Important Notices
We are currently accepting applications for the 2012-2013 cohort, which includes teaching full time in the 2012-2013 school year. The application deadline is April 30, 2012. Internships must be secured by May 31, 2012.
Note: To be eligible for the 2012-2013 program, candidates must pass both state tests (Basic Skills and Appropriate Content Area). The last date to take these tests is April 14, 2012. Click here for help in preparing for the Illinois Basic Skills test.
The College of Education and Professional Studies at Eastern Illinois University offers an alternative route to certification program in accordance with state legislation and guidelines from the Illinois State Board of Education. Secondary Certification is available in the following areas:
- MATH
- FOREIGN LANGUAGES
- TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
- SCIENCE
- BUSINESS EDUCATION
- FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES EDUCATION
The Alternative Route to Teacher Certification program is aimed at helping school districts find a new source of teachers through a cohort program. This program enables individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree but no teacher certification to enroll in coursework consisting of:
- A Web-based course in May.
- An eight-week summer program running from mid-June to mid-August.
- A one-year internship as a paid teacher. This will occur during the academic year following the eight-week summer program.
- A two-week follow-up assessment during June after the internship.
Those who successfully complete the program after the internship will obtain the four-year Initial Teaching Certificate (Type 09) from the state of Illinois (Type 10 for Foreign Languages).
Candidate Prerequisites
Candidates applying for program admission must have completed the following:
- Earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a grade point average of 2.65 or higher on a 4.0 scale. The bachelor's degree must be in a major (or its equivalent) in the intended area of certification.
- Secured employment in an area requiring application of the individual’s education. This employment shall have covered a period of at least five years.
- Passed the Illinois Basic Skills test and applicable subject matter test required by the state for certification in the candidate’s intended teaching endorsement area. Information and online registration are available at www.icts.nesinc.com.
- Secured a commitment from a school district to be hired (and paid as a full-time teacher) for the internship.
