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MEd in Instructional Leadership: Elementary Education

MEd in Elementary Education with Type 03 certificate option

The Elementary Education concentration within the MEd in Instructional Leadership program is designed for individuals who already have earned a bachelor’s degree, and who want to become a teacher of elementary-aged children in urban classrooms. We emphasize creating classroom environments that respond to the unique needs and strengths of culturally and linguistically diverse groups of children. Students have the opportunity to earn a State of Illinois Type 03 Elementary certificate within a rigorous and advanced graduate-level program of study.

The program consists of a carefully designed sequence of courses and field experiences that integrate a variety of core theoretical and practical aspects of urban teaching:

the history and philosophy of democratic education
developing the full potential of each elementary-aged child
research-based practices for teaching core content areas of language arts, mathematics, science and social studies
collaborative leadership to enhance student learning

For more information download a flyer, contact the Office of Student Services at 312-996-4532, email Ana Valenta at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or learn how to apply!

Visit the Council on Teacher Education for more information about the certificate approval process.

Options

Degree Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 35 semester hours of course credit, at least 9 of which must be at the 500 level. Independent Study Courses and any 597 or 598 courses do not count toward the required 9 hours of 500 level coursework for the MEd.

Core Curriculum (12 semester hours):

CI 411: Creating Learning Environments in the Elementary School (3 hours)
CI 412: Dynamics of Learning Environments in the Elementary School (3 hours). Those pursuing the ESL/Bilingual approval may substitute a Bilingual/ESL course for CI 412.
Philosophy or History of Education (Ed 402 or 403 - 3 hours)
Educational or Developmental Psychology (ED 421 or 422 - 3 hours).

Area of Concentration (23 semester hours):

Foundations of K-8 Literacy Instruction (CI 413 - 4 hours). Includes 15 hours of clinical experience hours, which will require availability during the school day.
A second reading course chosen from CI 464 or CI 505 - 4 hours.
Literature, Social Studies, and the Arts in the Elementary School (CI 410 - 4 hours). Includes 30 clinical experience hours, which will require availability during the day.
Teaching and Learning Mathematics in the Elementary School (CI 507 - 4 hours). Includes 30 clinical experience hours, which will require availability during the day.
Teaching and Learning Science in the Elementary School (CI 508 - 4 hours). Includes 30 clinical experience hours, which will require availability during the school day.
Survey of Characteristics of Exceptional Children (SpEd 410 - 3 hours). Includes 30 clinical experience hours, which will require availability during the school day.

Additional Hours Required for Certification:

CI 511 and CI 512 (12 hours total): Student Teaching I and II

More courses may be required if you have any missing requirements needed for state certification, or if you decide to pursue additional credentials. After you have been admitted, you will need to complete paperwork with the Council on Teacher Education to get your transcripts evaluated for missing courses.

NOTE: Courses are offered in the evenings. However clinical experiences, as well as the entire semester of student teaching, requires availability during the day.

FAQs

How long is the program?

The program is flexible, allowing students to progress at their own rate.
Most students complete this degree program attending part-time over a two- to three- year period.

Do you offer an alternative route to certification?

At this time, an alternative route to certification does not exist for obtaining a Type 03 Elementary Education certificate.

If I already have a teaching certificate, do I have to complete the entire program to receive a Type 03 certificate?

You must still pursue a 35-hour degree in order to achieve this certificate through a focused-program option. Courses you have already completed may apply to the Type 03 Elementary Education certification process. We will review your certification transcripts and determine what additional courses or field experiences you may require in order to achieve the Illinois State Type 03 Elementary Education Certificate. Additional student teaching may be required.

Can I transfer other coursework I've completed elsewhere into this program?

Up to 12 hours of graduate UIC credit can be transferred into this program. Up to 9 hours of non-UIC graduate level credit can be transferred into this program.

Can I still work and complete this program?

Yes, most students still maintain part-time or even full-time employment while pursuing the program.

Do I need a degree in Education to be admitted into this program?

No, this program is designed for career changers or those with bachelor’s degrees in other fields.

Are there any General Education courses required?

Yes, there are six (6) General Education courses required, one in each of the following areas:

English / Language Arts
Mathematics (College level, no remedial)
American History or American Government
Science
Fine Arts
Health

Many of these requirements are already satisfied as part of an undergraduate degree.
After you are admitted, our certification officer will review your transcripts, and will notify you of any unfulfilled prerequisites.

Are there scholarships available?

Yes, please visit our Financial Aid page for more information.

Can applicants apply to any term?

No, applications are only accepted for the summer term.

Can I defer enrollment?

Yes, with the program coordinator's approval.

Can I complete the ESL/Bilingual Approval courses and/or the Middle School courses while pursuing this program?

Yes.

Do I have to be available during the day?

Yes, most semesters will require a minimum of 30 hours of daytime, in-classroom field experience.

Where do I complete my kindergarten through 8th grade in-classroom field experience?

In support of our urban mission, all of our student teaching and practicum placements are carried out in Chicago Public School classrooms.

Can I still work while I student teach?

Student teaching is one full semester that requires availability during regular school hours. Please note that this is a full-time commitment.

Are classes taught on Saturday?

No, classes are offered Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Please contact Dr. Victoria Trinder at vtrinder@uic.edu if you require any additional information.

Outcomes

Graduate Elementary Education alumni occupy teaching positions in urban and advocacy settings across the Chicago area, as well as nationally and internationally. Teaching assignments range from early elementary language positions to middle-grades content leadership. UIC graduates are known for their combination of deep theoretical understanding of the field, rich content knowledge, and culturally-relevant pedagogical expertise. They are also known for having a deep commitment to teaching students from diverse demographics, backgrounds and experiences. Teachers graduating with a master’s degree are also uniquely prepared to occupy positions of teacher leadership in urban settings.

Advising guides

Advising guides offer a checklist for class completion requirements. If you have questions regarding the content of this guide, please contact Program Coordinator Victoria Trinder at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Mike Herkes at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in the Office of Student Services.

Advising Guide for MEd in Elementary Education (pdf)

Handbook

Master’s Handbook (pdf)

UIC College of Education - University of Illinois at Chicago