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The School of Education (SOE) offers programs grounded in the values of scholarship, leadership, and service. Coursework and early field experiences in school settings are desgined support candiates in developing knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for effective teaching in diverse educational enviroments.
Undergraduate Programs
Combined Program
Minors and Endorsement Programs
Program Overview and Expectations
All undergraduate programs meet the licensure requirements of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). Students planning to teach in other states should consult licensure requirements in those states and select coursework accordingly.
Candidates should review this Bulletin carefully and consult School of Education advisors early in their academic programs.
Requirements, regulations, and procedures outlined in this Bulletin govern teacher licensure programs at Dominican University.
Undergraduate teacher education programs emphasize research, reflection, collaboration, integration of theory and practice; consideration of multiple perspectives, and the effective use of educational technology. 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.
Teacher candidates complete liberal arts and sciences coursework, content-area studies, professional education courses, and supervised clinical experiences that support the development of beginning teaching practice. 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.
Secondary Education and K-12 Education majors are co-requisites programs and must be completed alongside an academic content major in an approved licensure area. Secondary Education majors complete one of the following co-requisite majors: biology, chemistry, English, history, or mathematics. K-12 Education majors complete a co-requisite major in Art, Italian, or Spanish.
Education Program Requirements
Teacher candidates must pass Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) requirements for the Professional Educator License (PEL) including:
1. Illinois Content Area Test(s)
Candidates must pass the applicable Content Area Test(s) prior to student teaching.
Testing deadlines:
- September 30 for Spring Student Teaching
- June 30 for Fall Student Teaching
2. TPA Teacher Performance Assessment
- Completed and submitted during the student teaching semester
3. TPA Teacher Performance Assessment
- Completed and submitted during the student teaching semester
4. An minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.
Teacher Education Program (Admission Requirements)
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.
Admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP) is required for enrollment in upper-level education coursework and is offered on a rolling basis.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Course Requirement
Enrollment in or completion of EDUC 200 Foundations of Education or an approved equivalent transfer course.
- GPA Requirement
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.
- Background Check Requirement
Completion of required background check following the steps in the CPS Field Experience Registration.
- Illinois Educator Identification Number (IEIN)
Creation of an Illinois State Board of Education ELIS account to obtain an IEIN.
- TEP Application
Submission of the Teacher Education Program application, including required documentation (including IEIN and verification of background clearance via CPS Notice).
- Major Declaration
Submission of the Major/Minor Declaration for the selected education program.
TEP applications are reviewed within 1-2 weeks. Applicants receive formal notification of admission via email, with copies sent to the assigned advisor, the Registrar, and Student Success and Engagement.
For questions regarding background clearance or licensure accounts, students should consult their assigned School of Education advisor.
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