We offer a true alternative pathway to teacher certification:

• Candidates participate in the program as a cohort, offering support and encouragement to each other, and learning from each other's experiences.
  
• The cohort is immersed in an intensive, problem-based, preparation program that includes:
  
  
  • An orientation to problem-based learning.
  • Strong grounding in pedagogical knowledge.
  • Practice teaching under the auspices of a master teacher/coach.
    
    
• Participants enter full-time, paid internships in selected middle schools or high schools with support from mentor teachers and university faculty who provide feedback and help throughout the year.
  
• The cohort will be involved in ongoing professional preparation via regularly scheduled seminars and workshops throughout the initial teaching year.

At the end of the program, participants receive an Initial Teacher Certification from the State of Illinois.

Program Requirements

1. A Bachelor's degree or above in the field of engineering, mathematics, or science from an accredited college or university;
2. Five (5) years of work experience in the "related" field;
3. A passing grade on both of the:
4. • Illinois Certification Testing System (ICTS) Basic Skills Test
   • The Mathematics Content Area Test or Science Content Area Test;
5. A minimum of a 2.7 grade point average on academic work;
6. A completed application, official transcripts from all schools attended, a one-page Statement of Interest, three (3) letters of reference, a resume, the application fee, and a personal interview.