Education

Steps to Becoming a Teacher

Step 2: Admission to the Teacher Education Program

Only candidates who have been admitted into the Teacher Education Program (TEP) may enroll in 300 or 400 level education courses. To complete the program on a timely basis, a candidate should complete all requirements and be admitted into the TEP as soon as possible. After completing all requirements, candidates should make application to the Teacher Education Program. Transfer candidates must earn a minimum of 15 credits on this campus before they will be considered for admission to the Teacher Education Program. Transfer candidates may apply, however, during their first semester on campus.

TEP Application Procedures

  • Successfully complete the mathematics, reading, and writing sections of the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST). Consult the Education Office for dates, times, and locations of the test. Passing scores are: Reading 175/322, Writing 174/320, Mathematics 173/318.
  • Pick up an application for admission to the Teacher Education Program from the Education Office.
  • Complete the application form and return it to the Education Office. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as they have met all requirements. This should be done during the sophomore year to enable the enrollment of 300 level courses. Acceptance in the TEP is an absolute prerequisite for enrollment in 300 level courses. No exceptions.
  • Documentation of satisfactory disposition reviews associated with particular education classes and initial portfolio reviews should be made available to the education office and ready for completion at the time of application. These reviews will be kept in your education folder. Students will receive a copy of the rubric/checklist used in the evaluations for disposition and portfolio reviews.
  • Candidate records will be checked for satisfactory grade point average (2.75 overall GPA, which includes all schools attended as well as Carthage), successful completion of the PPST, accurate completion of the application form, receipt of three faculty member recommendations, completion of EDUC 101, 105 and 201, and completion of all Heritage courses with a grade of C or better in each course.

Notification

If all of the TEP requirements are satisfied, candidates will be notified of admission to the TEP by letter. TEP candidates should consider themselves admitted only upon receipt of such a letter.

If any requirements are unsatisfied, education candidates cannot be admitted into the TEP. A letter will be sent indicating failure to be admitted into the TEP stating the reasons. When all requirements have been met, a student may reapply to the TEP.


When to Apply

Applications are reviewed and approved on a revolving basis through committee. It is important that you apply as soon as all requirements have been met.


Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the teacher education program, a student must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Have and maintain a 2.75 overall grade point average. The grade point average includes all courses taken during your college experience, including any prior college work and Carthage College courses. A grade point average of 2.75 or better in the major/minor and in all education courses is required.
  • Must be recommended for teacher education by three Carthage faculty members; two recommendations should be from full-time education professors.
  • Successfully complete all three portions of the basic skills Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST).
  • Complete, with a C or better, the Core courses.
  • Successfully complete the foundation courses in education: EDUC 101, 105 and 201.
  • Show evidence of some completed field experience.
  • Successfully pass disposition reviews associated with particular education classes.
  • Complete the application to the Teacher Education Program.
  • Continue to develop a portfolio of exemplary work that was begun in EDUC 101 Education and Society and in EDUC 222.

Appeals

Students who have not been admitted to the Teacher Education Program may file an appeal with the teacher education committee.

Steps to Becoming a Teacher

Inspiration & Ideas

The Center for Children's Literature at Carthage, co-directed by education professor Marilyn Ward, offers future teachers valuable resources, lectures, workshops and seminars. Read more.

Student Voices

"The experience I am getting in the field is far beyond what I had expected. When I am finished with my courses, I know I will feel well-equipped to student-teach because of the experiences Carthage has provided for me."

— Katie Crimmins, '12, Arlington Heights, Ill.

Hear what students have to say about studying education at Carthage.