Classroom Preparation and Experiences
North Park’s education programs emphasize real-world teaching experience. The progression of clinical experiences includes:
- Targeted observations: Completed as part of methods courses.
- Teacher aiding: Two semesters (70 hours) of observation and assisting teachers.
- Mini-teaching: Seven weeks of teaching one lesson daily, focusing on lesson planning and the Teacher
- Performance Assessment (edTPA).
- Student teaching: Full-time teaching for 10–16 weeks, depending on certification, with full classroom
- responsibility and ongoing feedback from cooperating teachers and North Park faculty.
You’ll work with your School of Education advisor and instructors to choose different schools for each of these experiences (public, private, suburban, and urban schools).
Illinois teacher licensure requirements
We prepare teacher candidates for licensure in Illinois by ensuring they meet the state’s rigorous standards and requirements. Our programs offer comprehensive coursework, hands-on clinical experiences, and the support needed to excel as an educator.
Teacher candidates must pass two key tests required by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE):
- Content test: Required before beginning student teaching, this test assesses knowledge in your content area (e.g., early childhood, biology, or mathematics).
- edTPA: A performance-based assessment completed during student teaching, which you must pass before licensure.
Coursework requirements
Illinois certification requires teacher preparation and subject area coursework. Students will also complete North Park’s Core Curriculum program, which enhances critical thinking and writing skills.
Subject area courses
- Early childhood and elementary certification: 18 credit hours
- K–12 certification: Minimum of 36 credit hours
- Secondary certification: Minimum of 36 credit hours
Teacher preparation courses
Teacher preparation consists of 33–43 credit hours—depending on the desired certification—covering areas such as curriculum, instruction, assessment, technology, and psychology. Your concentration or second major will require an additional 18–36 credit hours.
Program requirements
Course requirements vary by program. Here are the main certification programs offered:
You’ll work with an advisor to ensure you meet all program requirements, including any additional exams or internships. If you have questions, reach out to our licensure officers, Tim Reed or Carolyn Poterek.
Cooperating teacher information
Participating as a cooperating teacher in North Park’s clinical experience program can earn you up to 30 continuing professional development units (CPDUs) and a tuition voucher (up to four credit hours). You may transfer tuition vouchers to a peer; they expire two years after issuance. For more details or to receive your CPDU certificate and tuition voucher, contact studentplacements@northpark.edu.
Capstone course
The final step of your program is a capstone course, where you will reflect on your clinical experiences, develop your teaching philosophy, and assemble your professional portfolio. This course prepares you for the final steps in licensure and your career as an educator.
Upon completing the program, you will be eligible for licensure through ISBE. To begin the process, create an account through the Educator Licensure Information System to receive your Illinois Educator Identification Number.