ĢƵ

A Legacy of Excellence in Creating New Educators

ĢƵ’s School of Education has a long history of preparing educators for excellence in their field with a variety of education programs that integrate the core values of rigorous scholarship, collaborative leadership and a commitment to service. Every program combines a theoretical base with an intensive practicum experience, giving our candidates broad exposure to the responsibilities of the teaching and administrative positions they aspire to attain.

We offer several master’s degree programs, graduate endorsement and approval programs, and undergraduate programs. Each course of study will further your professional development and capacity to contribute to education in grades P-12 in metropolitan Chicago and the nation.

Our Mission

Rooted in the Sinsinawa tradition, the School of Education at ĢƵ improves the human condition through education. We develop and support effective educators who transform ideas and challenges into solutions that impact diverse schools and communities to create a more just and humane world. We respond to the challenge that with knowledge comes ethical responsibility. The ĢƵ educator is passionate and prepared to “go where the work is great and difficult.”

Our Vision

In the spirit of caritas et veritas, the School of Education at ĢƵ will be a distinctive institution recognized for preparing effective educators who reach beyond the classroom and honor educational equity as a basic human right and source of empowerment. Through signature programs and strategic alliances, we will develop passionate teacher-leaders who advocate for their students and families in a rapidly changing educational landscape.

 

Prepare to be an Exceptional Teacher and Educational Leader

In our School of Education courses you will:

  • Learn with and find support from internationally recognized faculty
  • Explore the latest educational research and learn how to integrate instructional technologies into curricula
  • Develop the knowledge and skills to address the diverse learning and social-emotional needs of today’s students
  • Experience how the School of Education accepts and witnesses the ĢƵ Catholic tradition while encouraging respect for other traditions

By offering a course of study that emphasizes the acquisition of professional knowledge, the expansion of personal insight and an appreciation of diversity, the School of Education continues to further the mission of ĢƵ.

Meet Our Faculty

Our professors and lecturers bring real-world experiences and a relationship-centered approach to help you become the educational leader you are meant to be. 

Faculty Directory

Opportunities for Students

Graduate education candidates at ĢƵ benefit from complementary programs sponsored by the School of Education:

Curriculum Resource Center

Located on the third floor of Lewis Hall, the Curriculum Resource Center offers a variety of resources for prospective classroom teachers. School of Education candidates will find curriculum and educational materials to help with class assignments and lesson plans and to supplement their curriculum during their clinical practice experience. Some of the resources available at the center include:

  • Assessment materials
  • Children’s and young adult literature
  • Kits, games and manipulatives
  • Science equipment
  • Teaching posters and picture sets
  • Textbooks used in private and public schools

Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society

The School of Education sponsors the Psi Chi chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, an international education honor society that recognizes students for their scholarship, leadership, professionalism and educational goals. Those elected to the society represent the top 10% of those entering the field of education. Members receive updates on current research, a newsletter and scholarly journal. They also are eligible for scholarships and other programs offered by the society.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

ĢƵ’s School of Education offers outstanding programs and opportunities for future teachers, current teachers and school administrators. Find answers to our frequently asked questions. 

Graduate Program

Please contact the Office of Graduate Admission.

You'll need to meet the following requirements:

  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. A candidate with a GPA lower than 3.0 may be allowed to take up to four courses on a conditional basis and must earn a grade of B or better in each course in order to continue registration. Upon completion of four courses with grades of B or better in each, the candidate will be reviewed for full acceptance into the School of Education. This does not apply to the Alternative Licensure Program or any program that leads to Illinois State Licensure to teach.
  • Two letters of recommendation. Letters from family members or current School of Education students are not acceptable.
  • Evidence of effective written communication skills and suitability for the teaching profession as demonstrated by the submission of candidate’s personal statement.
  • One official transcript from every college or university attended. Transcripts must be received by the School of Education in a sealed envelope from the college or university.

A complete application file to the School of Education consists of:

  • The application
  • $25 application fee
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts from each college or university attended
  • A written personal statement

Most degree programs begin in the summer or fall semester. The Master of Science in Special Education and ESL/Bilingual Endorsement programs accept students at the beginning of each semester.

Our programs and endorsements vary in length. Licensure for Special Education takes between two and three years, while endorsements take less time. The Alternative Licensure program is completed in two years.

Classes are offered at our campus in River Forest, Illinois, with some cohort classes offered at school sites.

Classes generally meet in the evening during the week, usually starting at 5:30 p.m. Occasional Saturday classes and online classes are also available.

Up to six semester hours of graduate credit can be transferred prior to matriculation, assuming the coursework is comparable to what you would learn in the ĢƵ program. Exception: the ESL and Bilingual programs do not accept transfer credit.

Yes. The School of Education offers a limited number of scholarships and grants. You may apply for them after you are accepted and have registered for your first course. Federal Stafford loans are also available through the Office of Financial Aid.

Each School of Education program operates under its own state testing requirements. Your program adviser will give you information on any state tests you need to take.

Obtaining a teaching license requires successful completion of your program of study with a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0, along with passing scores on any required state tests. See the for details.

ĢƵ candidates score extremely well on state content area tests and tests of professional teaching standards.

Alumni report high degrees of satisfaction with their program experiences, and employers rate our graduates equally high on professional preparation.

Undergraduate Program

We work hard to provide an ideal learning environment for every class. With a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, you’ll have plenty of quality time with all of your instructors.

We place our undergraduate student teachers in a wide variety of local area private, public and parochial schools.

Yes, we offer a wide variety of scholarships, grants and loans. More than 90 percent of our freshmen receive some sort of financial aid. U.S. News & World Report consistently rates ĢƵ a “Best Value” in recognition of our excellent academic programs provided at a moderate price.

The School of Education welcomes many transfer students each year, and our transfer admission staff is dedicated to making the process easy for you. If you are a Chicago area community college student, check our .

Summer Gifted and Talented Program

Offered through the School of Education, this program provides challenging and accelerated summer courses for academically gifted and talented students entering grades 2-8 in the fall.

Learn More

Bilingual Academy/Academia Bilingüe

This ĢƵ academy is an academic and language enrichment program led by Professor Melizabeth Santos, a K-12 state of Illinois certified bilingual and ESL educator. School of Education teacher candidates work collaboratively to plan and provide a fun, learning opportunity for children who are:

  • Spanish-speaking
  • From Spanish-speaking homes
  • From English-speaking homes who are enrolled in dual language education

The academy’s goal is to augment the social value of children’s investment and pride in their bilingualism, while also providing hands-on learning of bilingual teaching strategies for students in the School of Education.

For more information on the academy, contact Dr. Melizabeth Santos call (708) 524-6658.

 

 

 

ĢƵ’s School of Education is approved by the Illinois Board of Education to offer high-quality, standards-aligned preparation programs for future educators.

For more information,
please contact:

School of Education
soe@dom.edu