The course of study consists of 35-36 semester hours of course credit with an applied-action research or thesis requirement. The program is designed to encompass three areas: basic courses in education (these courses provide a background in fundamental educational theory), specific requirements in an area of emphasis (15 hours minimum) and a research component. The research component includes either an action research project or thesis. Students may choose courses according to individual needs, teaching level and professional interests. Students select one of the following areas of emphasis within the program:
This general option may be selected for practicing teachers interested in choosing coursework that best fits their grade level, content area, and interests. It can lead to dual credit certification from the local community college.
Specific courses may be selected in this area that will lead to the English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher Endorsement in Illinois, including a graduate level practicum. The following course areas are addressed: Linguistics; Theoretical Foundations of Teaching ESL; Assessment of the Bilingual Student; Methods and Materials for Teaching ESL; and Cross-cultural Studies for Teaching Limited-English-Proficient Students.
Specific courses in reading may be selected that will lead to the Reading Teacher Endorsement in Illinois, including a graduate level practicum. Also addressed are foundations of reading, content area reading, assessment and diagnosis of reading problems, developmental reading methods and remedial reading instruction.
The Certificate in ESL Instruction is designed for educators who hold a valid teaching license, have previous coursework/experience in reading and language arts methods and want to develop their professional knowledge and skills in regard to teaching English as a second language to students (i.e., Pre-School to Grade 12). Although this Certificate does not result in the ESL Endorsement with the State of Illinois, these graduate courses may be applied toward the requirements for the ESL Endorsement in Illinois, including ESL clinical experiences equal to 100 clock hours.
Persons seeking an English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement through the State of Illinois must hold a valid professional Illinois teaching license. A total of 18 semester hours of course work distributed among the following course areas is required:
ESL clinical experience equal to 100 clock hours or three months teaching experience with ESL students must be documented.
ESL Teacher Endorsement (Courses at EIU)
Educators who wish to advance their knowledge and performance in teaching reading in order to serve as Title I Reading teachers or Reading/Literacy Coaches and hold valid teaching certificates (i.e., preschool to grade 12) may choose to complete the Graduate Certificate in Reading Instruction. The courses required within the M.S. Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction Reading Area of Emphasis and the Certificate in Reading Instruction have been aligned with the Reading Teacher Standards as outlined by the State of Illinois. Therefore, these graduate courses in reading may be applied toward the requirements for the Reading Teacher Endorsement in Illinois.
Graduate Certificate in Reading Instruction (pdf)
Reading teachers are responsible for teaching reading to students and providing technical assistance or professional development. The endorsement can be obtained on an early childhood, elementary, secondary or special certificate. The general requirements include passing the reading teacher content area test and completing a minimum of 24 semester hours in reading, including a practicum, in the following six areas:
Reading Teacher Endorsement courses at EIU (pdf)
Post-baccalaureate students seeking a teaching certificate through any of EIU's state approved certification programs must meet the full intent of the respective programs. All previous course work, either graduate or undergraduate, will be evaluated in terms of current requirements. This will include general education, a major, and the professional education requirements. To initiate the transcript evaluation process, contact Stephen Lucas in the College of Education and Professional Studies.
Stephen E. Lucas, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, College of Education
Email: selucas@eiu.edu
Phone: 217-581-2524
2148 Buzzard
600 Lincoln Ave.
Charleston, IL 61920
217-581-7885
Fax: 217-581-6300