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The Department of Teacher Education develops Urban Professional Multicultural Educators by combining academic coursework with hands-on field training. Our curriculum is tailored to equip aspiring educators with essential skills. The studies focus on achieving teaching excellence in modern diverse classrooms by exploring key educational challenges, examining student learning processes and effective instructional methods, and incorporating technology in education. We encourage continuous self-assessment among teacher candidates regarding their teaching approaches. Our program promotes active involvement in educational settings through Partnership Schools and collaborations with various institutions. Graduates evaluate their professional growth against our core principles by compiling comprehensive teaching portfolios. These foundational values encompass: advocating for social equity, implementing transformative teaching methods, and driving meaningful educational change while upholding Vincentian principles that respect individual worth.
Beyond meeting Illinois licensure standards, and consistent with our goal of cultivating globally-minded educators, candidates will also fulfill requirements for the International Baccalaureate Organization's Teaching and Learning certificate. The IB Certificate for the Middle Years Program (MYP) and Diploma Program (DP) equips future educators with specialized knowledge for IB school positions. This IB certification broadens career prospects for teacher candidates while enhancing their understanding of inquiry-based learning and reflective teaching methodologies.