ISEP Frequently Asked Questions
- Is ISEP an alternative certfication program?
- How are the regular program and integrated program (ISEP) alike?
- How are the regular program and integrated program (ISEP) different?
- How does ISEP differ from the Regular Program in course structure?
- What type of student does ISEP serve?
- How do I enroll in ISEP if I am currently a student at Eastern?
- If I already have a bachelor's degree or am a transfer student, where do I start?
- If I would like more information about the Integrated Secondary Education Program, who should I contact?
Is ISEP an alternative certfication program?
No. ISEP takes approximately four semesters to complete, including student teaching. However, EIU does have an alternavie certification program for people who already have a bachelor's degree and want to teach science, math, foreign languages, or career and technical education. In order to qualify for the program, a student must also have five years of documented experience in their field. For details, call Jim Kestner at 217-581-2620.
How are the regular program and integrated program (ISEP) alike?
The two programs lead to the same certificate and offer the same number of hours of field experience in secondary schools. ISEP is four semester hours shorter than the regular program.
How are the regular program and integrated program (ISEP) different?
ISEP's special features include an integrated curriculum, writing-intensive orientation, a multi-course practicum, and technology-enhanced delivery. ISEP integrates educational foundations, educational psychology, secondary methods and special education in an intensive three-course sequence that continues into the student teaching semester. All ISEP courses are designated writing-intensive by the CAA. Practicum experiences are infused into three courses, take place in a range of settings, and include 25 hours of work with culturally diverse students. All ISEP courses have a technology-enhanced delivery and some are offered online. Course websites on WebCT offer access to modules, discussion boards and quizzes.
In addition, ISEP offers some time flexibility. Classes meet only once a week, and some sections meet after 4:00 pm. Students also make appointments for some school visits to fit their schedules. ISEP is an intensive program that allows some students to progress through their coursework in fewer semesters.
The students who tend to do well in ISEP are students who work well independently and those who are comfortable doing some writing every week. Those who prefer to see their instructors three to four times a week and who prefer discussion over writing do better in the regular program.
How does ISEP differ from the Regular Program in course structure?
Both programs require that students take an introductory teaching course (such as SED 2000), and the Diversity of Schools and Societies course (EDF 2555). In addition, all subject areas require a methods course (or courses) and all require a 15-week student teaching experience at the end of their teacher education program. The tables below provide a visual representation of the course sequence differences for the ISEP and Regular Programs.
| ISEP | Regular |
| ISEP Level I (SED 3000) 3 s.h. | Special Education (SPE 3500) 3 s.h. |
| ISEP Level II (SED 3100) 3 s.h. | Instructional Tasks (SED 3330) 3 s.h. |
| ISEP Level III (SED 4000) 3 s.h | Educational Psychology (EDP 3331) 3 s.h |
| History of Ed (EDF 4450) 3 s.h | |
| Multicultural/Disabilities Practicum (STG 4000) 1.s.h. | |
| Total hours 9 | Total hours 13 |
What type of student does ISEP serve?
Over the past several years, students who completed ISEP showed the following patterns:
- ISEP students ranged in age from 20 to about 50 years of age. Nearly a third were age 24 or older.
- Nearly 1/5 (18%) of ISEP students were post-baccalaureates.
Post-baccalaureates were defined as students who had received a 4-year college degree and were returning to take courses to earn teacher certification and, in some cases, a Master's degree. - About 1/3 (33%) of ISEP students were transfer students.
Transfer students were defined as any student that transferred in a full semester or more of coursework from another college or university. - About 1/2 (51%) of ISEP students were native students.
Native students were defined as students who completed a majority of hours at EIU. - About 1/4 (23%) of ISEP students were non-traditional students.
Non-traditional students were defined as students who stopped out of school for one or more years before seeking a degree and/or teacher certification. These students were post-baccalaureates, transfer students, and native students; however, more fell into the first two categories.
How do I enroll in ISEP if I am currently a student at Eastern?
During the semester before you wish to be enrolled in SED 3000, visit the Department of Secondary Education and Foundations Office, 2147 Buzzard Building, to fill out a waitlist form. Interested students can learn about the program in their introductory secondary education course (SED 2000 and CTE 2000) or by contacting Dr. Teresa Freking (tafreking@eiu.edu or 217-581-7396) prior to registration.
If I already have a bachelor's degree or am a transfer student, where do I start?
If you already have a bachelor's degree, you should contact Bonnie Wilson at 217-581-2524 to find out what courses you will need. If you are planning on transferring to Eastern, contact the department chair for the subject you wish to teach.
If I would like more information about the Integrated Secondary Education Program, who should I contact?
For advice regarding ISEP, contact Dr. Teresa Freking in the Department of Secondary Education and Foundations at 217-581-7396.
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