Elementary Education

Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
When you choose to become an elementary education major at Benedictine University, you will work toward an elementary teaching certificate, Type 03 that will prepare you to teach in grades k-9 in any school or district in the state of Illinois. In addition, you will be able to teach middle school in an area of emphasis that you elect during your work in the Benedictine program. You will be prepared to meet the challenges of teaching in a diverse and changing world.

Master of Arts in Education - Elementary Education
The Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) program offers a Type 03 teaching certificate in elementary education.

This program is intended for students with bachelor degrees who want to become certified to teach in K-9 in Illinois. The program provides an in-depth understanding of curriculum development and implementation while affording ample opportunities for developing innovative teaching strategies and process-oriented assessment techniques.

Master of Education - Reading/Literacy
Reading specialists are in high demand as literacy expectations continue to rise. To participate well in society, people will need powerful literacy abilities that include a wide range of technological competencies. In response to this era of high-stakes literacy, Benedictine University designed the Master of Education (M.Ed.): Reading/Literacy.

Based on the Illinois Content Standards for a Reading Specialist, the degree may lead to a Type 10, K-12 certificate. The reading specialist endorsement is valid not only for teaching reading to students but also for providing technical assistance and/or professional development to other teachers.

Transferring to Benedictine University
If you are transferring from an accredited teacher certification program, you should contact the Admissions Office (217- 525-1420 ext. 287) for a review of your academic record to determine the transfer credit that may be applied toward the completion of the elementary education degree and teacher certification program at Benedictine University.

If you are transferring from a community college, you should consult with an Education Department advisor. All methods course must be taken at Benedictine University. For transfer of preclinical hours, appropriate documentation must be provided. (Consult with your Education advisor regarding this.)

NOTE: The GPA used for acceptance into the Teacher Education Program and student teaching will be based on coursework completed at Benedictine University.

Transfer students who have been awarded credit for EDUC 205 (History & Philosophy of Education) are required to enroll in EDUC 206 (Transfer Introduction to Education Seminar) during their first semester at Benedictine University. This seminar course meets for five (5) sessions during the semester and serves as an introduction to the Department of Education, LiveText, the portfolio process and Illinois Teacher Certification. The State of Illinois background check is also arranged through this course.

Forms and Handbooks

Application for Preclinical Placement
Preclinical Handbook

Student Teaching Application
Student Teaching Handbook

Professional Portfolio Handbook

Teacher Education Handbook

Calendars
MEd Cohort I
MEd Cohort II
MEd Cohort III

MAEd Cohort I
MAEd Cohort II
MAEd Cohort III

Laine Tadlock, Ph.D
Education Program Director
Ext. 289

Maureen Lavin
Assitant Program Director
Ext. 293

Kathy Wolken
Administrative Assistant
Ext. 265

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