Students who have a bachelor's degree and are interested in initial teacher certification can apply for admission as a postgraduate student.
This is a two-year program that involves professional education courses (methods courses in each of the subject areas, child development, learning theory, assessment, foundations of education, integrating exceptional students in the regular classroom, etc.) and clinical experiences. Classes in this program are offered at the DeKalb campus, primarily during the day. Enrollment in these courses is limited to students who have been accepted in the elementary education program. The minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA required for this program in 3.0. This program can not be taken on a part time basis. If you are interested in this program you can apply to NIU as a post baccalaureate student as an elementary education major. There is a $30 application fee. After you are admitted you will be sent an evaluation of your prior education credits (a DARS report). You will be contacted by the University to come to an orientation/advising session. At this session your will meet with an elementary education adviser to discuss the program. After you have completed the necessary prerequisite courses you may be eligible to apply for the professional teaching course work. For additional information or to make a preliminary appointment with and Elementary Education adviser please contact Linda Tucker in the Advisement Office (815-753-8350).
There is a similar program being offered at Rock Valley College (Rockford, IL) through the RVC-NIU Initiative in Elementary Education. The minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA required for this program is 3.0. This is a part time program with classes in the evenings that will take approximately three years to complete. Our next program is planned for the Spring of 2009. If you are interested in this program please apply to NIU as a post baccalaureate student as an elementary education major. After you are admitted you will be sent an evaluation of your prior education credits (a DARS report). Once you receive the report please call 815-753-8350 to make an appointment to see the RVC-NIU adviser Mary Keil. Please bring your evaluation of credits report and copies of your transcripts to the meeting.
Note: The post baccalaureate study option has limited enrollment, and there is high demand for this program. You will be receiving a second bachelor's degree, so you will need to complete the general education requirements for the Elementary Education major at NIU. (If you have taken similar classes at another institution all or part of the requirements may be waived from your program.) Prior to starting your professional education courses you must take and pass the Basic Skills Test administered by the Illinois State Board of Education. Prior to student teaching you must take the Subject Matter Knowledge Test on elementary education. One must also complete a Conviction Information Name Check Request through the Illinois State Police prior to any field placement or clinical experience. Prior to certification students will need to pass an Assessment of Professional Teaching Test (APT).
There are numerous awards and scholarships that are available for students, some specifically for teacher education. Other aid may be based on financial need, talent or to members of particular groups.