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 December 15th of each year for the program to begin the following April. Our best advice to prospective applicants is to apply ASAP. Program size is limited. -to top-

How many credit hours must I complete? There are 25 credit hours of professional course work designed into the program. Most candidates need additional studies in order to meet general education requirements, meet middle grades endorsement requirements, do additional preparation for certification testing, and/or optimize their classroom performance. Although the program includes a common core for all candidates, we recognize that individual candidates need individual development plans in order to prepare them for certification and careers in the classroom. (See the sequence of courses )-to top-

How much does the program cost? 

The expenses for the 2009-2010 program break down as follows:

• Tuition for professional courses*
  • Spring/Summer 2009 = $3600
  • Fall 2009 = $675
  • Winter 2010 = $675
  • Spring/Summer 2010 = $675
  • Total tuition for professional courses = $5625* 
     
• Fees*
  • Spring/Summer 2009 = $750
  • Fall 2009 = $243
  • Winter 2010 = $243
  • Spring/Summer 2010 = $243
  • Total Fees = $1479*
      
• Additional Program Cost*
  • Additional Program Cost = $4000*
     
• Total Program Cost = $11,104* 

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 are based on the current tuition and fee schedule. Tuition and fees can be subject to change and are publised every trimester online and in the University's Schedule of Classes. (10-1-08)

It's important to note that the $4000 "additional program cost" will be paid upfront by the candidate's partner school district. Most districts will in turn reclaim that money. Some reclaim it by deducting the $4000 from the teacher's first year paycheck. -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? Program candidates must pass the three required Illinois State Board of Education certification examinations prior to beginning their school district internship year: the Basic Skills test, the Elementary/Middle Grades content exam, and the Assessment of Professional Teaching. (See the sequence of courses )This will enable candidates to receive the Provisional Alternative certificate, which will allow them to be assigned to a classroom in a program partner school district within the context of the program only. Once all program requirements have been completed, candidates who receive the recommendation of the Assessment Committee will be eligible to receive the Initial Elementary Certificate. This will allow you to be assigned as a regular classroom teacher in grades K-9, just as if you had completed a traditional elementary teacher certification program. -to top-

Are there any restrictions on my certificate? No. -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 to five years following the conclusion of the program. -to top-

These general education credits must all be completed before the candidate can become eligible for teacher certification. As a general rule, you must be within 9-12 credits of completing these undergraduate requirements to be eligible for selection in the Alternative Certification program. -to top-

Where can I get information about the Illinois Certification Testing System Basic Skills test?

In order to be included in the selection pool for interviews with the program's partner school districts, applicants must provide evidence that they have: a) passed the ICTS Basic Skills test or b) are registered to sit for the December/January ICTS Basic Skills test in the year they wish to begin the program.

Information about registering to take the Basic Skills test is from the Illinois State Board of Education at http://www.icts.nesinc.com. You may also obtain test registration materials on campus from GSU's Division of Education. -to top

When can I get started in the program?

We begin the program in March each year. Applicants must submit and application by the prior December 15th. All candidates take a general education and writing test during the December/January period. Interviews and candidate presentations take place in the January/February time period. Application packets, test scores, and interview and presentation results are reviewed and the candidates are selected during February for the program's March start date - to top-