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The School of Education (SOE) offers programs grounded in the values of scholarship, leadership, and service. University courses and early field experiences at school sites provide opportunities are designed to enable the undergraduate student to acquire the requisite knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for effective teaching in today’s diverse classrooms.
Undergraduate Programs
Combined Program
Minors and Endorsement Programs
All undergraduate programs meet the licensure requirements of the Illinois State Board of Education. Students who plan to teach in other states should consult the licensure requirements for those states and should elect courses within their undergraduate program that meet the special requirements of those states.
Requirements, regulations, and procedures outlined in this Bulletin govern teacher licensure programs at Dominican University. Candidates wishing to work toward teacher licensure should study this Bulletin and consult with advisors from the School of Education early in their college careers.
The undergraduate teacher education programs are designed to foster a commitment to research, reflection, and inquiry in the classroom; collaboration among individuals, institutions, and communities; a blending of theory and practice; consideration of multiple perspectives; and the effective use of technology as a teaching and learning tool. The overarching aim of the program is to cultivate teachers who share a set of core values that includes a commitment to social justice, an understanding of the strengths and needs of a diverse student population, and a dedication to equity, inclusion, and excellence for all students.
Dominican teacher education program graduates have the unique opportunity to experience a comprehensive program that includes the liberal arts and sciences core curriculum courses, content courses in the various liberal arts disciplines, professional and pedagogical education courses, and extensive supervised clinical experiences that focus on the development of practices essential to beginning teachers. As our graduates become successful educators, their work reflects the mission of the university, and their responsibility as educators to provide compassionate service, and promote a more just and humane world.
Field experiences begin in the first year of the program.
The Secondary Education and K-12 Education majors are co-requisites majors. They are completed in conjunction with an academic major in an area of licensure. Students pursuing a Secondary Education major complete one of the following co-requisite majors: biology, chemistry, English, history, or mathematics. Students pursuing a K-12 Education major select a co-requisite major in Art, Italian, or Spanish.
Education Program Requirements
Teacher candidates must pass IL State Board of Education (ISBE) required assessments for the IL Professional Educator License (PEL):
1. IL Content Area Test(s) - all cadnidates must earn a passing score on teh applicable Content Test by the following dates:
- September 30 for Spring Student Teaching
- June 30 for Fall Student Teaching
2. edTPA Teacher Performance Assessment (submitted during student teaching semester)
3. All education courses presented for licensure must be passed with a C- or better.
4. An overall GPA of 2.75 is required.
Teacher Education Program
Admission to the Dominican University School of Education Teacher Education Program is on a rolling basis. Teacher Education Program acceptance is a requirement for education courses beyond the foundational courses.
1. Course Prerequisite: You must be currently enrolled in or have completed EDUC 200 Foundations of Education or an equivalent transfer course.
2. GPA Requirement: Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.
3. Background Check Requirement: Complete a background check following the steps in the in the CPS Field Experience Registration. Access it at this link.
- Visit the link and navigate to the “CPS Field Experience Registration” section.
- Enter the following details:
- Field Placement Coordinator: Bridget Burns
- Phone: 708-524-6806
- Email: brburns@dom.edu
- CPS Placement School Name: Unknown
After completing the background check, you will receive a CPS Approval Notice via email, which is required for both the TEP application and field experiences.
4. Licensure Account Creation (ELIS): Register for a Licensure Account at the Illinois State Board of Education to obtain your Illinois Educator Identification Number (IEIN).
5. TEP Application: Complete the Teacher Education Program Application, which requires both your IEIN number and a screenshot of your CPS Approval Notice.
6. Declare Major/Minor: Declare your education major and/or minor using the Major/Minor Alteration Form.
Application Review: Your application will be reviewed within 1-2 weeks. If accepted, you’ll receive a formal decision letter via email. This letter will also be sent to your assigned education advisor, the Registrar, and the Office of Student Success and Engagement.
For Assistance:
- For questions about CPS Registration, the CPS Approval Notice, or your IEIN, contact Ms. Bridget Burns at brburns@dom.edu.
- For general application inquiries, contact your assigned advisor.
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