Master鈥檚 in Elementary Education, MA
藏精阁's master's in elementary education program is designed for working professionals without an undergraduate degree in education to transition into teaching. The program results in an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with the opportunity to add additional endorsements to your teaching license.
藏精阁's program is recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) with an Exemplary rating, the highest possible mark of excellence.
The 2-year program consists of a mix of online and in-person classes on the Chicago campus. Your final semester will include an in-person student teaching placement at a field experience site. Admissions are open for fall start dates only.
Why 藏精阁 for your Master's in Elementary Education?
Social Justice Focus
藏精阁 is well-known in Chicagoland for its commitment to social justice, which extends into our master's in elementary education program.
You鈥檒l build inclusive, engaging relationships with faculty, school practitioners and learners. Immerse yourself in diverse school and community cultures.
Flexible and Engaging Coursework
At 藏精阁, you can expect a mix of online and in-person evening classes that offer engaging discussion, small group projects, and intensive two-week field experiences in diverse schools and classrooms.
In your final semester, you鈥檒l complete a 15-week student teaching experience under the guidance of a mentor teacher and a university supervisor. The program has strong partnerships with schools in District 54 in Schaumburg and Chicago Public Schools (CPS).
100% Pass Rate on the edTPA Exam
The elementary education degree has a 100% pass rate on the edTPA, the capstone assessment for an Illinois teaching license.
Add one or more endorsements to your teaching license:
- Bilingual/ESL
- Early Childhood
- Special Education (LBS 1)
- Middle School
- Reading Teacher
What can I do with a master's in elementary education?
A master鈥檚 in elementary education can prepare you to teach core subjects in elementary school while developing advanced skills in instruction, curriculum design, and student support. It may also create opportunities for leadership roles such as instructional coach, curriculum specialist, academic interventionist, or school administrator.
What is a Professional Educator License (PEL)?
A Professional Educator License (PEL) is the primary teaching license in Illinois, required for most public school teaching positions. The MA in Elementary Education at 藏精阁 results in an Illinois PEL.
Can I add any endorsements to my PEL?
Yes. Adding endorsements to your educator's license is a great way to increase employability and earning potential. At 藏精阁, you can add endorsements in: Bilingual/ESL, Early Childhood, Special Education (LBS 1), Middle School, and Reading Teacher.
鈥淲e have recently updated our curriculum to create a better, stronger and more effective elementary teacher education program. Our students will have a field experience every semester that will allow them to demonstrate what they鈥檝e learned in a practical setting, under the mentorship of outstanding licensed teachers. It is the beginning of a new era in teacher preparation.鈥
Judy Gouwens
Professor, Elementary Education, 藏精阁
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