In collaboration with a variety of partners, the Goodwin College of Education offers structured support to teacher candidates as they pursue an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL). These “structured pathways” begin as early as the summer after high school and provide academic, social and financial support through student teaching and the initial years of employment.
Learn more about our innovative pathways by clicking on the dropdown menus below and by exploring any and all of the links that are available throughout this website.
Pathways for All Undergraduates
Future teachers living learning community
The Future Teachers Living Learning Community is designed for transfer students who are entering NEIU in order to earn a teaching degree. Over the course of an entire academic year, students interact with and learn from peers, community partners and alumni. They also participate in school-based service projects, engage in professional development activities, and meet Goodwin College of Education faculty and Chicago area teachers and school administrators. More information can be obtained by clicking on the link above or by contacting Dr. Kimberly Maljak, Coordinator, at k-maljak@neiu.edu.
College of arts & sciences education program
The College of Arts and Sciences Education Program (CASEP) is a learning community for first and second year undergraduate students who are interested in becoming teachers. It combines general education courses and early field experiences with discussion and feedback about teaching as a career. Cohorts start each fall and students take courses that are content linked and/or co-taught by faculty. They also may participate in service learning or part-time employment opportunities in educational settings. More information can be obtained by clicking on the link above or by contacting Jeremy Babcock, Coordinator, at j-babcock@neiu.edu.
Pathways For First Generation Undergraduates
grow your own teachers
Organized and managed by a Chicago-based non-profit organization, Grow Your Own Teachers provides social, academic, career and financial supports to teacher candidates from diverse backgrounds and communities who demonstrate a deep commitment to equity, excellence and diversity. New cohorts are inducted each semester and activities take place throughout the academic year. More information about the program and the application process can be obtained by clicking on the link above or contacting Luis Meza, Candidate Coordinator, at lmeza@gyo-il.org.
TRIO – Student support services teacher preparation program
The Student Support Services Teacher Preparation Program (SSS Teacher Prep) is a federally funded program designed to promote learning, personal development and retention. It provides free support to undergraduate students at NEIU who are first generation or income eligible and planning to earn a teaching degree. SSS Teacher Prep provides students with enhanced academic and personal support, including test preparation; academic tutoring; career planning; academic advising; mentorship; counseling; and exposure to cultural events and graduate degree programs. More information can be obtained by clicking on the link above or by contacting Dr. Christina Matuschka, Assistant Director of TRIO Student Support Services, at c-matuschka@neiu.edu. Organized and led by Dr. Jo Ann Karr, the Goodwin College of Education provides free ILTS Content Exam workshops for enrolled students during the fall, spring and summer semesters. The activities take place on Zoom and are designed to provide strategies and other supports for successfully completing the ILTS exams required for teacher licensure in Illinois. Registration takes place at the start of every semester. To register for the upcoming semester of workshops, please click on this link here. For more information, email Dr. Karr at jkarr@neiu.edu.
Chicago Public School Pathways
Teach Chicago tomorrow
Organized and led by the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), the Teach Chicago Tomorrow Program provides four years of social, academic, career and financial supports to Chicago Public Schools high school graduates who plan to become licensed teachers and who enroll at NEIU immediately after high school or as transfer students from the City Colleges of Chicago. New cohorts are inducted each summer and activities take place throughout the academic year. More information can be obtained by clicking on the link above or by contacting Arthur Dennis, Recruitment Specialist, at ajdennis2@cps.edu.
