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Teacher Education Program Admission Requirements

North Park’s School of Education offers teacher licensure programs approved by the Illinois State Teacher Licensure Board and the Illinois State Board of Education. Students intending to pursue an education major must meet specific criteria for admission. While the formal application process occurs during the “Introduction to Teaching” course (typically sophomore year), we encourage students to contact the School of Education in their first year for advising and to learn more about requirements.

Admission criteria

To be accepted into the early childhood, elementary, or secondary education programs, candidates must meet the following:

  • Complete a formal application during EDUC 2120.
  • Maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher.
  • Be accepted into an approved major or area of concentration.
  • Receive positive recommendations from School of Education faculty.
  • Obtain approval from the Teacher Education Screening Committee.
  • Complete a health screening.
  • Pass a criminal background check.

Candidates must also pass the Test of Academic Proficiency before program acceptance. The Content Area Test is required before student teaching, and the Assessment of Professional Teaching must be passed before obtaining licensure. For more details, review the Illinois Teacher Licensure Testing Requirements.

 

Ongoing program requirements

Once admitted, candidates will complete assessments at key transition points in the program (Professional Terms A, B, C, and D). These assessments are described in the Teacher Education Handbook and include portfolio reviews. Candidates must also meet all clinical experience requirements.

 

Illinois licensure testing and coursework requirements

  • Basic skills: Students must pass the Illinois Basic Skills test by the end of quad A (second teacher aiding practicum) to qualify for the mini-teaching practicum.
  • Content Area Test: To qualify for student teaching, students must pass the appropriate Content Area Test by the end of quad A during the mini-teaching practicum.
  • Final assessment: Students must submit and pass the Educative Teacher Performance Assessment portfolio assessment to earn an Illinois Professional Educator License.

 

Grade requirements

All education and content-area coursework required for licensure, endorsement, or approval must be passed with a minimum grade of “C” or equivalent. The cumulative GPA for these courses must also be at least 2.5.