By the end of the semester following successful completion of EDU 101, Introduction to Educational Practice, students must apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program (applications available in the Teacher Education office). Admission to the Program allows students to continue in Teacher Education, and to enroll in upper division EDU prefixed courses. Admission is contingent upon meeting the four standards noted below.

1. Successful completion of EDU 101 (a minimum grade of C)
2. Passing scores on Illinois Certification Basic Skills (Math, Writing, Reading & Grammar)
3. Attaining and maintaining a grade point average of at least 2.7*
4. Obtaining a favorable recommendation from the academic advisor
5. Submitting a favorable criminal background check

Consideration for admission may include other factors such as the ability to:

1. Manifest the eight program dispositions
2. Function appropriately in areas deemed important for successful teachers
3. Live within the context of the institutional lifestyle statement (Student Handbook)

Students who are denied admission may seek approval to continue in the program while attempting to gain admission by submitting a written remediation plan to the Committee on Teacher Education. The Committee will respond within one work week of receipt of the plan. Once admitted to the teacher education program students and their academic advisors must be aware of requirements applicable to all candidates. These are as follows:

1. A 'C' is the lowest acceptable grade for teacher education courses
2. EDU 101 must be completed before enrolling in EDU 280
3. Admission to the Teacher Education Program is a prerequisite for enrolling in upper division (300 level) EDU courses (application and academic advisor recommendation form may be obtained from the Teacher Education office)
4. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.7*
5. Approval by COTE

*If the GPA is not maintained

1. The student will not be allowed to continue in the program until the deficiency is removed
2. 2. Student must create a remediation plan and present it to their academic advisor
3. 3. Student may reapply to the program when the 2.7 GPA is attained

Admission to the Professional Internship
Application must be made during the first semester of the junior year (applications available in the Teacher Education office). The Professional Internship includes the following:

1. EDU 400 - Early Experience: This experience takes place in the public schools at the beginning of the fall public school term for a minimum of five days
2. EDU 401 – Clinical Practice P-8: Early childhood, elementary, and special education complete a five week clinical practice course
3. EDU 412 – Clinical Practice – Secondary: Music education, physical education and all secondary programs complete a semester of clinical practices
4. Elementary education majors complete ten weeks of student teaching under the supervision of a cooperating teacher and a college consultant
5. Early Childhood, Special education, music education, physical education and secondary education majors complete sixteen weeks (one semester) of student teaching under the supervision of a cooperating teacher and college consultant. (See Handbook for Professional Internship for information on each academic major)

All candidates will complete their professional internship at a public or accredited private school.

Admission to the Professional Internship is contingent upon:

1. Maintaining the institutional life style statement
2. Prior admission to the Teacher Education Program
3. Passing scores on the Illinois Content Area Certification test(s)
4. Successful completion of technology proficiency (75% pass rate)
5. An academic record reflecting a grade point average of at least 2.75 in accumulated college work, professional studies course work, and the specialty area of concentration
6. Completion of at least 66 hours of course work
7. Commitment toward completion of required clinical experience (including sufficient cross cultural hours)
8. Submitting recommendations by the appropriate department (or division) and by the teacher education faculty
9. Approval by COTE

If denied admission, candidates must meet with their academic advisor to develop remediation plans to be submitted to the Committee on Teacher Education for approval. This Committee has authority to terminate programs of candidates falling below standard.