Prospective Students

At Illinois Wesleyan University, professional teacher education is grounded in the liberal arts and social justice mission of the University.  Studies in the liberal arts, sciences, and humanities bring historical, philosophical, social and cultural context to the educative endeavor.  The teacher’s challenge requires the same spirit of inquiry, creativity of thought, skillful communication, and strength of character expressed in the university mission.  As we educate future teachers, we aim to enable them to think critically and creatively about the processes and prospects of education, the place of education and the role of the teacher in a diverse and democratic society. 

• Our vision of teacher -scholars committed to social justice.   Print Version (pdf)

Teacher Certification

Students pursuing teacher certification choose from one of the programs listed below.  With the exception of Music all of the programs require coursework in both Educational Studies and major departments  Music candidates study in the School of Music.  All are accredited by the Illinois State Board of Education.

You will apply for admission to one of the above teacher education programs your sophomore year, after successfully completing two foundations courses.  Among other admission requirements, eligibility for student teaching requires a 3.0 grade point average (cumulative, major, and professional education).

See the Teacher Education Program Handbook for detailed information about the Teacher Education Program including: admission requirements; State of Illinois requirements; general education; certification course requirements; field experiences; student teaching; senior portfolio; and certification.

Interdisciplinary Major or Minor in Educational Studies

The Interdisciplinary Educational Studies major or minor prepares you to work with children and families in a variety of settings and occupations. You may apply coursework in Educational Studies to professional work in government, private industry, adult education, correctional institutions, and/or related school services such as recreation, after-school care, nursing, social work or social policy. The Educational Studies curriculum also prepares students for graduate and professional school in social policy, school counseling, or law.

Students pursing the Interdisciplinary major or minor choose a concentration in one of the following areas:Child and Family Studies,Education and Public Policy, Education, Ethnicity and Social Class, Education and International Studies, or Education and Gender Studies. (Note: the Interdisciplinary Major or Minor does NOT lead to teacher certification).

Putting Your Learning into Practice

You will begin to work with children and adolescents in your very first courses in Educational Studies. Field experiences in local schools are planned to provide you with a gradual, sequential, and coherent introduction to the full range of responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities inherent in teaching. 

Field experiences enable you to develop understandings of the school as a social system, and of the relationship of the school to the larger community. Field experiences will also enhance your awareness of student and school diversity. It is in the field that you will learn the language, practices and expectations of your chosen profession, as you observe the skills of experienced professionals. It is in the field where you will apply the particular knowledge and skills of your chosen discipline, develop and demonstrate your competence in the classroom and with students, discover your individual strengths, and demonstrate your resourcefulness. You will learn to work collaboratively with teachers, principals and other professionals working in school settings. In addition, you will develop skills in communicating and interacting effectively with parents, with whom you will work in partnership on behalf of students. Finally, it is in the field that you will become a self-reflective practitioner and researcher.

The exciting challenge of a full semester of student teaching takes place in the fall semester of the senior year.  You will intern under the guidance of a cooperating teacher in one of the schools in our surrounding community.

Learning from a Quality Faculty

Learning is enhanced at Illinois Wesleyan by the quality of instruction and personal attention you will receive from our faculty. Educational Studies faculty have varied research interests and extensive experience working with children and adolescents in public schools and other settings, as well as within university teacher education programs.  We will work closely with you, answering your questions in and out of class, acting as your academic advisor, guiding your research, and supervising your student teaching or other field internships.

• Dr. Irving Epstein  teaches courses in foundations of education, secondary curriculum, international studies, and supervises student teachers in history.  His research interests include educational policy, comparative and international education, and children’s rights.  He has taught in Los Angeles, Perth, Australia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Dr. Epstein is currently serving as the Associate Dean of Faculty.
• Dr. Ana Floriani teaches curriculum courses in language arts and social studies, educational research, and supervises elementary student teachers. Her interests are in the areas of elementary education; language, culture, and literacy; and teachers as researchers and learners.
• Ms. Pennie Gray teaches the child and adolescent course and middle school philosophy. Her interests are in literacy and writing. She is doctoral candidate for a PhD in English Studies with an emphasis in rhetoric and composition.
• Ms. Amy Jacobi teaches curriculum courses in elementary science and supervises elementary student teachers. As Field Placement Coordinator, she has built strong relationships with the local school districts and their teachers and administrators. Her interests focus on environmental education.
• Dr. Robin L. Leavitt teaches courses in child and adolescent development, education and social justice, and  educational research.  Her interests include early childhood education; moral and emotional socialization; the experience of race, class and culture, and students at risk for school failure.
• Dr. Leah Nillas teaches curriculum courses in elementary and secondary mathematics, and educational research.  Her interests include classroom discourse, language and mathematics, and educational technology.
• Dr. Pat Wilson is the Acting Chair and Director of Teacher Education for 2009-2010.

Your Professional Future

Educational Studies graduates may pursue teaching positions across the country or professional opportunities in government, private industry, adult education, correctional institutions and/or related school services such as recreation, nursing or social services. Alternatively, one may pursue graduate study in recreation, nursing, child life, social services, comparative education, law, early childhood education, early intervention and special education, bilingual education, social work, or educational policy. Whatever one’s professional pursuit, the educational experience at Illinois Wesleyan prepares each graduate to make a valuable contribution to the challenging and rewarding field of education.

Predictions for teacher employment over the next decade suggest that there will be a growing market for new teachers as current teachers near retirement and teacher turnover continues.  Areas of highest demand and shortest supply include mathematics, science, foreign languages, and music – certification programs we offer at IWU.  Teachers of color are also in short supply and sorely needed as minority enrollments in schools is approaching one-third of the student population.  Urban and rural areas have high needs for teachers.

IWU graduates obtain positions all over the state of Illinois, in Chicago and its suburbs, and in smaller towns in rural Illinois.  Recent graduates have obtained international teaching positions, for example, in Japan and Mexico.  Others teach across the United States in places such as Hawaii, California, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Georgia.

Education is always subject to the winds of politics and culture.  We need liberally educated, reflective teachers who are able to evaluate their teaching practices in changing contemporary contexts.  There is an increasing need for teachers who have realistic understandings of student diversity and of the complex array of challenges students and their families confront.   This is the educational journey which we invite you to undertake at Illinois Wesleyan University.