The Department of Teacher Education prepares Urban Professional Multicultural Educators through an integrated program of courses and field experiences. Programs offered are designed for the preparation of future educators. The programs of study centers around our commitment to excellence in teaching for today’s diverse society through the investigation of significant educational issues, inquiry into student learning and effective teaching practices, and the use of technology in teaching and learning. We engage teacher candidates in critical reflection upon their practice throughout the program. We foster engagement in schools through our Partnership Schools and other child care, school and agency affiliations.  Upon completion of the program, teacher candidates measure themselves against the values of our guiding conceptual framework through the completion of professional portfolios.  Values that are part of this framework include: commitment to social justice, critical pedagogy, and positive educational transformation within the context of a Vincentian personalism that honors the dignity of each person. 
 
Students entering the program must be able and willing to devote themselves to a program requiring a minimum of 445 hours of daytime field experiences in schools and child care centers (145 hours in early childhood and 300 hours in bilingual/ESL education). These field-based clinical hours are completed in conjunction with curriculum and strategy courses that require students to participate in teaching activities with children ranging in age from birth through age eight. In addition, the student must successfully complete two six-week periods of full-time student teaching, as part of their culminating early childhood education experience.
 
The program includes five distinctive features: 1) Becoming a teacher is viewed as a developmental process continuing at least through the first year of teaching; 2) Multiculturalism is infused throughout the curriculum; 3) Field experiences are an integral part of the curriculum; 4) Students are exposed to a variety of educational theories; 5) The program includes a research component as a basis for further professional development.
 
The program in early childhood education prepares students to teach children in a variety of urban and suburban educational settings, including public and private elementary schools and child care centers.  Graduates earn the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.  Graduates are entitled to apply for the IL Type 04 Certificate.  In addition, teacher candidates meet IL Approval for Teaching Young Children with Special Needs, ages 3-6 and are entitled to apply for the ESL/Bilingual Approval.  All of these elements are built into the required curriculum.
 
Please consult both Liberal Studies Requirements and Program in Early Childhood links for full degree requirements.

Dispositions

The academic programs within the College of Education have set forth these dispositions as educational and professional expectations for all students.  Students should be aware that failing to abide by DePaul University or College of Education policies including, under certain circumstances, these dispositions, could result in adverse consequences for the student, including removal from his or her program, the College of Education, or the University.

·         Reflects on progress and identifies strengths and weaknesses, including evaluating strategies for success, finding alternatives for inappropriate strategies, and modifying future practices

·         Is receptive to faculty feedback and acts meaningfully and professionally upon suggestions

·         Values critical thinking, including engaging theoretical and philosophical frameworks and shows evidence of critical thinking through discussion and writing (e.g., journals, response to prompts)

·         Understands the importance of and is committed to communicating clearly orally and in writing both in traditional and in new and emerging digital formats  

·         Values and is committed to continually developing strong content area knowledge and/or knowledge of the professional field, including pedagogical content knowledge

·         Takes initiative, uses imagination and creativity, and seeks out information using a variety of human and material resources and technology to inform his or her teaching

·         Is aware of the role of classroom environment and uses management procedures that reflect respect and care for learners and concern for their emotional and physical well being

·         Takes the time and effort needed to understand how students learn, including discovering their interests and experiences and determining how to shape teaching acts (using technology as appropriate) that engage learners meaningfully and actively

·         Values and is committed to using assessment to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development of the learner

·         Respects and considers cultural contexts in order to determine how to be responsive to learners and to proactively promote all students' learning

·         Values and is responsive to diverse learners' academic, emotional, and social needs through teaching acts (including careful instructional planning, implementation, and differentiation) and through everyday interactions with students

·         Is committed to collaboration with colleagues, families, and communities in order to promote all students' learning and development

·         Recognizes and fulfills professional responsibilities and habits of conduct (e.g., dress, language, preparedness, attendance, punctuality, etc.)

·         Demonstrates collegiality, honesty, good judgment, courtesy, respect, and diplomacy

·         Balances self-confidence and assertiveness with respect for others' perspectives

·         Respects the requirements, expectations, and procedures of both the College of Education and of our field partners and appreciates the issues of trust, fairness, and professionalism involved

Degree Program

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.): 192 quarter hours

Campus Locations

• Lincoln Park

• Illinois State Type 04 Early Childhood Education; approval ECE Special Education ages 3-6; ESL/Bilingual Endorsement

Skill Building Courses
Before taking any math or English courses, students must take the DePaul placement tests to determine if skill level is at the college level.  If placement indicates skill level in these courses, the courses become part of degree requirements.  Consult with your advisor regarding placement test results and any required classes.
 
Advanced Standing
Students are conditionally admitted to the College of Education. There are additional requirements to reach Advanced Standing in your program in the College of Education.  Requirements must be met to progress in the major and take courses in the Advanced Standing category.
 
Advanced Standing requirements are:

• Maintain a DePaul undergraduate 2.5 GPA
• Pass the Illinois Certification Basic Skills Test
• Pass the COE basic computer competency assessment (EDU 025 registration required)
• Pass the minimum of 48 credit hours (or 8 quarter hours for transfer students)
• Submit a petition for advanced standing form

Students should attempt to complete the Advanced Standing requirements soon after beginning the program.  There is no time limit to meet these criteria; however, students will only be able to take pre-education courses until requirements have been met.  Students can also take liberal studies or content area courses before or after meeting Advanced Standing requirements. 
 
Certification Tests
All individuals certified by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) are required to complete certification tests specific to their teaching certificate.  Early Childhood majors must complete the following tests:

• Basic Skills (test #096) - assesses knowledge of reading comprehension, writing, and math.  Test is required to qualify for Advanced Standing. Early Childhood Content Area Test (test #107) – assesses knowledge of the content of what is taught at the early childhood level including language and literacy development, learning across the curriculum, diversity, collaboration, and professionalism in the early childhood program.  Test is required before Student Teaching (deadlines apply).
• Assessment of Professional Teaching (APT) (test #101, birth-grade 3) – assesses knowledge of teaching planning, delivery, assessment, professionalism, and technology.  Test is required to be certified, recommended that it be taken before Student Teaching.
• If applying for the Bilingual Endorsement, candidates must pass the required exams for this endorsement.

Registration, testing schedules, and fees for ISBE certification tests are available at http://www.icts.nesinc.com.
 
Field Experiences
Each student seeking certification from the College of Education/Professional Education Unit must complete supervised field experiences in appropriate settings in conjunction with education courses. The field experiences must include experiences with children ranging in age from birth through age 8 or third grade, multicultural experiences, and a minimum of 10 hours in special education settings.  All field experiences must be completed prior to final approval for student teaching.  Field experience hours should be entered by the student into the FEDS system when completing courses with field experience requirements.
 
Note: Courses in the ECE program are offered once per year.  Consult with your advisor for recommended sequencing.
 
Pre-Education Courses
Theory & Practice Introductory Core: 18 quarter hours required, grade of C or better required
ECE 290    Child Growth & Development (must be taken with ECE 091)
ECE 091    Clinical Experience with Infants (1 hour)
ECE 286    Art, Music and Movement in ECE
ECE 302    Child & Family in Urban Environment (must be taken with ECE 092)
ECE 092    Clinical Experience with Families (1 hour)
ECE 303    History & Philosophy of ECE  

Health and Nutrition: 4 quarter hours required, grade of C or better required
ECE 298    Child Health Safety and Nutrition   

Pre-Education Core: 12 quarter hours required, grade of C or better required
EDU 025    Basic Technology (non-credit, non-tuition, PA grade required)
SCU 207    Social and Historical Issues in Education
EE 347      Children’s Literature
ECE 309    Preschool Exceptional Childhood Growth & Development

Bilingual/ESL Concentration Courses: 28 quarter hours required, grade of C or better required
ECE 313    Cross Cultural Studies in Early Childhood Education
ECE 314    Methods & Materials for English Language Learners in Early Childhood Education
ECE 325    Second Language Acquisition and Early Literacy Development
ECE 377    Assessment of Young Bilingual/ESL students
ECE 383    Linguistic Practicum In Early Childhood Education (300 clock hours)
BBE 305   Theoretical Foundations in Bilingual Early Childhood Development
BBE 306    Foundations of English as Second Language Instruction in Early Childhood Education
 
Advanced Standing Courses: 34 quarter hours required, grade of C or better required
SCU 336    Adolescent & Adult Growth & Development
ECE 306    Understanding Young Children’s Behavior
ECE 307    Speech & Language Development of the Young Child
ECE 310    Teaching Strategies for Pre-School Children (must be taken with ECE 093)
ECE 093    Clinical Experience with Preschoolers (1 hour)    
ECE 311    Curriculum & Instruction in Primary Grades (must be taken with ECE 094)
ECE 094    Clinical Experience with Primary Grades (1 hour)
ECE 331    Beginning Math & Science Instruction
ECE 375    Early Childhood Assessment
EE 324      Beginning Reading Instruction              

Open Electives:  4 quarter hours are required

Any course not used for another degree requirement can fulfill open electives.  The following cannot be used to fulfill an open elective: WRD 098, WRD 101, MAT 094, and MAT 095.

Endorsements
An endorsement is a subject area that you can qualify for to teach full time, in addition to your main certification area.  Early Childhood candidates are eligible for the ESL/Bilingual Endorsement and approval for teaching in Special Education Programs serving young children from age 3 to 6.
 
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) issues endorsements in various subject areas.  To view the full list and requirements, view the ISBE website: http://www.isbe.net/certification/requirements/endorsement_assignment.htm.
 
To qualify for an endorsement at the primary school level, you need 18 semester hours (27 quarter hours) in a teachable subject area.  There are limited subject areas available for endorsements at the primary level.  Consult the ISBE website or talk to your academic advisor for more information.
 
Student Teaching Requirements
Student Teaching is the culminating clinical experience in the student's program. All students in teacher preparation programs must meet the following requirements before applying for student teaching:
 
Academic Requirements:

• Completion of all Liberal Studies, Pre-Education, Advanced Standing and concentration courses
• Overall cumulative G.P.A. of 2.50 or better
• Cumulative GPA. of 2.75 or better in all education courses
• Meet all other program requirements  (e.g., modern language and residency requirements)
•   Meet designated program standards
• Pass the required Illinois certification content area test 

Clinical Requirements:

• Completion of all required field experiences
• Three satisfactory evaluations in field experiences
• Three satisfactory faculty recommendations
• Attendance at mandatory meeting for student teaching
• Application for student teaching, resume, transcripts, and writing sample (check deadlines)
• Review and approval by Student Teaching Committee of the College of Education 

Student Teaching Timeline and Deadlines:

• Attend a Mandatory Meeting approximately 1 year prior to expected quarter of student teaching.
• Submit application for student teaching after attending Mandatory Meeting, approximately 1 year prior to student teaching. 

Academic requirements (above) due one quarter before expected quarter of student teaching.

Clinical requirements (above) are completed as course requirements.  Field experience hours are entered by the student as coursework is completed. 

Online Faculty Evaluations are entered by the instructor of relevant courses.  All data must be entered in the Field Experience Documentation System (FEDS) due one month prior to student teaching.
 
Individual child care agencies and public and private school districts may have additional requirements (application, training, background check, etc.).
 
Student Teaching 12 quarter hours required, grade of B- or better required
Registration in student teaching requires completion of all requirements and procedures above.  EDU 095 indicates to the Illinois State Board of Education that all field experience hours are complete.  All students also take ECE 384, Capstone Experience, in the December quarter of their senior year (prior to student teaching).  Early Childhood students complete 6 weeks in a preschool classroom and 6 weeks in a primary classroom.
 
ECE 385    Early Childhood Student Teaching  (12 hours)             
EDU 095    Field Experience (non-credit, non-tuition, PA grade required)
 
Degree Conferral and Graduation
The awarding of a degree is not automatic. You must submit an application to be considered for the degree. DePaul awards and posts degrees at the end of each regular academic term (autumn, winter, spring, summer I and summer II).
 
It is your responsibility to initiate the degree conferral application process by submitting an online application.  Submitting an application means you intend to finish your degree requirements by the end of the term for which you have applied. 

Undergraduate students must be approved for student teaching and complete student teaching and capstone to be cleared for the degree.  Student must submit graduation application for the quarter that matches the quarter you are student teaching.

After you submit the application, you cannot register for any term after the one selected in the application.

Application deadlines are as follows:
Fall Quarter - October 1st
Winter Quarter - January 15th
Spring Quarter - February 1st
Summer I Quarter - June 1st
Summer II Quarter - July 15th

To apply for degree conferral, log on to Campus Connection.  Select FOR STUDENTS, then GRADUATION, then APPLY FOR DEGREE CONFERRAL.  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. If you intend to participate, you must first apply for degree conferral for the current academic year and then submit a cap and gown order.  Honors are not announced at the ceremony for undergraduates completing their final courses in spring quarter because a final GPA is not available at the time of the ceremony.

Additional information about degree conferral and graduation can be found on the College of Education website at: http://education.depaul.edu/.
 
Certification
Requirements for certification include completion of full bachelor’s degree program, all certification tests (including OPI for world language majors), and awarding of bachelor’s degree.  A bachelor's degree is required to qualify for certification and must be awarded before applying for the certificate.
 
Individuals must submit an application directly to the Illinois State Board of Education after completion of requirements and after DePaul has submitted notification to ISBE.  Application requirements include application form, application fee, official transcripts, and registration fee.
 
All individuals must meet ISBE requirements in place at the time of application for the certificate.  Requirements are subject to change per the discretion of ISBE.
 
Individuals seeking additional endorsements after applying for the certificate must contact ISBE directly for an evaluation request.
 
All certification guidelines, rules, and requirements can be found on their website at http://www.isbe.net . 
  
Please also consult the DePaul Undergraduate Student Handbook catalog section, COE Academic Policies catalog section, and Teacher Education program handbook for additional policy requirements.  As an undergraduate student you assume the responsibility to know and meet both the general and particular policies, and deadlines outlined in this catalog and handbook.