EIU History-Teacher Licensure

Student Teaching Approval

• History Department Approval for Student Teaching

  In addition to applying to the College of Education a year prior to student teaching, all teacher education students must receive Departmental Approval the semester before student teaching. Mandatory meetings will be held the semester prior to student teaching.

  Departmental Approval Information

  History with Teacher Licensure in Social Science majors verify meeting a series of requirements and submit a portfolio to earn departmental approval for student teaching. The process is overseen by the Teacher Education Committee and/or Coordinator.

  Grade Point Average

  History with Teacher Licensure in Social Science majors must have not less than a 2.75 cumulative grade point average and a 2.75 major grade point average to receive Departmental Approval. You must also have earned at least a "C" in all History and Social Science courses.

  Professional Education Courses

  You must have earned a "C" or higher in each course in the professional education core courses taught in the College of Education and Professional Studies.

  Content Area Test

  While you may be granted conditional Departmental Approval prior to passing the Illinois Certification Testing System Social Science: History (315) Content Area Test, you must have attempted the test before final Departmental Approval is granted. Only then will student teaching approval and placement be finalized. A passing score is required before you can be licensed.

  Submission of a Portfolio

  You will submit a portfolio that consists of a variety of materials demonstrating your readiness to student teach along with reference sheets from faculty members. Details will come from Dr. L-S early in the semester prior to student teaching. Expect to submit a resume/cover letter, some example of your teaching from practicum, and a series of reflections.

  Attendance at Professional Development Events

  All students are required to attend at least one professional development event. For many students, this requirement is likely fulfilled by attending the Illinois Council for the Social Studies spring conference. For information about past and future fall conferences at EIU, click here.

  Membership in Professional Organizations

  Belonging to professional organizations has several advantages. Membership shows you have an interest in knowing about developments in your professional field. Membership gives you an opportunity to participate—to have a voice—in history and social science education. It also, in most cases, provides some kind of a publication from which you can learn what is taking place in social science education by practicing professionals. As part of your portfolio resume, you must demonstrate professional involvement through membership in one or more of the following organizations (or another equivalent organization of your choice):

  • National Council for the Social Studies
  • Illinois Council for the Social Studies
  • National Council for History Education