Secondary Teaching

sesp.northwestern.edu/ugrad/secondary-teaching

SESP’s interdisciplinary secondary teaching concentration combines subject-area courses in a chosen field from Weinberg College—biological sciences, chemistry, economics, English, history, mathematics, physics, political science, French or Spanish—with teacher education courses like child and adolescent development, and  education theory and methods. The program leads to an Illinois Professional Educator license as well as a bachelor of science in education and social policy degree upon completion of licensure and degree requirements.  The degree is 42 units. 

Similar to the other SESP concentrations, which have a four unit practicum in the third year, secondary teaching students must complete a four unit student teaching internship in the last year while enrolled in TEACH_ED 388-0 Student Teaching in Multilingual & Multicultural Contexts: Secondary Humanities or TEACH_ED 385-0 Student Teaching in Multilingual and Multicultural Contexts: Secondary Math or TEACH_ED 386-0 Student Teaching in Multilingual and Multicultural Contexts: Secondary Science

Northwestern undergraduates in schools other than SESP (i.e. Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, School of Communication, etc.) have the option to complete requirements for teacher licensure eligibility while staying in their home schoool. 

Students must also complete the Undergraduate Registration Requirement and the degree requirements of their home school.

Total requirements42 units

Foundational discipline requirements10 units

Professional core12 units

Teaching subject–area requirementsvaries

Electives—8 or fewer as needed to complete the 42-unit degree requirement

Foundational Discipline Requirements (10 units)

  • 2 natural sciences courses
  • 2 empirical and deductive reasoning courses 
  • 2 historical studies courses
  • 2 ethical and evaluative thinking courses (TEACH_ED 302-0 Social, Cultural, and Linguistic Contexts of Education will count as 1 of these)
  • 2 literature and arts courses

Selected courses from Weinberg College and professional schools across the University fulfill distribution requirements.

Professional Core (12 units)

Course Title
SESP 201-0Human Development: Childhood and Adolescence 1,2
TEACH_ED 302-0Social, Cultural, and Linguistic Contexts of Education
TEACH_ED 310-0Foundations of Learning in a New Language
TEACH_ED 322-0Linguistics Informed Approaches to Literacy
TEACH_ED 327-0Educating Exceptional Children
1 methods and techniques course chosen from:
Methods & Techniques: World Languages
Methods & Techniques: English
Methods and Techniques: Secondary Mathematics
Methods and Techniques: Science
Methods & Techniques: Social Science
1 middle grades methods course chosen from:
Dynamics of Middle School Curriculum
Middle Grades Methods & Techniques of Teaching: English
Middle Grades Methods & Techniques of Teaching: Mathematics
Middle Grades Methods & Techniques of Teaching: Science
Middle Grades Methods & Techniques of Teaching: Social Sciences
1 practicum/seminar:
Theory & Practice of Tchg in Multiling. & Multicult. Contexts: Sec. Humanities
Theory & Practice of Tchg in Multiling. & Multicult. Contexts: Secondary Math
Theory & Practice of Tchg in Multiling. & Multicult. Contexts: Secondary Science
1 student teaching seminar (4 units):
Student Teaching in Multilingual & Multicultural Contexts: Secondary Humanities
Student Teaching in Multilingual and Multicultural Contexts: Secondary Math
Student Teaching in Multilingual and Multicultural Contexts: Secondary Science
1

PSYCH 244-0 Developmental Psychology for non-SESP students

2

PSYCH 110 is a prerequisite for PSYCH 244-0. 

Teaching Subject–Area Requirements (12–20.72 units)

Specific teaching subject–area courses prepare students to meet the requirements of the Illinois State Board of Education. Teaching subject–area requirements may differ from those of a departmental major, and departmental course offerings change frequently. Secondary teaching candidates must meet regularly with the secondary teaching adviser to ensure that requirements are met. In the event that courses listed here are no longer offered by the departments, suitable replacements will be found. Students are also responsible for any prerequisites. The unit totals below are approximate minimums. Exact unit totals depend on options chosen.

Biological and Physical Sciences

Biological Sciences (20.06 units)

Course Title
6 core science courses plus labs:
Molecular Biology
Quantitative Problem Solving in Chemistry
and Fundamentals of Chemistry I
and Fundamentals of Chemistry Laboratory I
OR
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry Laboratory I
OR
Advanced General Inorganic Chemistry
and Advanced General Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
Earth Systems Science and Climate Change
College Physics
and College Physics
and College Physics
and General Physics Laboratory
and General Physics Laboratory
and General Physics Laboratory
General Physics
and General Physics
and General Physics
and General Physics Laboratory
and General Physics Laboratory
and General Physics Laboratory
2 course from Earth and Planetary Sciences (1 Earth and 1 Planetary):
Modern Cosmology
Highlights of Astronomy
Physical Earth Science
Science Content for Teachers
3 additional chemistry courses and required labs:
Fundamentals of Chemistry II
and Fundamentals of Chemistry Laboratory II
OR
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry Laboratory II
OR
Advanced General Physical Chemistry
and Advanced General Physical Chemistry Laboratory
CHEM 215-1
CHEM 235-1
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Lab I
or CHEM 217-1
CHEM 237-1
Accelerated Organic Chemistry I
and Accelerated Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
CHEM 215-2
CHEM 235-2
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Lab II
or CHEM 217-2
CHEM 237-2
Accelerated Organic Chemistry II
and Accelerated Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
5 additional biological sciences courses plus 3 labs:
Cell Biology
Genetics and Evolution
Principles of Biochemistry
1 additional 300-level genetics or evolution course chosen from but not limited to:
Population Genetics
Evolutionary Processes
Morphogenesis
Human Genomics
Molecular Genetics
Evolution and Diversity: Mushroom Genetics and Genomics
1 additional 300-level biological sciences course (SESP students) 1
3 labs:
Molecular and Cellular Processes Laboratory
Genetics and Molecular Processes Laboratory
Investigative Laboratory
1

For Weinberg College students: additional courses as needed to meet requirements for the major.

Chemistry (20.72 units)

Course Title
7 core science courses plus labs:
PHYSICS 135-1
PHYSICS 135-2
PHYSICS 135-3
PHYSICS 136-1
PHYSICS 136-2
PHYSICS 136-3
General Physics
and General Physics
and General Physics
and General Physics Laboratory
and General Physics Laboratory
and General Physics Laboratory
EARTH 210-0Earth Systems Science and Climate Change
BIOL_SCI 164-0Basic Genetics and Evolution
OR
Molecular Biology
and Cell Biology
and Molecular and Cellular Processes Laboratory
CHEM 110-0
CHEM 131-0
CHEM 141-0
Quantitative Problem Solving in Chemistry
and Fundamentals of Chemistry I
and Fundamentals of Chemistry Laboratory I
OR
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry Laboratory I
OR
Advanced General Inorganic Chemistry
and Advanced General Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
2 courses from Earth and Planetary Sciences (1 Earth and 1 Planetary):
ASTRON 101-0Modern Cosmology
or ASTRON 120-0 Highlights of Astronomy
EARTH 214-0Physical Earth Science
TEACH_ED 333-0Science Content for Teachers
6 additional chemistry courses and required labs:
CHEM 132-0
CHEM 142-0
Fundamentals of Chemistry II
and Fundamentals of Chemistry Laboratory II
or CHEM 152-0
CHEM 162-0
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry Laboratory II
OR
Advanced General Physical Chemistry
and Advanced General Physical Chemistry Laboratory
CHEM 220-0Introductory Instrumental Analysis
CHEM 215-1
CHEM 235-1
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Lab I
or CHEM 217-1
CHEM 237-1
Accelerated Organic Chemistry I
and Accelerated Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
CHEM 215-2
CHEM 235-2
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Lab II
or CHEM 217-2
CHEM 237-2
Accelerated Organic Chemistry II
and Accelerated Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
CHEM 215-3
CHEM 235-3
Organic Chemistry III
and Organic Chemistry Lab III
or CHEM 217-3
CHEM 235-3
Accelerated Organic Chemistry III
and Organic Chemistry Lab III
Green Chemistry
2 additional 300-level chemistry courses

Physics (14.36 units)

Course Title
5 core science courses plus labs:
BIOL_SCI 103-0Diversity of Life
CHEM 110-0
CHEM 131-0
CHEM 141-0
Quantitative Problem Solving in Chemistry
and Fundamentals of Chemistry I
and Fundamentals of Chemistry Laboratory I
or CHEM 171-0
CHEM 181-0
Advanced General Inorganic Chemistry
and Advanced General Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
or
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry Laboratory I
PHYSICS 135-1
PHYSICS 135-2
PHYSICS 135-3
PHYSICS 136-1
PHYSICS 136-2
PHYSICS 136-3
General Physics
and General Physics
and General Physics
and General Physics Laboratory
and General Physics Laboratory
and General Physics Laboratory
2 courses from Earth and Planetary Sciences (1 Earth and 1 Planetary)
ASTRON 101-0Modern Cosmology
or ASTRON 120-0 Highlights of Astronomy
EARTH 210-0Earth Systems Science and Climate Change
TEACH_ED 333-0Science Content for Teachers
6 additional physics courses:
PHYSICS 239-0Foundations of Modern Physics
PHYSICS 330-1Classical Mech
PHYSICS 332-0Statistical Mechanics
PHYSICS 333-1Advanced Electricity & Magnetism
2 additional physics courses including at least 1 at the 300 level

English 

English (13 units)

Course Title
ENGLISH 300-0Seminar in Reading and Interpretation
TEACH_ED 324-0Critical Issues in Literacy
2 survey classes from the following, but not limited to:
ENGLISH 210-1
ENGLISH 210-2
British Literary Traditions
and British Literary Traditions
or ENGLISH 270-1
ENGLISH 270-2
American Literary Traditions
and American Literary Traditions
9 additional courses, including at least 4 at the 300 level:
At least 3 world literature courses chosen from but not limited to:
Reading World Literature
Interpreting Culture
Literatures in Translation
Studies in World Literature
Movements and Periods
Studies in Postcolonial Literature
Studies in African Literature
Studies in African Literature
At least 3 literature courses representing different genders, ethnicities and social classes chosen from but not limited to:
Introduction to Native American and Indigenous Literatures
Introduction to Asian American Literature
Introduction to Latinx Literature
Studies in African American Literature
Studies in Native American and Indigenous Literatures
Studies in Asian American Literature
Topics in Latinx Literature
Reading Difference
Studies in Race & Ethnicity
Studies in Gender, Sexuality & Representation
3 additional courses chosen from the following, but not limited to:
Studies in Film, Media, and Visual Culture
Reading & Writing Poetry
Reading and Writing Fiction
Reading & Writing Creative Non-Fiction
Advanced Creative Nonfiction Writing
Studies in Literature and Film
Fundamentals of Reporting & Writing News
Fundamentals of Video Journalism
Media Construction
Analyzing Media Texts

Spanish

Spanish (12 units)

Course Title
Students must earn a score of upper-intermediate or higher on the ACTFL OPI for licensure.
12 Spanish language, literature, and culture and civilization courses, including at least 5 at the 300 level:
3 courses chosen from but not limited to:
Advanced Spanish for Heritage Language Learners
Advanced Spanish I: Contemporary Latin America
Conversation on Current Topics
Advanced Spanish II: Artivism in the Spanish-Speaking World
Spanish and the Community
2 courses chosen from but not limited to:
Literature in Spain before 1700
Literature in Spain since 1700
Literature in Colonial Latin America
Literature in Modern Latin America
3 literature courses with at least 2 focusing on Latin-American literature selected from the following but not limited to:
The "New" Latin American Narrative (Taught in English)
Discovering Jewish Latin America
Introduction to Latinx Literature
Cervantes (Taught in English)
Cervantes' Don Quixote
Avant-Garde Writers and Experimental Fiction in Spain
Colonial Latin American Literature
Latin American Modernismo
Latin American Avant-Gardes
Borges
Reading the 'Boom'
Testimonial Narrative in Latin America
Literature and Revolution in Latin America
Readings in Latin American Short Fiction
3 Latin American/Latin-x culture and civilization courses including film, art, and history, from, but not limited to:
Visual Culture in Latina/o America and Spain
Latin America: Studies in Culture and Society
Citizenship and Urban Violence in Latin America
Topics in US Latina/o Literary and Cultural Studies
Cultural Borders/Border Cultures
Topics in Film in Latin America and/or Spain
Topics in Latin American, Latina and Latino, and/or Iberian Cultures
Choose 1 from the following:
Introduction to Spanish Linguistics
Spanish Phonetics and Phonology
Advanced Grammar

French

French (12 units)

Course Title
Students must earn a score of upper-intermediate or higher on the ACTFL OPI for licensure.
12 French language, literature, and culture and civilization courses, including at least 5 at the 300 level:
Language & Composition:
Writing Workshop: Cultural Encounters in Contemporary France
Oral Workshop: Individual and Society in France Today
French Phonetics
Advanced Writing: Finding Your Voice in French
Advanced Conversation: Debating Contemporary France
Literature:
Reading Literatures in French
Introducing the Novel
Introducing Poetry
3 additional courses with readings and discussions in French chosen from but not limited to:
The Middle Ages & Renaissance
Medieval French Narratives
Topics in Renaissance Literature
17th Century Literature
Rousseau and the French Revolution
Studies in the Enlightenment
The Novel in French
Topics in Modern and Contemporary French Literature and Culture (The Invention of Modernity)
From Modernism to Postmodernism
Women Writing in French
Culture & Civilization:
Culture and Society
2 additional courses chosen from, but not limited to:
Reading Cultures in French
Advanced Language in Context: Society and Popular Culture
African Literatures and Cultures
Caribbean Literatures and Cultures
The Maghreb and the Middle East
Transnational Francophone Studies
Political & Social Thought in France
Topics in Literature and Culture
Advanced Studies in Culture and Thought

Mathematics

Mathematics (12 units)

Course Title
12 courses (total number of courses may depend on the calculus sequence the student enrolls in) with at least 5 at the 300 level. No more than two AP credits may be counted toward the 12.
Foundation calculus courses:
Single-Variable Calculus with Precalculus
and Single-Variable Calculus with Precalculus
and Single-Variable Calculus with Precalculus
Single-Variable Differential Calculus
and Single-Variable Integral Calculus
Sequences and Series
Multivariable Differential Calculus
Multivariable Integral Calculus
Additional required courses:
Linear Algebra
Combinatorics & Discrete Mathematics
1 probability and statistics course chosen from:
Probability and Stochastic Processes
Introduction to Statistics and Research Methodology
Introduction to Probability and Statistics
Topics in High School Math
Topics in Teaching Math: Statistics and Probability
1 geometry course chosen from:
Geometry
Topics in Teaching Math: Geometry
Additional courses as needed to reach minimum 12 units

Social Sciences

History (14 units)

Course Title
No more than 1 AP credit may be counted towards history course requirements.
HISTORY 250-1
HISTORY 250-2
Global History: Early Modern to Modern Transition
and Global History: The Modern World
or HISTORY 201-1
HISTORY 201-2
Europe in the Medieval and Early Modern World
and Europe in the Modern World
HISTORY 210-1
HISTORY 210-2
North America and the United States to 1865
and History of the United States, Reconstruction to the Present
HISTORY 393-0Approaches to History
5 additional courses, including at least 4 at the 300 level:
2 non-Western civilization courses such as:
African Civilizations
and Africa in the Age of Early Modern Empires
and Modern Africa
Middle Eastern/Islamic Civilization
Chinese Civilization
Ancient and Medieval Japan: From the Realm of the Gods to the Age of the Samurai
and Early Modern Japan
History of South Africa, Early Times to 1879
and History of South Africa, 1879-on
East Africa
Topics in West African History
Latin America in the Independence Era: American Indians and Nations
Revolutions in Latin America and the Caribbean from Haiti to Mexico
Development and Inequality in Modern Latin America
Qing China
and Modern China: The Twentieth Century
The Modern Japanese City
History of Modern Japan: The Modern State, 1860-1943
and History of Modern Japan: War and postwar Japan, 1943-present
History of Modern South Asia, 1500-1800
3 additional history courses with at least 2 in US History
4 courses to meet related core requirements in social sciences; no more than 1 may be met by AP credit:
American Government and Politics
Introduction to Macroeconomics
Plus 2 from the following:
Social Science Content for Teachers
Introduction to Microeconomics
Introduction to International Relations
Introduction to Comparative Politics

Economics (15 units)

Course Title
8 economics courses:
Introduction to Macroeconomics
Introduction to Microeconomics
Introduction to Applied Econometrics
Microeconomics
Microeconomics
Macroeconomics
3 additional economics courses at the 300 level
6 history courses including four in U.S. history
1 related core chosen from the list:
Social Science Content for Teachers
American Government and Politics
Introduction to International Relations
Introduction to Comparative Politics

Political Science (15 units)

Course Title
8 political science courses of which 5 must be at the 300 level:
Choose at least 2 from:
Introduction to Political Theory
American Government and Politics
Introduction to International Relations
Introduction to Comparative Politics
Urban Politics
1 course in methodology chosen from:
Introduction to Empirical Methods in Political Science
Introduction to Interpretive Methods in Political Science
Evaluating Evidence
Statistical Research Methods
5 additional political science courses with at least two focusing on a region outside of North America
6 history courses with four in U.S. history
1 related core course chosen from the following:
Social Science Content for Teachers
Introduction to Macroeconomics
Introduction to Microeconomics

Electives (varies)

Additional units of elective coursework must be taken to complete the 42-unit degree requirement. Students are encouraged to discuss their elective plans with the teacher certification manager.

English as a Second Language (ESL) and Bilingual Education Endorsements (optional) 

  • Most requirements for these endorsements are met through other course work in this degree. To complete the endorsements students are encouraged to take the following courses: 
Course Title
TEACH_ED 320-0Designing for Linguistically and Culturally Sustaining Instruction
or TEACH_ED 309-0 Designing and Supporting Discourse-Rich Environments for Learning
TEACH_ED 332-0Assessment of Linguistically Diverse Students
 

Teacher Education Program

Students who wish to be licensed as teachers must apply to the SESP Teacher Education Program. Secondary Teaching within the program is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education. Com­pletion of the courses alone does not result in licensure, nor is licensure required for completion of the SESP degree. 

Application and Admission 

Students completing a teacher licensure pathway as an undergraduate apply to the Teacher Education Program by the fall of their third year. To be admitted, candidates must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a humanities teaching subject–area or meet an annually calculated and determined GPA in math or science subject-areas. Additional admissions requirements include a letter of recommendation and a response to a selected essay prompt.

Clinical Experience 

Students in the Teacher Education Program complete two clinical experiences: a school practicum (typically during fall of the last year); and student teaching (typically during winter of the last year). 

To be eligible for the clinical experiences, students must have met the GPA requirements for and been admitted to the Teacher Education Program. Students need to be on track to have completed a minimum of 9 courses in the teaching subject area by the end of the practicum term for field-site placement with a department or teacher mentor at a local school.  Additionally, students must be available to begin the practicum at the start of the field-site placement’s academic school year. Please note that the students’ practicum/student teaching field-site placement can be postponed, stopped or withdrawn due to concerns over their health or academic or professional performance. Adjustments to the timing of a clinical experience may be made on an individual case-by-case basis based on determined need; for example; those with an athletics scheduling conflict. 

Clinical experiences gained at the field-site are central to the discussion of methods and theories in the practicum seminar (TEACH_ED 378-0 or TEACH_ED 375-0 or TEACH_ED 376-0) and methodology courses (TEACH_ED 355-0TEACH_ED 359-0).

To be eligible for student teaching, students must have successfully completed the applicable TEACH_ED 355-0TEACH_ED 359-0 course(s) as well as TEACH_ED 378-0 or TEACH_ED 375-0 or TEACH_ED 376-0, earned a passing score on the applicable ILTS Content-Area Test, fulfilled minimum GPA requirements for student teaching, completed 9 teaching subject–area courses and have been recommended for continuation to student teaching. Most school districts also require a criminal background check. 

Student teaching involves full-time placement in a local school for the entire quarter. Teacher candidates attend an evening seminar (TEACH_ED 385-0, TEACH_ED 386-0 or TEACH_ED 388-0). The internship and seminar together earn 4 units. No other courses are taken concurrently. Teacher candidates are evaluated by their school mentor, a Northwestern supervisor, and the seminar instructor. 

Other Licensure Requirements 

In addition to successful completion of the clinical experiences, all teacher candidates must successfully complete the Teacher Performance Assessment, or equivalent as required by the Illinois State Board of Education, at the end of the practicum.

World language teacher candidates are required to complete the Oral Proficiency Interview of the ACTFL with a rating of upper-intermediate-high or better. 

Recommendation for Licensure 

Students are recommended for licensure when they successfully complete degree requirements, earn a rating of recommendation for licensure for practicum/student teaching and pass all outside tests as noted above. Although legal requirements for licensure vary from state to state, the SESP Teacher Education Program is flexible enough to permit students who plan carefully to complete provisional requirements for most states. As it is easier to obtain a teaching license in another state through reciprocity than through independent certification, all students who complete the program and are eligible are encouraged to apply for an Illinois license before leaving the state. 

Students should apply for the license immediately upon graduation. Teacher Education Program graduates who are recommended, but do not apply for certification upon graduation may not be eligible for certification at a later date due to changes in state requirements. 

The Illinois School Code has provided that school districts may not knowingly employ individuals who have been convicted of certain offenses (principally those related to sexual misconduct or drugs). Illinois school districts require applicants to submit to a criminal background check. 

TEACH_ED 301-0 Schooling in America (1 Unit)   The history and development of schooling in America.

TEACH_ED 302-0 Social, Cultural, and Linguistic Contexts of Education (1 Unit)   The course draws from the interdisciplinary study of socio-cultural, linguistic, and contextual influences of education, as well as perspectives from learning, teaching, research and policy to deepen understandings of the contexts of teaching and learning.

TEACH_ED 309-0 Designing and Supporting Discourse-Rich Environments for Learning (1 Unit)   This course addresses how to support discourse in the classroom, including designing discussion-based tasks, supporting students in academic discourse, creating a classroom climate supportive of discussion, questioning strategies and talk moves that facilitate discussion, and assessment in discussion-based tasks. We will examine current approaches to supporting effective classroom discussions drawn from different grade levels and academic disciplines.

TEACH_ED 310-0 Foundations of Learning in a New Language (1 Unit)   This course engages pre-service teacher candidates in exploring historical, political, sociocultural, philosophical and educational practices that impact linguistically and culturally diverse learners in American schools. Topics include historical and current federal and state laws regarding the learning of English as a new language, foundations of first and second language acquisition, child development, sociocultural theory, and comparative international language instruction.

TEACH_ED 311-0 Elementary Science Methods and Content (1 Unit)   This course prepares preservice teachers to teach science in the elementary grades. Inquiry is a grounding principle that will be explored in the context of science planning. Candidates will examine interdisciplinary planning and shared pedagogy, and methodologies for science.

TEACH_ED 314-0 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers (1 Unit)   This course builds content area knowledge in mathematics that is essential for elementary and middle grades teachers. In addition to rigorous practice in a wide range of mathematical topics, participants will study those topics conceptually and historically. Topics include counting, cardinality, operations, algebraic thinking, fractions, measurement, statistics, and geometry.

TEACH_ED 315-0 Elementary Social Studies Methods and Content (1 Unit)   This course prepares preservice teachers to teach social studies in the elementary grades. Inquiry is a grounding principle that will be explored in the context of social studies planning. Candidates will examine interdisciplinary planning and shared pedagogy, and methodologies for social studies.

TEACH_ED 318-0 Topics in Teaching Math: Geometry (1 Unit)   This is a geometry content course for future math teachers.

TEACH_ED 319-0 Topics in Teaching Math: Statistics and Probability (1 Unit)   This is a statistics and probability content course for future math teachers.

TEACH_ED 320-0 Designing for Linguistically and Culturally Sustaining Instruction (1 Unit)   This course engages pre-service candidates in developing equitable and sustaining planning and instructional techniques reflective of the lives, languages, literacies, and cultural ways of being that represent the children they will teach. Through exploring diverse instructional practices, this course delves into understanding strategies and ways of thinking about content that transform the instructional experiences we can offer our students.

TEACH_ED 322-0 Linguistics Informed Approaches to Literacy (1 Unit)   The Linguistics Informed Approaches to Literacy course supports students in analyzing the aims of linguistic science as well as how linguistic concepts apply to teaching in a variety of settings (including with multilingual students, monolingual students, and bilingual classrooms). Students will think about the complexities of language and how they connect with identity, culture, power, and schooling. Students explore topics like syntax, phonology, morphology, semantics, and cognates as they develop their own metalinguistic awareness in support of facilitating effective teaching and learning. A focal area will be supporting the development of students’ literacies. Content-area reading topics include but are not limited to pre-reading, post-reading, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.

TEACH_ED 323-0 Elementary Literacy Methods & Content (1 Unit)  

In the course, participants will gain an understanding of the cognitive foundations of reading comprehension and current theory and practice related to literacy, and consider how they influence methods of instruction and assessment. This includes an emphasis on the interrelationships between reading processes and language learning as well as personal writing experiences, writing in various genres, and management of writing workshops.

TEACH_ED 324-0 Critical Issues in Literacy (1 Unit)   Using political, psychological, and sociological lenses, this course deals with the interaction between theory and practice in literacy education across the curriculum. Issues include why we teach literature, how we teach writing, and how language interacts with other literacy strands. The course focuses on classroom implications and applications of these and related issues including the role of literacy in content areas.

TEACH_ED 326-0 Elementary Math: Methods and Content (1 Unit)  

The course provides an overview of mathematical topics taught in elementary and middle school. Course participants learn in small groups and reflect on their own and children's learning. Pedagogical contexts for the mathematical concepts are provided. Review of research on children's conceptions of various mathematical topics, leading to a fuller comprehension of teaching and learning mathematics.

TEACH_ED 327-0 Educating Exceptional Children (1 Unit)   Students with disabilities, including learning disabilities resulting from human development and/or accidents; understanding and application of approved emergency, educational, and rehabilitative activities; interrelationships with medical, health, and educational personnel.

TEACH_ED 328-0 Dynamics of Middle School Curriculum (1 Unit)   This course examines the unique characteristics of middle school learning and the educational needs of young adolescent learners. Students will compare and contrast a variety of middle school models, policy statements, visions and reforms. Major topics include public policy issues, adolescent development, standards and curriculum, assessment measures, instructional strategies, critical thinking, culturally responsive practices, interdisciplinary instruction, school leadership, and technology.

TEACH_ED 329-0 Cognition and Culture in Teaching and Learning (1 Unit)   This course is an exploration of the theoretical foundations of research on culture and cognition and how to apply these ideas to views of learning and teaching in a variety of settings. Students enrolled in the course can still receive credit if LOC/LRN_SCI 214-0 has already been taken. This course builds on topics from LRN_SCI 301-0 with an emphasis on classroom environment.

TEACH_ED 332-0 Assessment of Linguistically Diverse Students (1 Unit)   This course engages pre-service teacher candidates in learning about a variety of assessment approaches, with special attention to the assessment of English-Language Learners. Issues of legality, bias, non-discriminatory policies, and ethical considerations that must accompany decisions about standards and practices used in the assessment of culturally and linguistically diverse students will be explored.

TEACH_ED 333-0 Science Content for Teachers (1 Unit)   This class covers content for future science teachers, including earth and space science.

TEACH_ED 334-0 Social Science Content for Teachers (1 Unit)   The course includes content for future social studies teachers, including geography and Illinois history.

TEACH_ED 336-0 Instructional Design & Assessment (1 Unit)   This course takes a closer look at the two most important areas of curriculum and instruction: Instructional Design and Assessment. Students will gain an overview of various approaches to curriculum design and instructional models. Students will investigate several kinds of assessments, and how those assessments are closely linked to instructional design, teaching, and learning.

TEACH_ED 338-0 Computational Tools for Justice and Inquiry-Based Learning (1 Unit)   This course is designed to help teachers use models to explore new technologies, evaluate their educational potential, and develop scenarios of use consistent with their teaching philosophy.

TEACH_ED 351-0 Topics in Teaching and Learning (1 Unit)   The MS_ED 451 topics number is used for new courses, or courses that are likely to only be offered a few times before changing. See department for a full description of the course.

TEACH_ED 355-0 Methods & Techniques: World Languages (1 Unit)   Analysis of research, teaching methodologies, and literature related to the content area. Learning experiences, methods, and educational techniques appropriate for high school students.

TEACH_ED 356-0 Methods & Techniques: English (1 Unit)   Analysis of research, teaching methodologies, and literature related to the content area. Learning experiences, methods, and educational techniques appropriate for high school students.

TEACH_ED 357-0 Methods and Techniques: Secondary Mathematics (1 Unit)   Analysis of research, teaching methodologies, and literature related to the content area. Learning experiences, methods, and educational techniques appropriate for high school students.

TEACH_ED 358-0 Methods and Techniques: Science (1 Unit)   Analysis of research, teaching methodologies, and literature related to the content area. Learning experiences, methods, and educational techniques appropriate for high school students.

TEACH_ED 359-0 Methods & Techniques: Social Science (1 Unit)   Analysis of research, teaching methodologies, and literature related to the content area. Learning experiences, methods, and educational techniques appropriate for high school students.

TEACH_ED 366-0 Middle Grades Methods & Techniques of Teaching: English (1 Unit)   Analysis of research, teaching methodologies, and literature related to the content area. Learning experiences, methods, and educational techniques appropriate for middle grade students.

TEACH_ED 367-0 Middle Grades Methods & Techniques of Teaching: Mathematics (1 Unit)   Analysis of research, teaching methodologies, and literature related to the content area. Learning experiences, methods, and educational techniques appropriate for middle grade students.

TEACH_ED 368-0 Middle Grades Methods & Techniques of Teaching: Science (1 Unit)   Analysis of research, teaching methodologies, and literature related to the content area. Learning experiences, methods, and educational techniques appropriate for middle grade students.

TEACH_ED 369-0 Middle Grades Methods & Techniques of Teaching: Social Sciences (1 Unit)   Analysis of research, teaching methodologies, and literature related to the content area. Learning experiences, methods, and educational techniques appropriate for middle grade students.

TEACH_ED 373-0 Topics in High School Math (1 Unit)   Special topic determined by program need. See program for description when the course is offered.

TEACH_ED 375-0 Theory & Practice of Tchg in Multiling. & Multicult. Contexts: Secondary Math (1 Unit)   This course is strategically designed to support teacher candidates in applying their theoretical understandings as they engage in the practices of observing, planning, teaching, assessing, and reflecting in their fall practicum. Asset-based pedagogies are central and teacher candidates will engage in a variety of experiences that help them learn about their students and school communities (including understanding students’ linguistic repertoires).

TEACH_ED 376-0 Theory & Practice of Tchg in Multiling. & Multicult. Contexts: Secondary Science (1 Unit)   This course is strategically designed to support teacher candidates in applying their theoretical understandings as they engage in the practices of observing, planning, teaching, assessing, and reflecting in their fall practicum. Asset-based pedagogies are central and teacher candidates will engage in a variety of experiences that help them learn about their students and school communities (including understanding students’ linguistic repertoires).

TEACH_ED 377-0 Theory & Practice of Teaching in Multiling. & Multicult. Contexts: Elementary (1 Unit)   This course is strategically designed to support teacher candidates in applying their theoretical understandings as they engage in the practices of observing, planning, teaching, assessing, and reflecting in their fall practicum. Asset-based pedagogies are central and teacher candidates will engage in a variety of experiences that help them learn about their students and school communities (including understanding students’ linguistic repertoires).

TEACH_ED 378-0 Theory & Practice of Tchg in Multiling. & Multicult. Contexts: Sec. Humanities (1 Unit)   This course is strategically designed to support teacher candidates in applying their theoretical understandings as they engage in the practices of observing, planning, teaching, assessing, and reflecting in their fall practicum. Asset-based pedagogies are central and teacher candidates will engage in a variety of experiences that help them learn about their students and school communities (including understanding students’ linguistic repertoires).

TEACH_ED 381-0 BSED/BSJ Experiential Learning Community Workshop Series (0 Unit)   In their second year, students choose 1 experiential education requirement – either the SESP Practicum, Student Teaching, or Medill Journalism Residency for 4 units of credit. The students participate in the Community Workshop Series during the year they complete their experiential education requirement.

TEACH_ED 385-0 Student Teaching in Multilingual and Multicultural Contexts: Secondary Math (4 Units)   This course supports teacher candidates in developing skills, practices, and understandings essential for teaching, including the use of theoretical knowledge to inform professional practice and the cultivation of questions rooted in practice to illuminate the meaning of theory. Teacher candidates are guided in developing and implementing of units that apply a variety of approaches (including to support linguistically diverse students). Prerequisite: TEACH_ED 375-0.

TEACH_ED 386-0 Student Teaching in Multilingual and Multicultural Contexts: Secondary Science (4 Units)   This course supports teacher candidates in developing skills, practices, and understandings essential for teaching, including the use of theoretical knowledge to inform professional practice and the cultivation of questions rooted in practice to illuminate the meaning of theory. Teacher candidates are guided in developing and implementing of units that apply a variety of approaches (including to support linguistically diverse students). Prerequisite: TEACH_ED 376-0.

TEACH_ED 387-0 Student Teaching in Multilingual and Multicultural Contexts: Elementary (4 Units)   This course supports teacher candidates in developing skills, practices, and understandings essential for teaching, including the use of theoretical knowledge to inform professional practice and the cultivation of questions rooted in practice to illuminate the meaning of theory. Teacher candidates are guided in developing and implementing of units that apply a variety of approaches (including to support linguistically diverse students). Pre-Requisite: TEACH_ED 377-0.

TEACH_ED 388-0 Student Teaching in Multilingual & Multicultural Contexts: Secondary Humanities (4 Units)   This course supports teacher candidates in developing skills, practices, and understandings essential for teaching, including the use of theoretical knowledge to inform professional practice and the cultivation of questions rooted in practice to illuminate the meaning of theory. Teacher candidates are guided in developing and implementing of units that apply a variety of approaches (including to support linguistically diverse students). Prerequisite: TEACH_ED 378-0.