Education
Accredited by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
Faculty: Professors Bakken, Hunzicker; Associate Professors Jung, Kuester, Lukowiak, Rios Vega, Wherfel (chair), Yang; Assistant Professors Iacoponi, Lee, Nusser, Waychunas.
The preparation of undergraduates for entry into their respective professions is the primary mission of the department. At Bradley, candidates are expected to become human resource specialists. The College believes that the productive educator must be an educational leader, advocate, and life-long learner. The smaller class size at Bradley, the caring attitude of the faculty, the number and variety of field experiences, and the excellent placement record of education graduates make the College an exceptional place from which to launch a teaching career.
The Department of Education offers programs leading to a bachelor’s degree and to an Illinois state teaching license. Bachelor’s programs involve a wide range of teaching choices including Art Education K-12, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, PK-12 Music Education (Instrumental, Piano, or Vocal concentration), Middle School Education (English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies), High School Education (Biology, Chemistry, English, and History and Social Studies), Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (Special Education), and Spanish Education. In addition, we offer an endorsement program in English as a Second Language (ESL), which is embedded in some of these degree programs. The special education endorsement can be applied to elementary, middle school, and high school programs with a few additional courses. The department also offers a non-teacher Education Studies major and Education Studies minor.
Although the programs in education are designed to meet State of Illinois teacher licensure requirements, graduates will find that they are eligible for licensure in a variety of states in addition to Illinois. Currently 52 states and jurisdictions have signed the Interstate Licensure Agreement with Illinois and will issue a comparable entry-level license for elementary, early childhood, middle school, high school, or special education graduates. Candidates must consult with the licensure officer for details. All programs are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Change of College and Curriculum
Candidates who enter the University in the AEP program or another major may change their major to any of the education programs only if their overall grade point average is a minimum of 2.50.
Advancement to Degree Candidacy Required
Candidates uncertain about a career in education may take introductory education courses. Admission to upper-level courses requires department advancement to degree candidacy status or special permission of the Chair of the department. During the two years, candidates may remain in teacher education courses if their overall grade point average remains above a 2.0 or “C.” To be advanced to degree candidacy, however, the grade point averages required are a 2.50 overall and a 2.50 in education courses, with a grade of 2.0 (C) or better for each education course.
In addition, middle school, high school, PK-12 art, PK-12 music, and PK-12 Spanish majors must also achieve a 2.50 GPA in the courses which comprise the teaching field(s) and a grade of 2.0 (C) or better for each teaching field content course. The courses that make up the concentration or major discipline and any related Bradley Core Curriculum courses will be included in the teaching field GPA. If candidates are to be considered for advancement to candidacy, they must have earned grades of at least 2.0 (C) in ENG 101 English Composition, COM 103 The Oral Communication Process, and any QR course (or equivalents). There are additional requirements for advancement to candidacy beyond these minimum grade point averages, including demonstration of appropriate preprofessional behaviors. Candidates should consult with their advisors regarding these additional requirements.
Ordinarily, candidates apply for candidacy in their second year. At the end of the semester, department faculty evaluate candidates on their academic achievements and professional growth. Continuance in the program is reviewed if at any time after advancement to candidacy a student’s overall grade point average falls below 2.50; education grade point average falls below 2.50; for high school education, PK–12 art, PK–12 music, PK-12 Spanish education, middle school education, the grade point average in the teaching field(s) falls below 2.50; the student fails to demonstrate appropriate preprofessional behaviors; or other circumstances occur which would make a teacher candidate unable to be licensed. Additionally, candidates must provide a satisfactory criminal background check report. Candidates with questions about advancement to degree candidacy and maintenance of candidacy status should see their advisors in the college or the Chair of the Department of Education.
Student Teaching
Student teaching is an important culminating experience for each education program. It is the policy of the department that all student teaching assignments be in or immediately near Peoria, Illinois. Candidates with questions about student teaching should see the Chair or Program Director. Student teaching must be taken for a pass/fail grade. All other field experiences must be taken for a letter grade.
Core Curriculum, Degree, and Licensure Requirements for Education Candidates
Brief outlines of programs are presented for the benefit of prospective candidates interested in preparing for the teaching profession. Both University degree requirements and Illinois teacher licensure requirements are included. Degree and licensure requirements differ. Programs and class schedules are to be planned each semester in consultation with the student’s academic advisor. While a student ordinarily may graduate and be licensed under the University catalog requirements in effect at the time the student becomes a teacher education candidate, the Illinois State Teacher Licensure Board may mandate changes in standards of approved teacher education programs. This may require candidates to modify or add to their original degree programs in order to be eligible for licensure upon completion of graduation requirements. As in any good program, revisions are being made continually; candidates should consult their education advisor about current program requirements.
Although candidates are assigned an academic advisor, the ultimate responsibility for meeting the program requirements for graduation is that of the candidate. Candidates are responsible for their programs. A minimum of 120 hours is needed for graduation.
Illinois Licensure Tests Required
Each candidate must pass all applicable licensure tests for their major prior to licensure. As with other requirements, the number and type of tests required are subject to changes implemented by the state legislature or the Illinois State Board of Education at any time prior to licensure.
Admissions Requirements
Admission to Teacher Education Program: Candidates must have earned a minimum grade point average of
2.5 overall, 2.5 in education courses, and a 2.5 in their content major. Candidates must have earned grades of not less than a C in COM 103, ENG 101, and a mathematics course that meets university core curriculum requirements. They must have completed a prescribed group of education courses for each major with the appropriate GPA and no Ds, demonstrated appropriate pre-professional behaviors and dispositions, been cleared on a check of criminal history, and received a satisfactory vote of the faculty.
Admission to Student Teaching: Candidates must have maintained a minimum grade point average of 2.5 overall, 2.5 in education courses, and a 2.5 in their content major. They must have been advanced to candidacy and passed the Illinois Content Area Test.
Accreditation
Bradley University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and all teacher preparation programs are accredited approved by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Please note a minimum of 120 credit hours is required for baccalaureate degree completion.
English as a Second Language Endorsement
For programs where the endorsement is not embedded
For those candidates who are interested in English as a Second Language endorsement, which would enable the graduate to teach and work with English Language Learners, the following courses are required. These courses may or may not be part of your major or program. If you are interested in adding this endorsement please discuss with your academic advisor.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 234 | Language Development | 3.0 |
| EDU 235 | Methods of Teaching English Language Learners | 3.0 |
| EDU 236 | Assessment of English Language Learners | 3.0 |
| EDU 237 | Practicum for Teaching English Learners I | 1.0 |
| EDU 240 | Practicum for Teaching English Learners Part 2 | 2.0 |
| ENG 311 | Introduction to Language | 3.0 |
| or ENG 312 | Grammar for Teaching | |
Special Education Endorsement
For those candidates interested in the Special Education endorsement, which would enable you to teach and work with students with high and low-incidence disabilities, the following courses are required. These courses may or may not be part of your major or program. If you are interested in adding this endorsement please discuss with your academic advisor.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PSY 101 | Principles of Psychology | 3.0 |
| EDU 230 | Adapting Curriculum to Support Inclusive Environments | 3.0 |
| or EDU 232 | Meeting the Needs of All Students within the Disciplines | |
| EDU 391 | Characteristics and Methods for Learners with Developmental Disabilities | 3.0 |
| EDU 393 | Characteristics and Methods for Learners with Emotional and Learning Disabilities | 3.0 |
| EDU 426 | Assessments for Learners with Exceptionalities | 3.0 |
Other
- For specific coursework in Music, please see the Music Course list.