Programs of Study
Because McKendree University must meet the requirements issued by the Illinois State Board of Education and the State Licensure Board, their requirements take precedence over the catalog of record for individuals seeking teacher licensure recommendation.
Elementary Education
The Elementary Education program is designed for those seeking to teach in the Elementary School setting. This four semester program is fully aligned with the licensing guidelines from the State of Illinois, providing students with the necessary coursework and field experiences to qualify for a Illinois Professional Educators License in Elementary Education (1st grade through 6th grade). Coursework for this program includes theory and methodologies in instructional planning for all content areas, children’s literature, classroom management, educational psychology, diverse learners, assessment and technology. Program faculty members are up-to-date on the needs of the classroom as well as the latest trends and requirements of the field, and are deeply committed to preparing future educators to excel as teachers. Diverse clinical experiences, along with mentoring from cooperating teachers and field supervisors, help teacher candidates transfer university classroom instruction into practical teaching skills.
Special Education/Elementary Education
The Special Education/Elementary Education program is a dual licensure program. This innovative program is fully aligned with the licensing guidelines from the Illinois State Board of Education, providing students with the necessary coursework and field experiences to qualify for an Illinois Professional Educators License in Special Education (K -22 years), as well as in Elementary Education (grades 1-6). As with the Elementary Education program, coursework for this program includes theory and methodologies in instructional planning for all content areas, children’s literature, classroom management, educational psychology, diverse learners, assessment and technology. Additional Special Education coursework includes assessment, collaboration and consultation, assistive technology, behavior management, language development and instructional methods for diverse learners. Faculty members are up-to-date on the needs of the classroom as well as the latest trends and requirements of the field, and are deeply committed to preparing future educators to excel as teachers. Clinical experiences include placements in Elementary, Middle and High School, in a variety of instructional settings. These diverse clinical experiences, along with mentoring from cooperating teachers and field supervisors, assist teacher candidates in transforming university classroom instruction into practical teaching skills.
Middle School Education
The Middle School Education program is designed for those seeking to teach in the Middle School setting. This program is fully aligned with the new licensing guidelines from the Illinois State Board of Education, providing students with the necessary coursework and field experiences to qualify for an Illinois Professional Educators License in Middle Level Education (grades 5-8). Available licensing content areas include Mathematics, Social Science, Science and English Language Arts. Education coursework for this program includes theory and methodologies in instructional planning, middle school instructional practices in the specific content area being licensed, educational psychology, middle school philosophy, diverse learners, multicultural education, assessment and technology. Coursework in the chosen content area is threaded throughout the program. Program faculty members are up-to-date on the needs of the classroom as well as the latest trends and requirements of the field, and are deeply committed to preparing future educators to excel as teachers. The diverse field experiences, along with mentoring from cooperating teachers and field supervisors, assist teacher candidates in transforming university classroom instruction into practical teaching skills.
Secondary Education
The Secondary Education program is designed for those seeking to teach in the High School setting. This program is fully aligned with the licensing guidelines from the Illinois State Board of Education, providing students with the necessary coursework and field experiences to qualify for an Illinois Professional Educators License in Secondary Education (grades 9-12). Available licensing content areas include Mathematics, Social Science (History and Political Science), Science-Biology (Chemistry at the graduate-level only) and English Language Arts. Education coursework for this program includes theory and methodologies in instructional planning, instructional practices in the specific content area being licensed, educational psychology, diverse learners, assessment and technology, and is threaded through coursework in the content area in which the teacher candidate is seeking licensure. Program faculty members are up-to-date on the needs of the classroom as well as the latest trends and requirements of the field, and are deeply committed to preparing future educators to excel as teachers. The diverse clinical experiences, along with mentoring from cooperating teachers and field supervisors, assist teacher candidates in transforming university classroom instruction into practical teaching skills.
K-12 Education 
The K-12 Education program is designed for those seeking to teach a specialized content area across age groups. This program is fully aligned with the licensing guidelines from the Illinois State Board of Education, providing students with the necessary coursework and field experiences to qualify for an Illinois Professional Educators License in K-12 Education (Kindergarten through 12th grade). Available licensing content areas include Music and Physical Education. Coursework for this program includes theory and methodologies in instructional planning, instructional practices in the specific content area being licensed, educational psychology, diverse learners, assessment and technology. Education coursework is threaded through coursework in the content area in which the teacher candidate is seeking licensure. Program faculty members are up-to-date on the needs of the classroom as well as the latest trends and requirements of the field, and are deeply committed to preparing future educators to excel as teachers. Diverse field experiences, along with mentoring from cooperating teachers and field supervisors, assist teacher candidates in transforming university classroom instruction into practical teaching skills.
Educational Studies
The Educational Studies program is designed for students who have a broad interest in educational matters and how they apply to different societal organizations; in educational departments of hospitals, correctional institutions, museums, zoos, or other facilities that house educational programs. This program is also appropriate for those who are specializing in a specific discipline with an obvious relationship to a specific career, e.g., art history or biology and outdoor education. The program is independently based and designed by the student and the School of Education advisor, developed to emphasize coursework appropriate to the academic/professional goals of the student for a career as an educator in a setting not requiring a professional license. Coursework includes a variety of educational topics, and courses in a selected area of emphasis. An internship at the end of the program provides a capstone experience for the student. It is important to note this degree does not prepare the student for a Professional Educator License in the State of Illinois.
Professional Educators License
The Professional Educator License is required for teaching in Illinois schools. All candidates for licensure are required to successfully pass state-mandated examinations before licensure is granted. All candidates must pass the content area exam for the licensure area they are seeking, prior to student teaching. During student teaching, students must pass the edTPA (Teacher Performance Assessment) for program completion. Registration information and study guides for the Illinois examinations are available on the Illinois Licensure Testing System website (www.il.nesinc.com).
