Program Planning

Professional Term A: Core Courses

These courses encompass the foundational framework of the School of Education program. During this term teacher candidates learn curriculum strategies as well as how to properly assess student learning and aptitude.

Required Courses

• EDUC 2130 – Educational Psychology
• EDUC 2140 – Curriculum
• EDUC 2145 – Assessment
• EDUC 2155 – Technology with Teaching

Procedures

• School of Education Application must be completed and submitted to the academic advisor
• The Illinois Basic Skills exam must be taken and passed prior to the completion of Professional Term A.
• The College BASE exam must be taken while currently registered in Professional Term A courses.
• LiveText, which is a web-based management system, must be purchased and utilized for teacher portfolio projects during the EDUC 2140 Curriculum course. The use of LiveText will be enhanced as you continue through the program.

Professional Term B: Methods Courses and Clinical Experiences

Courses in Professional Term B are designed to prepare teacher candidates with the theoretical and practical skills necessary for teaching specific subject matter. The clinical experiences give candidates the access to implement these skills in a classroom setting where they gain invaluable expertise.

Required Courses and Clinical Experiences

Methods courses are unique for each particular certification area in the School of Education. Refer to the academic planning guides to determine what courses are required for your program. EDUC 3510, Teacher-Aiding is the only required course for Professional Term B.

Procedures

• Teacher candidates must enroll in and receive a passing grade for Teacher-Aiding.
• Teacher Candidates are required to meet with their faculty advisor to be approved for Student Teaching.

Professional Term C: Methods Courses and Clinical Experiences

Courses in Professional Term C are designed to prepare teacher candidates with the theoretical and practical skills necessary for teaching specific subject matter. The clinical experiences give candidates the access to implement these skills in a classroom setting where they gain invaluable expertise.

Required Courses and Clinical Experiences

Methods courses are unique for each particular certification area in the School of Education. Please refer to the academic planning guides to determine what courses are required for your program. EDUC 3520, Mini-Teaching is the only course required for Professional Term C.

Procedures

• Teacher candidates must enroll in and receive a passing grade in Mini-Teaching.
• The Illinois Content Area exam must be taken and passed prior to the completion of Professional Term C.

Professional Term D: Capstone Experiences

This term is the culmination of all the preparation, course work, and other requirements that teacher candidates have to fulfill prior to certification and graduation for those in the undergraduate program.

Required Courses and Clinical Experiences

• EDUC 3130 – Social & Cultural Diversity
• EDUC 4110 or 4120 – Student Teaching
• EDUC 4600 – Capstone Seminar

Procedures

• Teacher candidates must successfully complete Student Teaching with a passing grade.
• Teacher candidates must finalize their teacher portfolio via LiveText and submit it to their Capstone Seminar instructors in order to receive a passing grade for Capstone Seminar.
• The Illinois Assessment of Professional Teaching exam must be taken and passed.
• Teacher candidates must complete any course work needed as a result of their College BASE score. All course work not taken at North Park must be verified with an official transcript from that institution.