Programs of Study

The Rockford University Education Department offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education and Middle Grades Education, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Special Education. The Education Department offers a minor in Secondary Education for majors in Biology, Chemistry, English, History, and Mathematics. A Minor in PK-12 Education is available for Spanish majors and Kinesiology Majors. Graduate students may earn an initial teaching license and/or subsequent endorsements through Rockford University’s Master in The Art of Teaching (MAT) program and the Master in Education (MEd) program. The Rockford University Teacher Education Program (TEP) is accredited by the Illinois State Board of Education.

Tracks and Concentrations

  • Early Childhood Education
  • Elementary Education
  • Middle Grades Education
  • Secondary and PK-12 Education
  • Special Education
  • Bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement
  • Reading Teacher/Reading Specialist

Admissions and Licensure Information

Admission to the Rockford University Teacher Education Program requires candidates to pass a criminal background check, meet with an Education Department advisor to sign an official Declaration of Major/Minor form, and meet requirements to enter into schools. Official admission occurs after all the above requirements have been met and upon formal approval by the TEP Admissions Committee.

Programs seeking a Professional Educator License (PEL) culminate in the student teaching semester; acceptance is not automatic. Admission to student teaching requires senior status, completion of prerequisite course work, a cumulative 2.5 GPA, with a 3.0 major GPA. Candidates must complete relevant coursework with a C (2.0) or above and pass their relevant Illinois Content Area Test(s). In addition, candidates must successfully complete the Student Teaching Application, have three positive recommendations from professional sources on file, receive a favorable Education Department Guiding Principles review, and be officially approved by the Student Teaching Admissions Committee.

Course Requirements

Rockford University’s Education Department offers students the opportunity to either major in early childhood education, elementary education or minor in secondary education. Degree requirements for these programs can be found in the Academic Catalog.

Dr. Kim Wagner
Chair, Department of Education 
KWagner@rockford.edu
5050 E. State
Rockford, IL 61108
815-226-4178

 

Illinois State Board of Education
Professional Preparation and Recruitment
100 North First St., E-310
Springfield, IL 62777-0001
Phone: 217-782-4330
www.isbe.net