Education (Art, French, Music, Physical Education, and Spanish) Type 10
  

Paths to Illinois Teaching Certification

The School of Education offers two distinct programs that lead to the four teaching certificates listed above:

Teaching Certification (TC)

Teaching Certification is a non-degree program at the undergraduate level that prepares you for certification.  Flexible scheduling permits you to create a program that fits your needs choosing from full-time with day courses or part-time with evening courses.  Classes are held at the Chicago main campus.  Course terms are seven to eight weeks long with day classes usually meeting twice a week and evening classes meeting once a week.  Although schedules can vary, most evening courses begin at 6:00 pm.  The length of the program varies depending on the certification and content specialty but generally can be completed part-time in 18 to 24 months.  Terms begin in August, October, January, March, or May. More information on Teaching Certification

Master of Arts in Education with Teacher Certification (MATC)

The MATC is a three-year program designed to get you into a classroom by the end of the second year.  MATC candidates complete their graduate degree with evening classes during the third year of the program.  Successful completion of the program gives you both an Illinois teaching certificate and a Master of Arts in Education from North Park University.

MATC programs are cohort-based so you move through the program with a group other candidates who have similar goals.  Classes are held at the Chicago main campus, and also in Arlington Heights and Crystal Lake locations.  Course terms are seven to eight weeks long with day classes usually meeting twice a week and evening classes meeting once a week.  Although schedules can vary, most evening courses begin at 6:00 pm.  The length of the program varies depending on the certification and content specialty but generally can be completed part-time in 18 to 24 months.  All cohorts in MATC programs begin in August.  More information on the MATC program