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Frequently Asked Questions

Graduate Program in Secondary Education and Certification

Who is eligible to apply to the program?

Any individual with a bachelor’s degree in the area pursuing certification from an accredited institution of higher education.

What if I teach at a Private CPS School?

You may use your classroom for a portion of your Field Experiences and student teaching.

What is a cohort?

At the School of Education a cohort group is a group of graduate students who take a sequence of courses leading to a degree together. 

Where do I do my Field Experiences?

At a site designated by the School of Education.  If you work at a school, you might use your school for a portion of your field experiences. 

What if I leave my cohort and later decide to rejoin?

If you leave your cohort due to unforeseeable circumstances and inform your advisor, you may rejoin your cohort or join another cohort when the sequence of courses allow for you to join.  You might have to pay a new rate of tuition if you have to join a different group.

How do I apply for the Type 09 certificate?

Once you are done with the required coursework and have passed the state test(s), you contact the Office of Teacher Education (kinsella@sxu.edu or 773-298-3971) and they will forward the application form to you so that you can complete them on line and you are referred for entitlement (certification).

How many state tests should I take before applying for my certificate? Illinois Test of Basic Skills (#096) for full admission. The Content Area Test for full admission (# depending on the area of certification) APT for 6-12 (# 103)

How many state tests should I take before applying for my certificate?

1. Illinois Test of Basic Skills (#096) for full admission
2. The Content Area Test for full admission (#depending on the area of certification)
3. APT for 6-12 (#103)

What if I do not want to receive my Masters Degree because it reduces my chances of finding a job?

Having a Master’s degree will not be a disadvantage for hiring an individual.  But you may apply for jobs while you are student teaching and continue your education toward the completion of the degree.

What if I work during the day?

All our cohort classes meet in the evening.  But you have to be prepared to do your Field Experiences during the day (8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) when schools are in session. 

What if I am already a certified teacher?

You will take the coursework along with the group but do a practicum instead of a student teaching.

Is student teaching in summer a possibility?

No.

What if I do not pass a certification test?

If you don’t pass Basic Skills or the Content Area Test, you will have to stop the coursework.  You have to pass the APT prior to applying for certification. 

What is the cost of each course?

Cohort students pay less $100 less tuition per credit than the advertised university tuition.  The cost does not change throughout the program, if they stay with the same cohort. 

How do I sign up for the state tests?

You can apply on line at www.icts.nesinc.com.