Become a Licensed Teacher without a Degree in Education
ºÚÁϳԹÏ’s teacher licensure program will get you started in a career as a licensed teacher, no matter your background or previous career. This program is designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university who wish to be licensed to teach without earning an additional degree. Not only will you finish the licensure program with substantial and a respected credential from North Park, you’ll be licensed as a teacher for one of the following:
- Early Childhood Education (Infant–Grade 3)
- Elementary Education (Kindergarten–Grade 9)
- Secondary Education (Grades 6–12)
- K-12 Education (Art, Spanish, Music, or Physical Education)
Individually Designed Program
As soon as you’re admitted, you’ll work with a School of Education advisor to plan the appropriate course and clinical experience sequence so you can complete the essential requirements for your desired teaching license in Illinois. Your program will include teacher preparation courses as well as any requirements you need to complete your desired endorsement, concentration, or academic content area (depending on your undergraduate major and chosen teaching certificate/license).
Most candidates are eligible for licensure and may assume their first teaching position in less than two years. On average, candidates complete coursework in 18 to 24 months part-time and 12 to 18 months full-time.
Practical training
The School of Education’s coursework and clinical experiences will give you a solid foundation in educational theory and practice, and get you into classrooms early in the process so you can start to become familiar and comfortable with the teaching environment. You’ll be matched with the best schools and mentors for your own learning needs, gaining experience in urban, suburban, public, and private educational settings from among our 125 partners.
Convenient Class Times and Location
You can start the teacher licensure program in either August or January of any year. After you begin, you’ll be able to choose from day and evening courses in the fall, spring, and summer terms. All are offered on North Park’s main Chicago campus, and are seven to eight weeks long. Daytime classes usually meet twice weekly and evening classes meet once per week.
Admissions Requirements and Process
All teachers in Illinois have the same , whether they come to the profession as undergraduate or graduate students. This includes a passing score on the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) (formerly known as the Basic Skills Test) before starting their teacher preparation coursework. This passing score is required for admission to the post-bachelor’s program. Please visit the for more information about the TAP.
Request more information or start the application process for post-bachelor’s teacher licensure in the School of Education.
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