When is the application deadline for the program? We attempt to gather a pool of candidates throughout the year, and so applications are accepted and processed on an ongoing basis. We have set an application deadline of November 15th of each year.  Our best advice to prospective applicants is to apply ASAP. -to top-

How many credit hours must I complete? There are 33-34 credit hours of professional course work designed into the program. Most candidates need additional studies in order to meet general education requirements or meet middle grades endorsement requirements. (See the sequence of courses )-to top-

How much does the program cost? 

The expenses for the 2012-2013 program break down as follows:

* Tuition for professional courses          $ 10,372

            Fees*                                         $ 2,660

            ** Additional Program Cost       $ 3,000 

           Tuition Waiver                          - $ 2,593

Total Program Cost = $13,439* 

You should anticipate that there will be additional expenses for general education course deficiencies, books and supplies, etc.

*Note: These figures are based on Illinois residency and the current tuition and fee schedule for Fall 2012 through Summer 2013. Tuition and fees are subject to change.  

** Note: The "Additional Program Cost" will be paid upfront by the candidate's partner school district. Most districts will reclaim the $3000 by deducting it from the $30,000 stipend. -to top-

Which school districts participate as program partners? All program candidates will be working with one of the following partner school districts:

What kind of teaching certificate will I earn? During residency candidates hold a Provisional Alternative Certificate. Once all program requirements have been completed, candidates will be eligible to receive an Initial Elementary, Type 03 or Initial Secondary, Type 09 Illinois Teaching Certificate. -to top-

What kind of commitment will I make to the program partner school districts? One of GSU's major objectives in this program is to continue our strong, long-term commitment to high quality education in our region's urban setting. We share this commitment with the local school districts who partnered with us in the creation, design, and ongoing implementation of this program. Our expectation is that you share this same crucial commitment to our region. Candidates who begin the program make a commitment to teach in their internship district for three years following the conclusion of the program. -to top-

What courses should I have in my undergraduate transcript to prepare for this program? Candidates in the MAT in Urban Teacher Education program must meet the following general education requirements with a grade of "C" or higher:

• 6 credits - written composition
• 3 credits - speech communication
• 6 credits - mathematics at college algebra or higher level
• 7 credits - natural sciences
• 9 credits - social sciences including a course in U.S. Government
• 15 credits - humanities including a survey course in U.S. History
• 2 credits - introduction to health
• 3 credits - non-western cultures (African, Asian, Central or South American or descendants of those groups in this country, or Native American -- from humanities or social sciences)

As a general rule, you must be within 3-6 credits of completing these undergraduate requirements to be eligible for selection in the Alternative Certification program.

Middle School Endorsement requires 18 credits in a subject area - general education concentration in one subject area taken from (math, science, humanities, social sciences, etc.)

Secondary Certification in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics requires a bachelor's degree in the content or closely related area.

 -to top-

What tests am I required to take for the State of Illinois and where can I find information about those tests?   

Program candidates must pass all three required Illinois State Board of Education certification examinations: the Basic Skills/Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP 400), the Elementary/Middle Grades content exam 110 or the Secondary Content Area (105 Biology, 106 Chemestry, or 115 Mathematics), and the Assessment of Professional Teaching exam.

Information about registering for the certifcation exams can be found on the Illinois Certification Testing System website: http://www.icts.nesinc.com.  -to top 

When can I get started in the program? 

Applicants must submit and application by November 15th of the previous year. General education and writing tests are given in December and January. Interview, candidate presentations, and group team problem solving activities are conducted in January and February time. Upon completion of this process, candidate selections are made and the program begins in March. - to top-