The Teacher Preparation program at College of DuPage meets the needs of students planning to teach in elementary, secondary or special education settings. Many students enroll in the program to become educators or to take education courses for careers in youth counseling, criminal justice and parent teacher association leadership or to better understand your own children's schooling experience.
Students who successfully complete an Associate in Arts or an Associate in Science degree at College of DuPage can transfer to a state-approved teacher education program in which they complete the education requirements for Illinois teacher certification. A criminal background check is required for classroom observation and student teaching.
Determine Your Path
Whether you want to be an elementary, middle or high school teacher to help inspire other future generations, College of DuPage has the right program for you.
You want to attend a credible college that stands out from the rest. At COD, you'll discover:
- Dedicated instructors with years of experience working in education.
- Interactive courses available in-person and online.
- Collaborative organizations on campus to connect, learn and grow with other future educators.
- Affordable programs to help you achieve success without creating overwhelming debt or draining a savings account.
Education Transfer Pathway, Associate in Arts
Take the required general education courses you need to transfer to a baccalaureate institution and major in education.
Paraprofessional in Education
The Paraprofessional in Education certificate is designed to prepare individuals to take on the role of a paraprofessional, also known as a teacher's assistant, in a K-12 classroom.
Students will take a variety of classes to introduce them to aspects of teaching and learning that will help them to be successful as a paraprofessional. Additional requirements must be met for Illinois licensure. This certificate requires 27 credits in program requirements and electives.
Teaching Online Utilizing Technology, Certificate
The Teaching Online Utilizing Technology (TOUT) certificate, offered only online, provides hands-on experience in designing and implementing online course materials within a learning management system.
COD Stories
"Being a leader for pre-service teachers all over the state has taught me so much about leadership in professional settings, and it revealed a love for education policy that I never knew I had." - Stephanie Chavez
Stephanie's COD storyCOD Stories
"When I was still struggling with the language barrier and asked the faculty for help, they always tried to accommodate me. The teachers have passion, and their passion create passion in others. This is why I want to become a teacher." - Makkara Phann
Makkara's COD StoryCOD Stories
"COD helped me grow and mature a lot. It was nice that I was able to go at my own pace and pretty much make my own schedule." - Eric Tecuanhuehue
Eric's COD StoryCOD Stories
"College of DuPage offered me a chance to learn in a smaller teacher-to-student ratio classroom and to learn under some brilliant professors." - Alyssa Kalb
Alyssa's COD StoryCOD Stories
"COD helped me achieve my academic goals by teaching me the strong work ethic that comes along with college.” - Miles Knight
Miles' COD StoryGet Started Today
The first step to getting started in Teacher Preparation is to apply for admission.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
Students who complete Education courses will:
- Develop reflective practices
- Define professional responsibilities of pre-service and in-service teachers
- Describe public education since inception
- Define qualities of a culturally competent teacher
- Develop communication skills to enhance professional relationships
- Apply methods of inquiry to analyze traditional and progressive educational practices
College of DuPage has several education and teacher preparation transfer agreements in place with four-year colleges and universities to save you time, money and make the transfer process easier.
Many of these agreements with other colleges and universities have specific course requirements and a pre-determined course plan that needs to be followed to be eligible to transfer. Contact a program faculty member or academic advisor to learn more as course requirements vary by institution.
Become a Middle or High School STEM Educator in Four Years
Partnering with Elmhurst University, COD is able to provide a guided pathway that enables students to graduate with a bachelor's degree in just four years (typically a double major).
Earn a Certificate to Teach Online
Learn how to design and implement online course materials through best practices in online teaching, course design for online classes, multimedia for online instruction, teaching with social media and video applications in education.
Career Information
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