Philosophical Foundation
The teacher preparation program at Northwestern University is approved by the State of Illinois. While subject to state requirements, the program at Northwestern is based on a philosophical foundation known as the Conceptual Framework. Teacher candidates will see and hear references to the "Conceptual Framework" (CF) in their education classes. It is important to become familiar with the CF and the Illinois Professional Standards for Teachers as well as the Content Standards for the subject you intend to teach. (click on "PC version" or "MAC version" and you will be taken to the standards.)
Application
All teacher candidates must apply to the teacher preparation program, including SESP Secondary Education concentration students. Application to the program occurs in the term that teacher candidates enroll in Teach Ed 304: Schooling in Communities, but no later than the first week of October of the junior year. Students must have taken and passed the Illinois Basic Skills Test and have a minimum 2.5 GPA as well as a 2.5 average in their subject area (major). Additionally, beginning with the class of 2011, program candidates must have had a minimum of 25 hours working with middle school/high school-aged students as a tutor, coach, mentor, etc.
As a teacher candidate, you will be required to take and pass three certification tests: the Basic Skills test, the Subject Test and the Assessment of Professional Teaching exam. The latter two exams are based on the Professional Standards and Content Area Standards for teachers, mentioned above. Aggregated results of these exams as well as the Basic Skills exam are reported to the federal government via the state under Title II. You may view Northwestern University teacher candidates' performance by clicking on Title II.
Digital Portfolio
Creating an electronic digital portfolio is an additional requirement for certification. The portfolio is based on the conceptual framework and exhibits the candidates understanding of what it means to be a graduate of a Northwestern teacher preparation program.
The digital portfolio is evaluated by a member of the portfolio assessment team at two stages in the teacher preparation program. Regularly scheduled periodic technology workshops assist teacher candidates in the creation of the digital portfolio. For complete details, including a conceptual overview and handbook, see the web site.
Applying for the Teaching License
Students enrolled in the program who are recommended for certification become eligible for a teaching license upon completion of their degree work and a passing grade in the Illinois Assessment of Professional Teaching exam. Students moving out of state are warned that they most likely will not be eligible for a license in their home state without first completing all the requirements for the state of Illinois. To learn more about other states' requirements, visit University of Kentucky College of Education and Certification Map. For jobs visit School-Jobs. In addition, all candidates must have successfully completed the 100-hour practicum, student teaching and other course requirements for certification as outlined in the program. Successful completion of the digital portfolio is also required.
When all of the requirements are met, students will petition for certification through the teacher certification office. If eligible for entitlement, students will then be instructed to apply for their certificate electronically through the state's electronic certification system, Educator Certification System (ECS). This program will allow the new teacher to print a verification of eligibility for employment in Illinois schools and the actual number of the teaching certificate. The certificate itself will be mailed to them from the State Board of Education Office in Springfield.
The Illinois School Code requires school districts to perform a national fingerprint-based criminal history records check for all certified and non-certified applicants for employment. Certification can be denied or suspended for certain violations specified in the Illinois School Code, including certain felonies and violations of the Cannabis Control Act and the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, as well as other crimes. The criminal history check must be initiated prior to employment, but the individual may be hired and begin employment pending the outcome of the criminal history records check.