Programs are designed to offer education students the flexibility of completing an early childhood education or elementary education degree at off-campus sites. Students must also:
Students will have their transfer courses evaluated by the dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies or designated representative. Courses are offered on a weeknight or weekend format to accommodate the schedules of working adults. For information, contact Mr. Jeff Duck
A cohort involves a group of qualified candidates progressing together through a series of courses over a period of time, working toward graduation and certification. Our undergraduate cohorts are typically offered on a 2-year cycle and are scheduled to include Spring, Summer, and Fall coursework.
Students will attend classes two or three evenings per week, Monday through Friday. Some classes may occasionally be offered in a weekend format. Classes are taught by faculty holding a Masters Degree or Doctorate degree in their respective fields.
Candidates will meet with the program coordinator to receive an unofficial evaluation of completed college coursework. The qualified candidate will have 45-60 semester hours of appropriate college coursework.
Interested candidates must be admitted to EIU by completing all steps of the university application process. In addition, students must attend a mandatory meeting for University Admission to Teacher Education. Meeting dates and additional information regarding requirements for Teacher Education programs can be found at the College of Education.
In accordance with state law, all teacher education candidates must pass the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) or document an ACT Composite score of 22 or higher on the ACT plus Writing with a score of 19 on the combined English/Writing part taken within 10 years of application to teacher education in order to be admitted to teacher education.
Candidates who have met the ACT composite requirement should refer to the document SUBSTITUTING ACT COMPOSITE SCORE OF 22 (SAT of 1030) FOR TEST OF ACADEMIC PROFICIENCY (TAP) for additional information.
Students will meet with the program coordinator each semester to ensure enrollment in the appropriate classes. These meetings will be held at the cohort site. Students are encouraged to stay in contact with the program coordinator as often as needed:
Jeff Duck
email: jaduck@eiu.edu
office phone: 217-581-7895
Can I get financial aid for this program? Classes will be arranged for a minimum of 6 semester hours per term to allow students to qualify for financial aid. Some terms may include more than 6 semester hours, but never more than 12 semester hours.
What if I am unable to take a class due to uncontrollable circumstances? A student who is unable to complete a class as part of the cohort will be required to complete the class on EIU's campus. If a time conflict is anticipated, please discuss the situation with the program coordinator immediately. Some coursework must be completed in a prescribed sequence.
Where will I student teach? Student teaching will be an entire semester (16 weeks). The Department of Student Teaching and Clinical Experiences at EIU will coordinate all placements. Students will complete an online application packet one calendar year prior to their student teaching placement. Items to note:
Student teaching is unpaid. Placement must be in a district the student did not graduate from, has not been employed by, and does not employ family members.
I have a degree in another subject area. Can I join this cohort to become a teacher? Post-baccalaureate students seeking a teaching license 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 the Deans Office in the College of Education (217-581-2524).
"The cohort program allowed me to continue my education while working full time and taking care of my growing family. Without this program, I would not have been able to obtain my bachelors degree and teaching certification." ~Cheri
"I think the cohort was an amazing opportunity and I would not have been able to complete my degree without it. I am really glad that EIU/DACC offered the program and Jeff and Eastern were great to work with." ~Amanda
"It is extremely beneficial to have the cohort teaching program at DACC. I know that many of my former classmates wouldn't have been able to participate in the EIU teaching program if EIU hadn't offered the program at DACC. The cohort program was challenging but worth the extra effort put forth to reach my goals. I am so thankful for the EIU professors that were willing to spend many nights and weekends at DACC for our benefit. We couldn't have done it without them." ~Ashley
"The DACC cohort allowed me to have a full-time job while getting my teaching degree!" ~Sadie
"It was a wonderful opportunity for me to go to school while working full time and being a mom. I didn't have to travel all the way to EIU campus for my classes." ~Melissa
Buzzard Hall
1920 9th Street
Charleston, IL 61920
217-581-5728