Programs of Study

The Rockford University Education Department offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Special Education. The Education Department also offers a minor in Secondary Education for majors in Biology, Chemistry, English, French, German, Spanish, History, Mathematics, Physical Education, Theatre Arts, and Visual Arts. The Rockford University Teacher Education Program (TEP) is accredited by the Illinois State Board of Education.

Majors and Tracks/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
• English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement

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

Admission to the Rockford University Teacher Education Program requires candidates to complete 45 hours of college level work with a cumulative 2.5 GPA in either Rockford University general education requirements or through the Rock Valley College Compact, including grades of C (2.0) or above in RHET 101 and 102 (or equivalent), and grades of C (2.0) or above in MATH 116 & 117 (or equivalent). In addition, candidates must pass the Illinois Test of Basic Skills; successfully complete EDUC 200 or 202 or 204 or SPED 200 or 202, where applicable; pass a criminal background check; and, meet with the Education Department Chair to sign an official Declaration of Major/Minor form. Official admission occurs after all the above requirements have been met and upon formal approval by the TEP Admissions Committee.

The programs 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 EDUC 401 or 402 with a grade of C (2.0) or above; successfully complete EDUC 201 or 203 or 205 or SPED 201 or 203, where applicable (or equivalent); and pass the Illinois Content Area Test. LBS1 candidates must pass the LBS1 Test and the General Curricular Special Education Test. In addition, candidates must successfully complete the Student Teaching Application, have three positive recommendations from professional sources on file, receive a favorable Education Department Dispositions 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.

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