Questions about Teacher Certification Questions about Graduation / Commencement Questions about Teacher Education

Questions about Teacher Certification

When do I apply for my Teacher Certificate?
You will receive the application (along with instructions) from your Student Teaching Coordinator during the semester you student teach. It is very important that you follow the instructions very carefully. All completed materials should be sent to Teacher Certification Officer, Eastern Illinois University, 600 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, IL 61920.

When completing my Application for Certificate do I list my endorsement areas?
No. Your credentials will be reviewed according to ISBE guidelines to determine the endorsements for which you are eligible. Eastern will inform the State of the endorsements to which you are entitled.

When will Eastern finish processing my certification paperwork?
At the end of the semester, after grades are posted, your completed certification paperwork will be returned to you once we have verified your grades, graduation, and program requirements have been met. Please contact Pat Holycross (217/581-2200) if you have not received your completed paperwork within 4-6 weeks after grades are posted. Our paperwork will be delayed if you have a "hold" on your record. Name and address problems may also delay accurate return of your paperwork, so it is important to contact Ms. Holycross if you have a name or address change that is different than the one initially submitted on your application form to this office.

Where do I get registration bulletins for the Illinois Teacher Certification Test?
Registration bulletins may be picked up in the Dean’s Office, College of Education and Professional Studies, 1420 Buzzard Hall. If you are not on campus you may get the bulletins from your nearest Regional Office of Education or online at http://www.icts.nesinc.com.

Do I have to have completed my degree to be able to substitute teach?
Yes, you must complete all graduation requirements before you are eligible for a substitute certificate.

Who do I contact with additional questions about certification?
If you have additional questions you may contact Pat Holycross at 217-581-2200.

Questions about Graduation/Commencement
How do I apply for graduation?
When must I apply for graduation?
What happens if I change the semester I plan to graduate?
The answers to all these questions can be found at the Records Office Website http://www.eiu.edu/~records/graduate/index.html

How long should it take for me to get my degree audit?
You can expect to receive your degree audit check approximately 4-6 weeks from the date you apply. Once you receive this audit it is very important that you use this information and work with your advisor to make sure that you meet all graduation requirements. If you have questions about the information on the audit or believe it is incorrect it is critical that you contact the Dean’s Office immediately. You will automatically receive a final check at the beginning of the semester in which you applied to graduate.

Who should I contact with questions regarding applying for graduation or my degree audit?
Please contact Bonnie Wilson or Juli Bishop at 581-2524.

If your major is Recreation Administration, Kinesiologgy and Sports Studies, or Health Studies you should contact Bonnie Wilson at 581-2524.

Can I participate in commencement before I complete all my degree requirements?
Students may request to participate in commencement by exceptionality under the following conditions:

Spring Commencement - Students must have applied to graduate in the summer term and only have 12 or fewer hours remaining to complete degree requirements in the summer OR must have applied to graduate in the fall term and after spring term, have student teaching, internship, or practicum as their only remaining requirement to complete in the fall.
Fall Commencement - Students must have applied to graduate in the spring term and only have student teaching, internship, or practicum as their only remaining requirement to complete in the spring.

Students meeting these requirements and wishing to participate in the commencement ceremony should contact the Dean's Office early in the semester in which the student wishes to participate in the commencement ceremony.

Questions about Teacher Education
How do I make formal application to Teacher Education?

Students make formal application to Teacher Education by attending a University Admission to Teacher Education Meeting. These meetings are held several times each semester. The dates and times for these meetings are posted on-campus, printed in the Daily Eastern News and can be found on the Teacher Education section of this website.

When should I attend the University Admission to Teacher Education Meeting?

It is recommended that students entering Eastern as freshmen attend the University Admission to Teacher Education Meeting during their first semester. They must complete this requirement prior to completing 29 semester hours.

Students transferring to EIU must attend the University Admission to Teacher Education Meeting within the first 30 days of initial enrollment at EIU.

When should I take the Basic Skills Test?

Students should plan to take the Illinois Test of Basic Skills during their first year of college (or as soon as they feel prepared). Timing is an issue with this test since it is only offered 6 times a year with rigid registration deadlines (usually 6 weeks before the test) and score report dates (usually 6 weeks after the test). Students must plan to take the test in plenty of time to get the results back in time to be considered for selection. Transfer students SHOULD NOT wait until their first semester at EIU to take the test!!!

When should I take the subject-matter/content test?
It is recommended that you consult your teacher education coordinator or advisor regarding their recommendation. Given this, most students should plan to take the subject-matter/content test early in the semester prior to student teaching. Beginning Fall 2004 no student may begin student teaching without providing documentation that they have passed the appropriate subject-matter/content test. Students must allow sufficient time to register, take the exam, and receive their scores prior to beginning student teaching.

When should I take the Assessment of Professional Teaching (APT)?
It is recommended that you consult your teacher education coordinator or advisor regarding their recommendation. Given this, most students plan to take the APT early in the semester in which they student teach. While individuals can graduate without passing the APT, no individual can receive a teaching certificate in the State of Illinois without passing the APT.

I have questions about EIU’s Selection Process for Teacher Education Programs. Who should I contact?

If you have questions about selection that are not answered in the University Admission to Teacher Education Meetings or on this website you should contact either Ms. Bonnie Wilson or Dr. Doug Bower in the Office of the Dean, College of Education and Professional Studies, 1420 Buzzard Hall (217-581-2524).

I already have my bachelor’s degree but am now interested in getting my initial teacher certification. Who should I contact?

Individuals with questions about post-baccalaureate initial teacher certification should contact Ms. Bonnie Wilson in the Office of the Dean, College of Education and Professional Studies, 1420 Buzzard Hall (217-581-2524).

If you already hold a teaching certificate and are seeking additional certification you should contact your Regional Office of Education.

 

 

 

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