Teacher Preparation Programs

McKendree School of Education offers a pathway to Initial Teacher Licensure in the state of Illinois for a wide range of individuals. Each program is designed to provide rigorous preparation, including intensive coursework, field experiences, and student teaching, to ensure all candidates are prepared for the rigors of teaching.

 

Undergraduate Programs:

Traditional on-campus program with some online courses for students seeking a complete 3-4 year college experience. On-campus living available, with coursework occurring predominantly in person during the day over a 2-4 year period based on transfer credits. 

• • • • • Elementary Education (K-6)
        • Middle Grades (5-8)
          • English
          • Math
          • Science
          • Social Science
        • Music (K-12)
        • Physical Education (K-12)
        • Secondary Education (9-12)
          • English
          • Math
          • Science (Biology)
          • Social Sciences
        • Special Education LBS1 (K-22) & Elementary Education DUAL Licensure

Additional Program Highlights:

• Transfer Friendly
• Scholarships available
• 80+ student organizations
• Experiential Learning
• Small class sizes
• Personalized advising & support
• High-quality faculty (most courses taught by full-time faculty)
• FREE parking!

Undergraduate Paraprofessional Program:

An ISBE-approved Teacher Apprenticeship Program for current school employees who do not already hold a bachelor's degree and are seeking teacher licensure. This completely online asynchronous program is perfect for working individuals who have daily access to a current school through their employer. All applicants MUST have the school's administrators' approval and support to be admitted to this program since they will conduct all field and student teaching placements in their place of employment.  Online coursework can be completed on the individual's own schedule, taking 2-3 classes each 8-week period. Courses are offered in the summer, fall, and spring semesters. Coursework and fieldwork take between 2-4 years to complete based on transfer credits.  

• • • • • Elementary Education
        • Special Education LBS1

Additional Program Highlights:

• Transfer Friendly
• Fall, spring, summer start dates
• Reduced tuition
• Scholarships available
• No student activity or online fees
• Personalized advising & support
• High-quality faculty & staff

 

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Program:

The MAT Program is for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in another area but seek teacher licensure. This program is offered entirely online, asynchronously, for either current school employees or those working in other fields. It is perfect for working individuals who wish to enter the teaching profession.   Online coursework can be completed on the individual's own schedule, taking 2-4 classes each 8-week period. Courses are offered in the summer, fall, and spring semesters. Coursework and fieldwork take between 1 and 3 years to complete, depending on transfer credits.  

• • • • • Elementary Education (K-6)
        • Middle Grades (5-8)
          • English
          • Math
          • Science
          • Social Science
        • Physical Education (K-12)
        • Secondary Education (9-12)
          • English
          • Math
          • Science (Biology or Chemistry)
          • History or Political Science
        • Special Education LBS1 (K-22)

Additional Program Highlights:

• Transfer Friendly
• Fall, spring, summer start dates
• Scholarships available
• No student activity or online fees
• Personalized advising & support
• High-quality faculty & staff

Master of Arts in Education (MAEd)

Our Teacher MAEd Programs are designed for current teachers seeking to advance their career and teaching opportunities, as well as seek licensure renewal and salary advancement. There are multiple pathways for individuals to choose from to design a program suited to their unique school, classroom, and students needs. All coursework is completed online (predominantly asynchronous) over a 1-3 year period depending on transfer credits and the selected pathway.

• • • • • MAEd in Curriculum, Design, and Instruction
          • General CDI
          • Elementary Mathematics Specialist
        • English as a Second Language (ESL)
        • Reading Specialist
        • Special Education (LBS1)
        • Teacher Leader

Additional Program Highlights:

• Transfer Friendly
• Fall, spring, summer start dates
• No student activity or online fees
• Personalized advising & support
• High-quality faculty & staff
• Additional endorsement opportunities

Specialist in Education (EdS) and Doctoral Programs (EdD)

The Specialist and Doctorate programs work in tandem to progress candidates toward a terminal degree in Curriculum, Design, and Instruction. It is designed for teachers who already hold a master's degree seeking to advance their careers and teaching opportunities, as well as seek licensure renewal and salary advancement. Each program takes about two years to complete and culminates in a dissertation in a teaching-research field of their choice. These advanced programs are designed to expand teachers' practice, knowledge, opportunities, and careers through design and research meant to positively contribute to the teaching profession. 

Additional Program Highlights:

• Transfer Friendly
• Fall, spring, summer start dates
• Cohort opportunities
• Personalized advising & support
• Courses taught by former educators and administrators
• No student activity or online fees
• Additional endorsement opportunities

 

*Additional Subsequent Teaching Licensure Programs for non-degree seeking students.