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COE 2024 - Secondary Education

The Secondary Education Major for double majors provides students the opportunity to complete a primary major in Secondary Education and a secondary major in the disciplinary area for which students will be licensed (Art, Design & Media, Biology, Chemistry, English, Environmental Science, History, Mathematics, or Physics). As double majors, students are required to complete both majors and to fulfill all state licensure requirements to be licenses to teach.

The double major is designed to provide future Secondary Education teachers with a Secondary Education degree and a disciplinary area degree that reflects disciplinary area expertise. Like the Secondary Education major with disciplinary content courses attached to the major (e.g., Secondary Education Biology, Secondary Education English, et cetera), the Secondary Education Major for double majors draws on the expertise of faculty in the COE’s Secondary Education Program and Educational Policy Studies and Research Department to immerse students into essential issues and themes of education and theories and practices of teaching and learning. Such issues as educational inequality, politics of schooling, identity politics, social justice, identity development inside and beyond formal school settings, historical, cognitive, sociocultural, and sociopolitical nature of human development and society are integrated with issues of pedagogical content knowledge, critical pedagogy, constructivist teaching practices, theories of teaching and learning, curriculum development, and professional practice. Ensuring that students understand all these issues is integral to the Program design and delivery and to the preparation of teachers. 

The measure of the academic quality of the Program relies on clearly articulated features of exemplary teacher-education programs. These include: 

  • a “common, clear vision of good teaching that permeates all coursework and clinical experiences…”;
  • a “well-defined standard of professional practice and performance…”;
  • a “strong core curriculum taught in the context of practice” and including understanding of human development and learning, social and cultural contexts, curriculum assessment, and subject-matter pedagogy;
  • an “extended clinical experience” that supports ideas presented in coursework;
  • an “extensive use of case methods, teacher research, performance assessments, and portfolio evaluation…”; 
  • “explicit strategies” to help students confront their own beliefs and assumptions about learning and students and to learn about the experiences of diverse people; and
  • “strong relationships, common knowledge, and shared beliefs among school- and university-based faculty.” (Darling-Hammond, L. [2006]. Constructing Teacher Education. Journal of Teacher Education, 57, 300-314.) 

Students who are interested in the Secondary Education Major for double majors should contact their academic advisor. The Secondary Education Major must be selected as the primary major to ensure that licensure requirements attached to the Liberal Studies Program are completed. Disciplinary major requirements are determined by the academic department in which the major is housed.

Licensure

Illinois Professional Educator License with an endorsement in the specified disciplinary area:

  • Middle and Secondary Education Science-Biology (grades 5-12), an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approved program.​ 
  • Middle and Secondary Education Science-Chemistry (grades 5-12), an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approved program.​
  • Middle and Secondary Education English Language Arts (grades 5-12), an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approved program.​
  • Middle and Secondary Education Science-Environmental Science (grades 5-12), an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approved program.​
  • Middle and Secondary Education Social Science-History (grades 5-12), an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approved program.
  • Middle and Secondary Education Mathematics (grades 5-12), an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approved program.
  • Middle and Secondary Education Science-Physics (grades 5-12), an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approved program.
  • Middle and Secondary Education Visual Art (grades 5-12), an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approved program.
Program Requirements Quarter Hours
Liberal Studies Requirements 74-78
Major Requirements 58
Discipline Area Major 56-100
Open Electives 0-4
Total hours required 192-236

The total number of hours for the degree are determined by the concentration/discipline area chosen for the double major.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • Use knowledge of adolescent learners to create safe, equitable, and meaningful learning environments and collaborative classrooms.
  • Demonstrate and apply disciplinary content and pedagogical content knowledge with an emphasis on developing students' conceptual understanding and disciplinary literacy.
  • Plan and deliver instruction that demonstrates knowledge of adolescent learners and content.
  • Implement assessment practices to evaluate student learning and inform instruction.
  • Exhibit professionalism, pursue professional growth, and advocate for adolescent learners and their communities.

College Core Requirements

Dispositions

The College of Education expects its students to demonstrate the following dispositions and competencies across coursework, field experiences, clinical placements, and professional interactions. These competencies reflect professional, ethical, and inclusive practice aligned with state licensure requirements, accreditation standards, and our Vincentian mission to prepare effective and socially responsible professionals. We recognize that some concepts can be interpreted subjectively and have at times disproportionately impacted marginalized communities. Accordingly, our dispositions are applied with attention to equity, transparency, and cultural responsiveness. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to consult the standards of relevant professional organizations and accrediting bodies for specific expectations within their fields and engage in ongoing dialogue about these dispositions to raise questions, address concerns, and ensure fair and equitable implementation.

Justice and Ethical Responsibility

Student acts with integrity, ensuring their decisions and actions promote justice in all academic and professional standards.

Measures:

  • Follows all ethical, legal, and professional standards, including confidentiality and mandated reporting requirements.
  • Demonstrates accountability in academic and professional decisions and actions.
  • Advocates for and enacts equitable and just practices that protect the dignity, safety, and well-being of others.

Diversity and Cultural Responsiveness

Student respects diverse identities, cultures, and experiences to foster equitable and inclusive interactions in all learning and professional settings.

Measures:

  • Reflects on personal values, biases, and assumptions.
  • Adapts learning and practice to meet the needs of diverse individuals and communities.
  • Promotes respect and equity in interactions across classroom and professional settings.

Leadership and Professional Growth

Student takes ownership of their learning and professional growth and applies knowledge thoughtfully to address challenges, improve practice, and support positive learning and professional environments.

Measures:

  • Seeks opportunities to advance knowledge, skills, and professional growth.
  • Reflects on experiences and feedback to improve and innovate practice.
  • Applies knowledge and skills to solve problems or to improve outcomes in academic, professional, and field settings.

Collaboration and Professional Relationships

Student builds positive relationships and collaborates effectively in all academic and professional settings.

Measures:

  • Communicates respectfully and professionally with peers, staff, faculty, supervisors, and community partners.
  • Incorporates feedback to improve collaborative work and interactions.
  • Maintains interpersonal and professional boundaries.

Professionalism and Communication

Student models professionalism by engaging responsibly and communicating respectfully within all learning and professional contexts, recognizing that professional norms may vary across cultural, community, and institutional contexts.

Measures:

  • Demonstrates professional behavior, including preparedness, punctuality, and attire and language.
  • Communicates clearly, respectfully, and effectively in verbal, nonverbal, and written forms.
  • Follows guidelines, policies, and procedures in classrooms, professional, and field settings.

Skill Building Courses

Upon admission, students must take the DePaul placement tests to determine if their skills are at the college level for math and writing. If placement indicates students need to build additional skills in these areas, the courses must be completed before taking higher level courses, ideally in the first year at DePaul. Students must consult with their advisor regarding placement test results and any required classes.

Modern Language Requirement

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Education are required to demonstrate a measure of competence in a modern language, as defined by the college.

Such competence may be demonstrated in one of several ways:

  • completing two years of a language sequence in high school
  • completing the last course in the first-year college sequence of any language
  • completing a college course beyond the first-year level in any language
  • achieving a satisfactory score on any of the Modern Language placement examinations administered at DePaul
  • achieving a satisfactory rating in a proficiency examination accepted by DePaul
  • achieving a score of 3 or higher on the Advance Placement (AP) test for any language
  • achieving a score of 5 or higher in the Language B assessment from a Standard or Higher Level International Baccalaureate (IB) program
  • achieving a satisfactory score on the CLEP examination
  • credit awarded for the Seal of Biliteracy

Please note: Modern Languages courses with an E-designation are taught in English and may not be applied to the Modern Language Requirement. Modern Languages courses with an E-designation are taught in English and may not be applied to the Language for Liberal Studies Option.

For further information regarding satisfactory scores and possible credit from the DePaul placement, AP, CLEP, or IB examinations, please contact the Office of the University Registrar.

Students who complete an Inter-College Transfer (ICT) to the College of Education will abide by the COE Modern Language Requirement in place on the effective date of the ICT.

B.A. students who meet College requirements and wish to pursue further work in the language may elect the Language for Liberal Studies Option of the Liberal Studies Program. While B.S. students are not required to demonstrate competency in a modern language, the Language for Liberal Studies Option is available to them for language study at any level. 

Teacher Preparation

Field Experience

Each student pursuing licensure in the College of Education must complete structured Field Experiences in schools and sites aligned with their area of licensure in conjunction with designated education courses. Field Experience hours must be completed across a variety of settings and grade levels, include work with diverse student populations, and involve experiences in special education settings. Field Experiences must be completed during the quarter in which the course is taken and align with the completion of required course assignments. In addition to the requirements above, students must complete the minimum total Field Experience hours required by their program to be eligible for Student Teaching. All hours must be submitted by the student and approved by faculty in the Field Experience Hours Log upon completion each quarter and verified by the Field Experience & Student Teaching Office before final approval for Student Teaching. 

Student Teaching Requirements

Student Teaching is the culminating course for teacher candidates. It is an onsite experience in classrooms. The course requires candidates to be in schools and sites full-time. As the culmination of their teacher preparation program, it requires candidates to demonstrate their preparedness to teach, including reflecting the skills and sensibilities set out by the various professional organizations and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). A capstone course is required in the same quarter as student teaching.

All students in teacher preparation programs must meet the following requirements prior to enrollment in Student Teaching and the capstone course:

Academic & Clinical Requirements

  • Complete all courses required for the degree (including Liberal Studies, Learning Domains, major coursework, concentration/content area courses, minors, and electives)
  • Complete all program-required Field Experience hours
  • Achieve a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.50
  • Meet all other program requirements (e.g., modern language requirement, residency requirement, OPI test) 
  • Attempt the required Illinois licensure content area test in the primary licensure area and grade level*
  • Demonstrate satisfactory professional dispositions

*Secondary Education students placed in a middle grades classroom for Student Teaching must pass the middle grades content-area exam prior to Student Teaching and attempt the secondary content-area exam. Both exams must be passed to be eligible for licensure.

Student Teaching Preparation and Deadlines

  • Attend a Mandatory Student Teaching Informational Session approximately 2-3 quarters prior to expected quarter of Student Teaching
  • Meet with an Academic Advisor to confirm academic eligibility and timeline
  • Submit Student Teaching Application after meeting with an Academic Advisor, approximately 2-3 quarters prior to Student Teaching; application includes site preferences, resume, unofficial transcripts, FERPA release form, and writing sample
  • Submit and complete any additional placement school/district application materials and/or clearance requirements by the noted deadlines
  • Meet all academic requirements and professional disposition expectations by the quarter preceding Student Teaching, and continue to meet them through that quarter
  • Attempt content area test(s) no later than 2 months prior to student teaching start date
  • Attend Student Teaching Orientation in the weeks prior to the start of the Student Teaching experience

Students are expected to meet all stated requirements, procedures, and associated deadlines related to their Student Teaching placement. An eligibility review will be conducted approximately one month prior to the start of Student Teaching to confirm that all requirements and timelines have been satisfied. Failure to comply with these expectations within the established timelines may result in removal from the current placement or Student Teaching deferral to a future quarter. In cases where these expectations are not met, the Field Experience & Student Teaching Office may determine that continuation in the current placement is not appropriate. Decisions will be made at the discretion of the Field Experience & Student Teaching Office, following review of relevant information and, when feasible, communication with the student regarding the deficiency. The Field Experience & Student Teaching Office reserves the right to reassign or remove a student from their placement, considering the specific situation and any documented efforts to comply with requirements.

If a student or the program determines that the student will not complete Student Teaching but intends to finish the degree, the student must consult with the Program Director or Department Chair to identify appropriate substitute coursework. Approval of substitution courses is at the discretion of the Program Director or Department Chair, and such coursework will be equivalent in credit hours to the Student Teaching requirement. Completion of the capstone course remains mandatory as a university requirement. In these cases, a notation will be added to the student’s transcript stating: “Completion of degree requirements did not lead to eligibility for licensure.”

Licensure

Requirements for licensure include completion of a full educator preparation program, all licensure content tests (including OPI for world language endorsements), and an awarded bachelor’s degree. Student teaching must be passed with a minimum grade of B- or higher and the capstone course with a minimum grade of C or higher.

Upon finishing all requirements, DePaul sends notifications to ISBE to verify completion of requirements. Then students must submit an application in the ISBE system (ELIS). Application requirements include an application form, application fee, official transcripts, and registration fee.

All individuals must meet ISBE requirements in place at the time of application for the license. Requirements are subject to change at the discretion of ISBE.

Individuals seeking subsequent (additional) endorsements after applying for licensure must contact a College of Education Licensure Officer to determine next steps. Additional courses, tests, and fees may be required as per ISBE requirements.

Licensure Tests

All individuals pursuing a Professional Educator License (PEL) issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) are required to pass a content area exam specific to their primary teaching area. Students wishing to add endorsements to their license will also be required to pass any additional content area exams in the desired endorsement area. The Academic Success Center can provide tutoring, workshops, online resources, and practice tests.

Endorsements

An endorsement is a credential on a Professional Educator License (PEL) that identifies the specific subjects or grade level that the license holder is authorized to teach.

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) issues endorsements in various subject areas. To view the full list and requirements, visit the ISBE website.

Please note that the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) may change the licensure and endorsement requirements at any time and without prior notice. Individuals are bound by the requirements in place when applying for the license or endorsement, not the requirements in place when they began the program.

Teacher Performance Assessment

A Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA) is a subject-specific, performance-based assessment for teacher candidates designed to demonstrate their ability to plan, teach, assess, and reflect on instruction. A TPA is designed to measure an educator’s knowledge, skills, and preparedness in a real-world teaching context. A teacher performance assessment requirement for Illinois licensure is waived until September 1, 2029. Illinois will develop and pilot a state-developed teacher performance assessment between 2026 and 2029 (see Public Act 104-0128.)

Beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, the College of Education may participate in the ISBE pilot program for a new Illinois Teacher Performance Assessment (ILTPA). If the college participates, the ILTPA will be required as part of the Student Teaching course. Additional information about pilot requirements and procedures will be provided to Student Teaching instructors and students when it is received from ISBE.

The new Illinois TPA may require a fee to complete. In addition, candidates may be required to earn a minimum passing score in order to successfully complete the assessment and be eligible for licensure.

Non-Licensure Programs: Exercise Science 

Field Experience & Observations

Each Exercise Science student in the College of Education must complete structured Field Experiences & Site Observations in sites aligned with their concentration in conjunction with designated KNES courses. Field Experience hours must be completed across a variety of settings and include work with diverse populations. Field Experiences must be completed during the quarter in which the course is taken and align with the completion of required course assignments. In addition to the requirements above, students must complete the minimum total Field Experience hours required by their program to be eligible for their internships. All hours must be submitted by the student and approved by faculty in the Field Experience Hours Log upon completion each quarter and verified by the Field Experience & Student Teaching Office before final approval for internship.

Internship Requirements

Internship is the culminating course for Exercise Science students. It is an onsite experience. The course requires candidates to be in sites full-time. As the culmination of their program, it requires candidates to demonstrate their Exercise Science knowledge, including reflecting the skills and sensibilities set out by the program. A capstone course is required in the same quarter as the internship.

All students in internship programs must meet the following requirements prior to enrollment in internship and the capstone course:

Academic & Clinical Requirements

  • Complete all courses required for the degree (including Liberal Studies, Learning Domains, major coursework, concentration/content area courses, minors, and electives)
  • Complete all program-required Field Experience hours
  • Achieve a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.50
  • Meet all other program requirements (e.g., modern language requirement, residency requirement) 
  • Demonstrate satisfactory professional dispositions

Internship Preparation and Deadlines

  • Attend a Mandatory Internship Informational Session approximately 2-3 quarters prior to expected quarter of internship
  • Meet with an Academic Advisor to confirm academic eligibility and timeline
  • Submit Internship Application after meeting with an Academic Advisor, approximately 2-3 quarters prior to Internship.
  • Submit and complete any additional placement application materials and/or clearance requirements by the noted deadlines
  • Meet all academic requirements and professional disposition expectations one quarter by the quarter preceding Internship, and continue to meet them through that quarter
  • Attend Internship Orientation in the weeks prior to the start of the internship experience

Students are expected to meet all stated requirements, procedures, and associated deadlines related to their Internship placement. An eligibility review will be conducted approximately one month prior to the start of the internship to confirm that all requirements and timelines have been satisfied. Failure to comply with these expectations within the established timelines may result in removal from the current placement or Internship deferral to a future quarter. In cases where these expectations are not met, the Field Experience & Student Teaching Office may determine that continuation in the current placement is not appropriate. Decisions will be made at the discretion of the Field Experience & Student Teaching Office, following review of relevant information and, when feasible, communication with the student regarding the deficiency. The Field Experience & Student Teaching Office reserves the right to reassign or remove a student from their placement, considering the specific situation and any documented efforts to comply with the requirements.

If a student or the program determines that the student will not complete Internship but intends to finish the degree, the student must consult with the Program Director or Department Chair to identify appropriate substitute coursework. Approval of substitution courses is at the discretion of the Program Director or Department Chair, and such coursework will be equivalent in credit hours to the Internship requirement. Completion of the capstone course remains mandatory as a university requirement.

Degree Conferral & Graduation

The awarding of a degree is not automatic. The student must submit an application to be considered for the degree. The university awards and posts degrees at the end of each regular academic term (autumn, winter, spring, summer).

It is the student’s responsibility to initiate the degree conferral process by submitting an online application. Submitting an application indicates the student’s intent to complete all degree requirements by the end of the term for which the application is submitted.

Undergraduate students must be approved for student teaching and complete student teaching and capstone to be cleared for the degree. Students must submit a graduation application for the quarter that corresponds with term in which Student Teaching is completed.

Once the application has been submitted, the student may not register for any term after the one selected in the application.

To apply for degree conferral, log on to Campus Connect. Select “Advising, Progress & Graduation,” then “Apply for Graduation.”  The on-screen instructions will take you through the application process.

Provided that all requirements and financial obligations are met, degrees are posted 30 days after the official end of the term. Official dates are listed on the Academic Calendar.

DePaul holds one commencement ceremony each year in June. To participate, the student must first apply for degree conferral for the current academic year and then submit a cap and gown order.

Eligibility for the June Commencement ceremony is limited to students who complete the entirety of their program requirements, including student teaching, within the same academic year (prior to the ceremony). Students scheduled to complete student teaching in the fall quarter immediately following the ceremony may be granted special consideration to participate and graduate with their cohort, subject to program approval.

Additional information about degree conferral and graduation can be found on the Commencement website at https://resources.depaul.edu/commencement/Pages/default.aspx

Liberal Studies Requirements

Honors program requirements can be found in the individual Colleges & Schools section of the Academic Catalog. Select the appropriate college or school, followed by Undergraduate Academics and scroll down.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year ProgramHours
Chicago Quarter
LSP 110
DISCOVER CHICAGO
or EXPLORE CHICAGO
4
Focal Point
LSP 112 FOCAL POINT SEMINAR 4
Writing
WRD 103 COMPOSITION AND RHETORIC I 1 4
WRD 104 COMPOSITION AND RHETORIC II 1 4
Quantitative Reasoning
MAT 120 QUANTITATIVE REASONING 2 4
Sophomore Year
Race, Power, and Resistance
LSP 200 SEMINAR ON RACE, POWER, AND RESISTANCE 4
Junior Year
Experiential Learning
Met by successful completion of required field experience hours.
Senior Year
Capstone
WLE 384 CAPSTONE IN WORLD LANGUAGE EDUCATION 1,3 4
1

Students must earn a C- or better in this course.

2

Readiness for MAT 120 is determined by the math placement test taken online after admission. Students may need to take developmental coursework prior to MAT 120. Students who complete MAT 120 and both a Computational Reasoning course and a Statistical Reasoning course in the Math and Computing Learning Domain take one less Learning Domain course. Students may not apply the course reduction to any Domain where only one course is required, and cannot be applied to the Scientific Inquiry Learning Domain.  The MAT 120 requirement may be waived by passing a dedicated proficiency exam or it may be fulfilled by credit for advanced math coursework earned  in-residence at DePaul (MAT 135MAT 136MAT 147MAT 148MAT 149MAT 150MAT 151MAT 152 MAT 155MAT 156, or equivalent) or earned externally either as transfer credit from another college/university or as test credit through AP, CLEP, IB, or International A and A/S Level exams. Calculus course(s) may be used to fulfill any of the three QR/MCD requirements.

3

This must be taken with student teaching. Students must earn a C or better in this course.

Learning Domains

Arts and Literature (AL)

  • 2 Courses Required

Historical Inquiry (HI)

  • 2 Courses Required
    (Note: One must be US History.)

Math and Computing (MC)

  • 2 Courses Required
    [1 CR Course and 1 SR Course]

Philosophical Inquiry (PI)

  • 2 Courses Required:

Religious Dimensions (RD)

  • 2 Courses Required

Scientific Inquiry (SI)

  • 2 Courses Required:
    • 1 BIO Course
    • 1 CHE/ENV/GEO/PHY Course
      (Note: One course above must be SI-LAB.)

Social, Cultural, and Behavioral Inquiry (SCBI)

  • 2 Courses Required:

Notes

Specified required courses within Liberal Studies may have grade minimums (e.g. C- or better). Please consult your advisor or your college and major requirements.​​

Courses offered in the student's primary major cannot be taken to fulfill LSP Domain requirements. If students double major, LSP Domain courses may double count for both LSP credit and the second major. 

In meeting learning domain requirements, no more than one course that is outside the student’s major and is cross-listed with a course within the student’s major, can be applied to count for LSP domain credit. This policy does not apply to those who are pursuing a double major or earning BFA or BM degrees.

Major Requirements

Course Requirements 

Introductory Courses: 12 quarter hours required, grade of C or better required

Course Title Quarter Hours
SCU 207SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL ISSUES IN EDUCATION4
TCH 302INTRODUCTION TO MIDDLE GRADES AND SECONDARY EDUCATION4
TCH 303CONCEPTIONS OF HEALTHY ADOLESCENCE4

Advanced Courses: 20 quarter hours required, grade of C or better required

Course Title Quarter Hours
SER 346STRATEGIES FOR MAINSTREAMING AND INCLUSION4
TCH 325LITERACY IN THE CONTENT AREAS4
TCH 380THE TEACHER AS PROFESSIONAL 1
TCH 395ASSESSMENT PRACTICES IN THE MIDDLE GRADES AND SECONDARY EDUCATION4
BBE 301TEACHING ADOLESCENT ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS AND DIALECT SPEAKERS ACROSS THE CURRICULUM4
1

Taken in conjunction with TCH 381, TCH 382, TCH 383, and TCH 385.

Concentrations

The proposed major in Secondary Education concentration requirements reflect the disciplinary area content-specific courses that are part of Secondary Education—[Disciplinary Area] majors.

Concentration Areas: 16 quarter hours required, grade C or better required

Biology/Chemistry/Environmental Science/Physics
Course Title Quarter Hours
THE NATURE OF SCIENCE
INQUIRY & APPLICATION IN DEVELOPING SCIENCE PEDAGOGY
TEACHING THE SCIENCES IN THE MIDDLE GRADES AND HIGH SCHOOL 1
TEACHING THE SCIENCES IN THE MIDDLE GRADES AND HIGH SCHOOL 2
English
Course Title Quarter Hours
THE NATURE OF ENGLISH
INQUIRY & APPLICATION IN DEVELOPING ENGLISH PEDAGOGY
TEACHING ENGLISH IN THE MIDDLE GRADES AND HIGH SCHOOL 1
TEACHING ENGLISH IN THE MIDDLE GRADES AND HIGH SCHOOL 2
History/Social Sciences
Course Title Quarter Hours
THE NATURE OF HISTORY AND THE SOCIAL SCIENCES
INQUIRY & APPLICATION IN DEVELOPING HISTORY AND SOCIAL SCIENCES PEDAGOGY
TEACHING HISTORY AND THE SOCIAL SCIENCES IN THE MIDDLE GRADES AND HIGH SCHOOL 1
TEACHING HISTORY AND THE SOCIAL SCIENCES IN THE MIDDLE GRADES AND HIGH SCHOOL 2
Mathematics
Course Title Quarter Hours
THE NATURE OF MATHEMATICS
INQUIRY & APPLICATION IN DEVELOPING MATHEMATICS PEDAGOGY
TEACHING MATHEMATICS IN THE MIDDLE GRADES AND HIGH SCHOOL 1
TEACHING MATHEMATICS IN THE MIDDLE GRADES AND HIGH SCHOOL 2
Visual Arts
Course Title Quarter Hours
ART AND PEDAGOGY
TEACHER AS ARTIST
Select one EDUCATION ELECTIVE (approval of advisor required)
Select one EDUCATION ELECTIVE (approval of advisor required)

Discipline Area Major

Open electives that fill out the credit hour requirements for a degree in the proposed Secondary Education major can be/should be used to complete coursework toward the disciplinary area major. The following table identifies the number of open electives required/necessary for each concentration (disciplinary area) within the Secondary Education major based on current disciplinary area major requirements. These hours equal the credit hours required for each identified disciplinary area major:

  • Biology = 100 credit hours
  • Chemistry:
    • BA = 68 credit hours
    • BS = 92 credit hours
  • English = 56 credit hours
  • Environmental Science:
    • BA = 66 credit hours
    • BS = 96 credit hours
  • History = 60
  • Mathematics:
    • ​BA/BS = 60-64 credit hours
  • Physics = 88-96 credit hours
  • Visual Arts = 76 credit hours

These credit hour requirements are subject to revision based on disciplinary area major coursework revisions.  ​

Open Electives

Depending on the disciplinary area major, additional open elective credit may be required to reach the minimum number of hours for an undergraduate degree. 

Student Teaching

Student Teaching: 10 quarter hours required, grade of B- or better required

Registration in student teaching requires completion of all requirements and procedures in the college core section. EDU 95 indicates to the Illinois State Board of Education that all field experience hours are complete. All students also take TCH 387 TCH 387 TCH 387TCH 387TCH 387, Capstone Seminar with student teaching (listed in the Liberal Studies section).

Course Title Quarter Hours
TCH 392MIDDLE GRADES AND SECONDARY STUDENT TEACHING10
EDU 95CLINICAL EXPERIENCE WITH CHILDREN AND YOUTH0

Licensure Test

All individuals licensed by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) are required to complete licensure tests specific to their teaching license. Secondary Education Major for double major students must complete the following tests:

  • Content Area Test for the disciplinary area for which the student will be licensed – assesses knowledge of disciplinary content. Test is required before Student Teaching (deadlines apply).
  • EdTPA - assessment conducted during the student teaching experience including video clips of instruction, lesson plans, student work samples, analysis of student learning and reflective commentaries. Students will submit an electronic portfolio to an outside agency for independent evaluation and a fee will be imposed by that agency as part of the assessment.