Core 1 - March through Mid-June
- The Future of American Education and Effective Teaching (total 7 credit hours)
- Requires 15 clock hours of school classroom observation
- Courses held one weekday evening per week and daytime on Saturdays to permit candidates to continue working
- Additional coursework may be possible to help candidates meet any remaining general education deficiencies
- Basic Skills and Content Area certification tests must be passed
- Must obtain a Type 39 Illinois Substitute Teaching Certificate and complete a criminal background check thru Certified Background.com before the start of classes
Core 2 - Mid-June through July
- Strategies for Teaching in the Content Areas (3 credit hours)
- Theory to Practice (3 credit hours)
- Field Experience (3 credit hours)
- Candidates attend classes Monday through Friday, six hours/day for six weeks.
- Must Type 23 Provisional Elementary Teaching Certificate prior to beginning the teaching internship
Core 3 - August through June
- Candidates work under contract with a partner school district as full-time classroom intern teachers
- During this period, candidates will be supported by a strong mentor program
- Courses in Reflective Teaching 1 and 2 (one course each semester that focuses on developing teaching skills) –3 credit hours/semester
- Additional course work possible if required to meet candidates’ general education deficiencies
Core 4 - June through August
- Course in Reflective Teaching 3 (3 credit hrs.)
- Complete documentation, analysis, and interpretation of experience in the program through completion and presentation of portfolios
- Candidates may complete an individualized professional development program consisting of workshops in planning, classroom management, and professional educator dispositions
- Course work, if required, to meet candidates’ general education deficiencies
