Digital viewbook for international students looking to study on a F-1 visa at National Louis University in Chicago Illinois
MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING [M.A.T.] Middle Grades Education
CANDIDATE HANDBOOK
2025-26 Edition Grades 5th-8th
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Congratulations on your decision to pursue a teaching degree and license through the National College of Education at NLU. There are a few things we want you to know about your journey. Teaching is a very complicated profession. Good teachers need to be fully present, physically and emotionally, in order to meet the needs of all their students. Good teachers view their work as a calling, or vocation, and not just a job. They think about their students, the families they serve, and the content they teach, and they are always looking for ways to engage their students for optimal learning to happen. Good teachers are effective communicators, and they have the ability to share sensitive or difficult information in a respectful way. These characteristics are just a snapshot of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that you will need to become a good teacher. Here is what we already know about you: 1. You are an accomplished adult learner who already holds one or more college degrees. 2. You likely have a full-time job, family, and other obligations that compete for your time. Your instructors are committed to your growth and development in this program. Here are some things you should know and expect from your instructors: 1. High academic expectations through a rigorous curriculum that makes you think, analyze, and look at the education field through a culturally sustaining lens using multiple perspectives. 2. Feedback from your instructors on the quality of your work and levels of engagement in each course. 3. Academic Support. Instructors are concerned with your learning. What you learn will have direct application to your work as a teacher in the field. 4. Spend time in a classroom . Make this a priority when planning for each term. If you have difficulty finding a place to complete your hours, work with your instructor. 5. Your instructors will keep you informed of any licensure requirements that you must meet. Here is what your instructors will expect from you: 1. Commitment to your graduate education. Balance your other responsibilities. Except for emergencies that arise, there will be times when you will need to decide to do coursework rather than a preferred activity. 2. Your full attention . Be present in your classes, whether on campus or online. Stay current with the course content, complete assignments on time, and engage in group work to demonstrate that you can collaborate with other professionals to complete a project. 3. Communication . If you are not meeting course expectations or are struggling in the field, you are expected to communicate with your instructors about any specific issues that may be keeping you from performing at an essential level of competency. Ask questions and share any concerns you have with the content, organization of the class, or the assignments. 4. Grades, GPA, Content Test . To be eligible for a Professional Educator License (PEL), you must maintain a 2.75 GPA and earn a “B” or better in all methods courses. The State will not accept grades below “C-” on any course required for licensure. There is also a required Illinois Content Exam that you must pass to move into Practicum II. Study materials are available for these. Start early in your program. 5. Build a support network through family and friends to help you meet program responsibilities. We wish the very best as you embark on this journey with us. We are here to support, encourage, and prepare you for the very best profession in the world. Welcome to Graduate School! The MGE MAT Faculty Team Program Chair, Dr. Hannah Graham
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Table of Contents Contact Information ................................................................................................ 6 National College of Education ................................................................................. 7 Conceptual Framework ....................................................................................... 7 Mission................................................................................................................. 7 Philosophy and Knowledge Base.........................................................................8 Purposes, Professional Commitments, and Dispositions ...................................8 Performance Expectations .................................................................................8 Middle Grades Program Information ..................................................................... 10 Program Overview: Middle Grades Education ................................................... 10 Program-Level Outcomes Associated with a MAT in Middle Grades Education 11 Admission Requirements ................................................................................... 11 Office of Admissions & Records.................................................................... 12 Timeline to Completion.................................................................................. 12 Key Assessments Required for Completion of Your MAT Program .................. 13 General Student Information............................................................................. 14 Credit By Examination ................................................................................... 14 Delivery of the Program ................................................................................. 14 Virtual Courses and Zoom Sessions .............................................................. 15 School Safety Module .................................................................................... 15 Content Area Test.......................................................................................... 16 The Year-Long Internship Program ............................................................... 16 Disposition Assessment ................................................................................ 16 Academic Advising ........................................................................................ 16 Student Guidebook .........................................................................................17 NLU Library .....................................................................................................17 Learning Support ............................................................................................17 Center for Student Accessibility Resources (CSAR) ......................................17 Technology and Tech Use ...............................................................................17
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4 / MAT Middle Grades Education Handbook Textbooks ...................................................................................................... 18 Program Policies ............................................................................................... 18 Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools and Coursework .......... 18 Paid Student Teaching Qualifications and Requirements ............................. 19 Policy Regarding Extra Coursework During Clinical Experiences .................20 Policy Regarding Physical Fitness .................................................................20 Policy Regarding Grades of “C” or Lower in Practicum Courses....................20 Policy Regarding Grades of “C” or Lower in Methods Courses.......................20 Re-Entry and Re-Admission Policy ................................................................ 21 Exception to MAT Policies ............................................................................. 21 NCE Academic Policy Committee...................................................................... 21 Diplomas and Graduation...................................................................................22 Concerns with your MAT Program? ...................................................................23 Course of Study – M.A.T. Middle Grades Education.............................................. 24 Preparing for Your MGE Field Experiences ...........................................................25 Pre-Clinical Experiences ...................................................................................25 Pre-Student Teaching Experience Hours ......................................................25 Competency Appraisals ....................................................................................26 Student Teaching Prerequisites........................................................................26 Student Teaching Field Experience ..................................................................28 MGE 590 Student Teaching: Young Adolescents in Context (6SH)................28 Substitute Teaching ......................................................................................28 Attendance Policy during MGE 590 ................................................................28 Student Teaching Seminar Course: MGE 590 ................................................29 Evaluating Student Teaching Performance...................................................29 Guidelines for Submitting a Field Placement Application .................................30 Licensure ..............................................................................................................30 Application for Licensure..................................................................................30 The Application .............................................................................................. 30
Illinois Licensure Tests...................................................................................... 31 APPENDIX A - Responsibility & Support Plans (RaS) Plans...................................32 APPENDIX B - Dispositions Assessment...............................................................36 APPENDIX C – Office of Field Experience.............................................................. 41 Guidelines for Submitting a Field Placement Application.................................... 42 Before You Start the Field Placement Application........................................... 42 NLU E-mail .................................................................................................... 42 Supporting Documents ................................................................................. 42 Application Deadlines ................................................................................... 42 To Access the MAT Field Placement Application: ........................................... 42 Frequently Asked Questions .............................................................................43 Placement Policies ............................................................................................45 Calendar Dates for Field Placements ................................................................46 Calendar for Field Experiences 2025-2026 ...................................................46 Sonia .................................................................................................................. 47 NCE MAT Teacher Preparation Program Checklist ...........................................49 Criminal Background Checks, TB Tests, Mandated Reporting, Health Insurance.50 Criminal Background Check ..............................................................................50 TB (Tuberculosis) TEST..................................................................................... 51 MANDATED REPORTER ...................................................................................... 51 HEALTH INSURANCE .........................................................................................52 Accurate Biometrics Application..........................................................................53
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Contact Information
Your National College of Education (NCE) Deans & School Director
Dr. Carolyn Theard-Griggs Dean, NCE
312-261-3925 ct h eardgriggs@nl.edu 312-261-3899 kstricker2@nl.edu 312-261-3220 jgilbert11@nl.edu
Dr. Kristi Stricker Dr. Jamillah Gilbert
Associate Dean, NCE
Director, Teacher Preparation
Your MAT Middle Grades Faculty
Dr. Hannah Graham
Program Chair, Faculty
312-261-3137 Hgraham1@nl.edu 847-947-5546 bmorris8@nl.edu
Brian Morris
Faculty Faculty Faculty Faculty
Keviyona Smith Ray
ksmithray@nl.edu nwhite12@nl.edu cwarthen@nl.edu
Nicole Monroe
Chrishirella Warthen- Sutton
Nina Hike
Faculty
nhike@nl.edu
Your Office of Field Experiences (OFE) Team
Lisa Mozer
Executive Director, Field Experience & PK-12 Partnerships Associate Director, Field Supervision & Residencies Field Experience Manager Field Experience Manager Field Experience Specialist Field Supervisor Coordinator; Adjunct Faculty Field Experience Support; Adjunct Faculty
847-947-5025 lisa.mozer@nl.edu
Brian Morris
847-947-5546 bmorris8@nl.edu
Stephanie Harper Erin Tatel Stein
630-874-4405 sharper3@nl.edu 847-947-5518 estein4@nl.edu 630-874-4197 nenger@nl.edu
Nicole Enger
Chaidan Leshinski
(None)
cleshinski@nl.edu
Melinda Orzoff
847-947-5464 morzoff1@nl.edu
Your MGE Advisors
Leah Ott
Associate Director of Advising
888-658-8632 ext. 4227
lott@nl.edu
Maria Anderson
Senior Graduate Academic Advisor
312-261-3113 manderson80@nl.edu
Click here for NLU MAT Program Information & Student Resources.
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National College of Education
Conceptual Framework
A Professional Community Advocating for All Learners NCE Faculty and candidates use scholarly habits of mind and methods of inquiry in order to affect P- 12 student learning by: • Envisioning, articulating, and modeling democratic and progressive education • Designing powerful learning environments that integrate appropriate technologies • Utilizing multiple meaningful assessments • Enabling self-directed learning • Working collaboratively in diverse communities and with diverse learners to achieve learning goals • Advocating for democratic values, equity, access and resources to assure educational success for all NCE Faculty and candidates continuously demonstrate a high standard of professional ethics by: • Cultivating curiosity and excitement for learning in themselves and others • Respecting and learning from other peoples, cultures, and points of view • Demonstrating a caring attitude in recognizing the needs of others and acting to promote their growth • Acting with confidence and self-knowledge to assume professional leadership roles and responsibilities • Using information from self and others to continuously improve
The National Education Association’s (NEA) Code of Ethics for Educators can be found at https://www.nea.org/resource-library/code-ethics-educators.
Mission National College of Education (NCE) is a professional community collaborating with teacher candidates, teachers, administrators and others advocating for all learners. For over one hundred and thirty years, NCE has had as its mission excellence in teaching, scholarship, service, and professional development. NCE continues its history of innovative leadership in education in Chicago, the nation, and in other parts of the world. Recognizing the importance of life-long
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learning in a diverse, rapidly changing global society, the College is committed to developing and empowering all learners, consistent with the mission of National Louis University.
Philosophy and Knowledge Base Building on the progressive tradition of John Dewey and our founder Elizabeth Harrison, the National College of Education continues its historical commitment to student-centered education. Our research-based, best practice programs fuse theory and practice and engage candidates in critical reflection and inquiry. Through our theme of advocating for all learners, NCE programs place teacher candidates and the schools they work with at the center of the educational process. Candidates actively construct meaning individually, cooperatively and collectively by integrating knowledge and experience within a community of learners. Purposes, Professional Commitments, and Dispositions The NCE professional community recognizes that the learner and the process of schooling are situated in social, historical, political, and cultural contexts. We value diversity and cultural differences among children, families, and communities, and continue our long and distinguished tradition of promoting social justice and developing democratic communities. Performance Expectations Reflection and inquiry provide an informed and integrated basis for advocating for all learners. Through this process, NCE candidates will develop the disposition, knowledge and skills to: • Integrate theory and practice • Help students construct their own knowledge • Understand the contextual nature of learning • Collaborate with students, teachers, administrators, parents, policy makers and the community at large • Engage in critical inquiry • Assess, reflect on, and critique their own knowledge, practice, school and society The president and the officers of National Louis University reserve the right to change the requirements for admission or graduation, the arrangement, schedule, credit, or content of courses, the books used, fees charged, regulations affecting students, and to refuse to admit or readmit, and to dismiss any student any time -- should it be deemed to be required in the interest of the student or the university to do so.
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National Louis University admits students to all programs and activities and administers all educational, employment, and other policies without discrimination because of race, color, sex, religion, handicap, or national or ethnic origin.
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Middle Grades Program Information Program Overview: Middle Grades Education The vision statement of the Middle Grades Program is as follows:
The Middle Grades Education Program at National Louis University prepares future educators to empower and support youth-driven social change. Program candidates engage in deep reflection on their own and others' lived experiences to develop culturally relevant, radically inclusive, and critically reflective pedagogy for young adolescents. The faculty of the National College of Education is committed to providing a rich set of experiences that will assist candidates in becoming successful teachers of all students. We expect this handbook to be used with information from the university faculty, academic advisors, the Graduate Catalog, and the Student Guidebook and Calendar to guide teacher candidates and make the journey through National Louis University and the National College of Education valuable and memorable. The focus of the MGE MAT program is on the preparation of prospective teachers who will provide critical learning opportunities for young adolescents with concern for them as developmentally unique human beings in the context of a rapidly changing world. A constructivist, socio-cultural, intersectional, and critical anti-oppression philosophy guides the learning principles of our program development, coursework, materials and instructional methods. We structure our program to ensure our graduates will have the tools to manifest equity and positive change.
Middle Grade Program Framework
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Program-Level Outcomes Associated with a MAT in Middle Grades Education At the completion of this MAT Program , candidates will be able to: PLO1. Articulate the unique needs of young adolescent learners and the contexts that support this student population. PLO2. Distinguish that middle grade education (MGE) is designed to support the unique developmental needs of young adolescent learners. PLO3. Demonstrate deep knowledge in their chosen content teaching field(s) to create meaningful learning experiences that contribute to each young adolescent’s competence. PLO4. Demonstrate a clear understanding of how educators’ identities and beliefs impact young adolescents ’ feelings of safety, connectedness, and opportunities to learn. PLO5. Create and participate in joyful teaching and learning with young adolescent learners. PLO6. Demonstrate critical and creative thinking when working with young adolescent learners. PLO7. Implement responsive strategies for use within the diverse range of each young adolescent learner. PLO8. Integrate knowledge of the philosophical ideologies, historical development, curricular models of middle grades education , and the leaders of the middle grades movement. PLO9. Exhibit effective listening, oral, written and technological communication skills with young adolescents, families and community . PLO10. Demonstrate a commitment to being an ethical professional, an educational leader and a life-long learner . PLO11. Apply culturally relevant practices to ensure success, cultural sustainment, and critical educative practices for all students to maximize success for each young adolescent learner. PLO12. Commit to being an advocate who supports, listens and responds to each young adolescent, family and community member.
Admission Requirements Criteria for admission to the MAT in Middle Grades Education include:
1. Baccalaureate degree from a Regionally Accredited Institution
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2. Three professional or academic references (This requirement is waived for applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.)
3. Completion of 21 required semester hours with no grade lower than C for all general education coursework on an official transcript(s) or equivalent CLEP/Dantes tests in the following areas: a. For candidates seeking MGE math endorsement: 21 hours of math content b. For candidates seeking MG English/LA endorsement: 21 hours of literacy content c. For candidates seeking MG science endorsement: 21 hours of science content (to include coursework in each of the following areas: physical science, life sciences, earth and space sciences) d. For candidates seeking MG social studies endorsement: 21 hours of social studies content (to include coursework in each of the following areas, in relation to Illinois, the United States and the world: history, geography, civics and government, and economics) NOTE: Students may be admitted to the program with 1 or 2 general education deficiencies; these must be completed prior to the candidate taking their content methods course(s). 4. Grade point average (GPA) of Grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in last 60 hours of coursework for full admission. GPAs between 2.5 and 2.9 will be considered for provisional admission on an individual basis Office of Admissions & Records The Office of Admissions and Records administers applications for admission, registration and veterans’ benefits, produces official academic transcripts, provides enrollment and degree verification services and graduation audits, evaluates transfer credit, and publishes the official university schedules and catalog for each of NLU’s campuses and academic centers. If candidates wish to withdraw from a class, all withdraws must be in writing. Contact your academic advisor for assistance when requesting a withdrawal. Timeline to Completion Teacher candidates have six years from the time of the first course taken towards the MAT degree to complete the degree. Candidates who exceed this time frame will need to apply to the Academic Policies Committee for an extension of the timeline. In addition, candidates will be responsible for any new or updated requirements of the MAT program.
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Key Assessments Required for Completion of Your MAT Program Following are the Key Assessments required for completion of the MAT MGE Program.
Assessment
When Taken
Proficiency Requirement Score of 240 or higher Required for licensure Target met on all rubric items & GPA of 2.5 or higher
Description
ILTS Content Test
A score of 220* and verification of the score is required prior to Practicum II
Illinois assessment needed to attain the initial PEL or endorsement.
* A passing score of 240 is required for licensure
Shadow Study
MGE 501
The Shadow Study of Young Adolescents assessment provides an important opportunity for candidates to apply the research concerning young adolescent unique developmental needs and middle grades philosophy into the context of a day in the life of a group of young adolescents. This assignment asks students to engage in an asset based, critical mapping of their school site where they will be placed during MGE 505 Teaching and Learning Practicum: Young Adolescents in Context III and MGE 590 Teaching and Learning Practicum: Young Adolescents in Context IV (when student teaching takes place). Candidates help to develop a productive and inclusive learning environment for their students while improving their skills to work with families, colleagues and community. In anticipation of completing the ATL, Candidates collect and analyze data from a mini-sequence (2-3) lessons taught to report the impact of their teaching on student learning. Performance Assessment to create a lesson plan that addresses standards, learning goals, lesson sequence, formative assessment, and assistive and instructional technology. The assessment includes brainstorm on the
Classroom Community Snapshot
MGE 503
Target met on all rubric items & GPA of 2.5 or higher
Analysis of Teaching and Learning
MGE 505
Target met on all rubric items & GPA of 2.5 or higher
Teacher Preparation Lesson Plan
MGE 505
Target met on all rubric items & GPA of 2.5 or higher
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opening, instructional delivery and closing of the lesson. Evaluation by faculty to determine attitudes and beliefs that are needed to be a successful teacher in the field. These include: • Honesty and Integrity • Responsibility for Meeting Course and Field Requirements • Reflection and Accepting Feedback Collaboration and Communication • Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Respect for Self and others Performance evaluation completed by the mentor teacher and the university supervisor during the student teaching experience
Dispositions Assessment
MGE 501 & 503
Acceptable on all measures & GPA of 2.5 or higher
Competency Appraisal
MGE 505 & 590 Student Teaching
Target met on all rubric items & GPA of 2.5 or higher
General Student Information Credit By Examination
NLU awards credit to candidates who achieve acceptable scores on standardized tests such as College Board's College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSSTs). Candidates should contact their graduate academic advisors for information about and for preapproval of testing intended to fulfill deficiencies. Delivery of the Program The Master of Arts in Teaching degree is an Illinois approved program for initial licensure in MGE The Professional Educator License [PEL] earned in Illinois is a Grades 5-8 endorsement on the PEL. The MAT program in MGE Education is offered as a hybrid program, with courses delivered both synchronously and asynchronously. As part of their programming: 1. Candidates choose to pursue their degree plan with the help of their academic advisor. Candidates and their advisors will develop a personalized study plan to support candidates’ individual needs and timeline to completion. An online course schedule is available to help candidates see the times/days and locations classes meet throughout the year.
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2. Candidates may enroll in a varied number of semester hours of credit each term and may need to take classes on more than one campus or in both online and on campus modalities. Certain courses may have limited or closed enrollment.
3. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 3 semester hours to be eligible for financial aid. Six or more semester hours of credit is considered full-time enrollment for financial aid purposes.
Virtual Courses and Zoom Sessions When attending virtual classes via Zoom, it is essential to follow these guidelines to enhance the productivity of the session for you and your fellow classmates. Consider how you can be supported by friends and family during your time in graduate school and enlist their assistance, if necessary, when you are in class. • Create a Dedicated Learning Space : Establish a specific area in your home where activity and distractions are limited, allowing you to focus entirely on the class without interruptions. • Avoid Multitasking: Refrain from engaging in other activities like driving, attending or coaching sporting events, attending to household chores, watching videos during class etc. during class. Give your full attention to the virtual session. • Enable Video: Keep your video on during the class so that you and your classmates can see each other. It fosters a sense of connection and engagement within the virtual environment. • Mute Microphone When Not Speaking: To prevent background noise and disruptions remember to mute your microphone when you are not actively participating in the discussion. • Utilize Zoom Features: Familiarize yourself with the various Zoom features, such as the “reaction” tab to virtually raise your hand when you have a question or want to contribute to the conversation. • Use Chat Responsibly: Make use of the chat feature to ask questions and share comments related to class material. Avoid engaging in private and personal conversations in the chat. To maintain a focused learning atmosphere.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can make the most out of your virtual learning experience and contribute to a more enriching and productive class environment for everyone involved.
School Safety Module All Teacher Candidates must complete the mandatory School Safety module before graduating.
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Content Area Test All MGE MAT candidates must have a passing score of 240 on the ILTS #201, 202, 203 or 204 Content Exam to qualify for licensure. Teacher Candidates must have a score of at least 220 on the Content Exam PRIOR to beginning their Practicum 2 experience. This policy meets the Illinois State board of Education’s policy set forth in the school code. Candidates will not be enrolled in Practicum 2 until they earn a score of 220 or hire on their Content Test, and they will not qualify for a PEL without a passing score of 240 or higher.
Please refer to http://www.il.nesinc.com/ for testing information.
The Year-Long Internship Program The Master of Arts in Teaching Year-Long Internship Program is designed so that school-based faculty can work more directly with NCE/NLU interns in 5 th -8 th grade classrooms. Candidates enrolled in the MAT Year-Long Internship Program are hired by individual school districts as teaching assistants for the school year. While working in the classroom, interns complete their Practicum II observation hours and Student Teaching assignment. (The base salary and benefits are varied and determined by the individual school districts. The student teaching term is unpaid.) This program provides experience in a classroom for a full year, leading to increased understanding of the multiple roles of teachers and the socio-emotional and academic needs of children. Contact Lisa Mozer ( lisa.mozer@nl.edu) , Director of the Office of Field Experiences, for more information about this program. Disposition Assessment Candidates are expected to demonstrate the professional behaviors and attitudes required of all educators in P-12 schools. These professional behaviors and attitudes are referred to as Professional Dispositions . Candidates who demonstrate positive growth in their dispositions reflect the kinds of teachers who can positively impact student learning in the diverse schools and communities where they will ultimately teach. The Disposition Assessment will be applied in the MGE MAT program in the following courses: MGE 501 and MGE 503. Please refer to the Dispositions Assessment tool for more details. Academic Advising Academic advising is an important facet for successfully completing the Elementary Education MAT program . Candidates can contact the Academic Advising Center or 1-800-443-5522, ext. 5900 . Once candidates have been admitted and the General Education Assessment has been completed, they will be assigned an academic advisor from the Academic Advising Center. Advising can be provided concerning: • Meeting deficiency requirements (finding classes, monitoring progress/completion, deadlines) • Planning program schedules
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• Selecting classes • Additional endorsements (ELL, Content Fields, SPE) • ISBE Licensure Tests
• Graduation requirements • Licensure requirements
Student Guidebook Academic, campus, and university policies, procedures, and services of NLU are documented in the NLU Student Guidebook . The guidebook is available on campus through the Office of Student Affairs and at https://nl.edu/student-services/student-affairs/student-guidebook/. NLU Library There is a library branch on each NLU campus. Many resources are also available to NLU students online at https://nl.edu/library/. Hours at each campus vary and can be found at the library tab on the NLU homepage. Learning Support The Learning Support team consists of writing, math, computer science, and ELL specialists who have extensive experience tutoring and providing general academic support to both undergraduate and graduate students. Center for Student Accessibility Resources (CSAR) CSAR helps ensure that all academic programs and all aspects of academic programs and student experience are accessible. They provide reasonable accommodations, such as exam accommodations, note-taking assistance, alternative textbook formats, etc. They partner with faculty and staff to create a positive student experience, whether you are a first-term freshman or a doctoral candidate. Technology and Tech Use NLU Website and Portal NLU maintains a website at https://nl.edu/. Information for registering, logging on, account names, etc. should be accessed through the NLU portal at http://my.nl.edu. Helpdesk The NLU helpdesk is available 24/7 at 1-866-813-1177 to assist students with login questions. Students are able to access their grades, unofficial transcripts, account balances, tuition bills, and student schedules through the NLU portal.
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D2L Students can also access course home pages for all of the classes in which they are enrolled through the Desire to Learn (D2L) site at https://d2l.nl.edu/.
NLU Email Every registered student at NLU has a university supplied email account that can be accessed through any internet connection. This will provide fast, direct communication between the students, the university faculty, and administration. It is NLU policy to send information to students only through the NLU email accounts, and it is the students’ responsibility to check the NLU email frequently to stay aware of university policies and deadlines . Cell Phone and Laptop Use Please mute all cell phones in district schools and in NLU classes. Laptops may be used for note taking and for in class projects at the discretion of the instructor. There may be “screen down” times requested by the instructor. Textbooks Candidates are responsible for buying and/or renting textbooks and other related course materials. Textbooks are available on-line through the Virtual Bookstore at: Starting class with the required texts is extremely crucial for optimal success. Be sure to order your books and/or materials early. As artificial intelligence (AI) tools become increasingly accessible, it is essential that we engage with these technologies responsibly, ethically, and in alignment with the values of academic integrity. This course recognizes the potential value of AI-assisted tools for learning and creativity, while also emphasizing the importance of human intellectual engagement. Permissible Uses of AI Tools Students may use AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly, Copilot) under the following conditions: Research Aid: You may use AI to generate ideas, summaries, or outlines during the brainstorming phase of assignments. Writing Support: Grammar and style tools may be used for editing purposes, provided they do not alter the substance or originality of your work. Programming Help (for relevant assignments): AI coding assistants may be used to debug or offer syntax suggestions. However, understanding the code and being able to explain it in your own words is required. Program Policies Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools and Coursework
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Prohibited Uses of AI Tools The following uses are considered academic misconduct: • Fully AI-Generated Submissions: Submitting an assignment (in part or whole) generated by AI without significant human revision, analysis, and original thought. • Citation Fabrication: Using AI to produce references or sources that do not exist or were not consulted. • Undisclosed Use: Failing to clearly disclose the use of AI tools when instructed to do so. Disclosure Requirement If you use AI tools in your work, include a brief AI Usage Statement at the end of your assignment. For example: “Portions of this assignment were generated with the assistance of ChatGPT to outline initial ideas and clarify grammar. All substantive analysis and final composition are my own.”
Failure to disclose AI use when required may be treated as a violation of academic integrity.
Academic Integrity Reminder This course adheres to the university’s Academic Integrity Policy. Using AI to bypass learning, plagiarize, or misrepresent your own work undermines the educational process and may result in disciplinary action. Guiding Principle Use AI as a tool for thought—not a substitute for it. If you are ever uncertain about what constitutes acceptable use, please ask. Open conversation is encouraged. Paid Student Teaching Qualifications and Requirements In order to be considered for Paid Student Teaching, candidates must meet one of the following requirements: • 2 years of Teacher of Record experience in content/licensure area OR • 1 year serving on an Educator License with Stipulations endorsed for Transitional Bilingual Educator OR • 1 year of Teacher of Record experience in content/licensure area & Short-Term Approval OR • 1 year of Teacher of Record experience in content/licensure area & Substitute Teaching License
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Policy Regarding Extra Coursework During Clinical Experiences Practicum 2 and Student Teaching require significant time commitments. Because of that, Teacher Candidates (MAT Traditional) may not take more than one additional course from NLU outside of their scheduled program coursework during Practicum 2, and no additional courses during Student Teaching. Teacher Candidates who anticipate the need to take two or more additional courses during their Practicum 2 term should discuss this with their advisor and obtain written permission from their Program Chair prior to registering for any coursework. Policy Regarding Physical Fitness The Illinois School Code requires that all adults in schools must be physically healthy. The Code [105 ILCS 5/24] reads as follows: “Employee” means any employee of a school district, a student teacher, an employee of a contractor that provides services to students or in schools, or any other individual subject to the requirements.” Practicum students must also meet this requirement. “School boards shall require of new employees’ evidence of physical fitness to perform duties assigned and freedom from communicable disease. Such evidence shall consist of a physical examination by a physician licensed in Illinois or any other state to practice medicine and surgery in all of its branches, an advanced practice nurse who has a written collaborative agreement with a collaborating physician that authorizes the advanced practice nurse to perform health examinations, or by a physician assistant who has been delegated the authority to perform health examinations by his or her supervising physician not more than 90 days preceding time of presentation to the boards, and the cost of such examination shall rest with the employee.” Policy Regarding Grades of “C” or Lower in Practicum Courses Candidates who receive a grade of “C” in Practicum I or II will not be permitted to enroll in advanced coursework or field experiences. Candidates must contact the MGE Program Chair to determine their future in the MAT Program. Candidates will meet with their Program Chair and course instructor to determine a plan of action; this may require re-taking the Practicum course or receiving a support plan stipulating actions for future success in the program. The Illinois Board of Education (ISBE) does not accept grades of “D” or “F” in any classes required for the teaching license. A grade of “D” or “F” indicates that a candidate cannot continue in the MAT program without a review and support plan meeting. This decision is communicated to the academic advisor and all MGE program faculty, the Dean’s office, and the Registrar’s Office. Policy Regarding Grades of “C” or Lower in Methods Courses If a grade of ‘C’ or lower is received in any methods class, candidates are required to schedule a meeting with the Program Chair. Candidates may invite any instructors who can contribute information to the record in order to provide evidence that candidates are ready to student teach. Evidence can also be provided from other methods classes.
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Candidates may be required to retake a methods class with a grade of ‘C” before continuing in the program. As previously noted, grades of ‘D or F’ in coursework will not be accepted by ISBE and must be retaken prior to moving forward in the program. If admission to student teaching is denied, a student may petition the NCE Academic Policies Committee. Re-Entry and Re-Admission Policy It is the policy of National Louis University that students who have not registered for a course at NLU for more than one calendar year, but less than five calendar years, will be required to submit a re-entry form to the Office of the Registrar prior to registering for classes. If a student has not registered for a course at NLU for more than five years, they are required to apply for readmission. Forms can be found at https://nl.edu/student-services/office-of-the- registrar/forms/. Additionally, students seeking to re-enter a traditional MAT program who have 2 or 3 terms remaining until completion of licensure requirements must receive permission to re-enter. Permission must be granted by the Program Chair and School Director. The following factors will be considered in determining eligibility for re-entry: • Student’s GPA • Circumstances surrounding stopping out, including level of success in prior field experiences • Length of the stop out and subsequent experience(s) in the field • Changes in ISBE licensure requirements • Remaining program requirements to be completed
NOTE: A passing score on the appropriate content test is required for re-entry into any MAT program at NLU.
Consistent with the existing re-entry policy, students will be subject to the degree requirements in effect at the time of re-entry.
Exception to MAT Policies All requests for exceptions to MGE MAT program policies are to be submitted in writing to the MGE Program Chair, Dr. Hannah Graham, at hgraham1@nl.edu.
NCE Academic Policy Committee The purpose of the NCE Academic Policy Committee is to consider student petitions regarding, but not limited to, the following NLU/NCE policies: • Admission to graduate study
21 / MAT Middle Grades Education Handbook
• Retention in graduate study • Extension of time limitation to complete degree • Core course waivers • Acceptance of more than nine hours prior to admission • Transfer of credit beyond six hours • Acceptance of extension or workshop credit beyond the maximum • Grade appeals
The Committee is composed of representatives of the NCE faculty. Currently, it meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month during the academic year. The Committee also meets during the summer quarter to address students’ requests for exceptions to policies. Online petitions must be received by the Chair of the Committee at least two weeks in advance of the meeting so that there is time to distribute materials to members of the Committee. Students must consult with their assigned academic advisor in order to begin the appeal process. Academic advisors must approve the petition before it is submitted to the NCE Academic Policies Committee. All information and documentation related to the petition must accompany the petition. Advisors have the link to the online Student Petition to the NCE Academic Policies Committee. The petition is also available online at https://nl.edu/national-college-of-education/nce-petitions/. As stated earlier, teacher candidates have six years from the time of the first course taken towards the MAT degree to complete the degree. Candidates who exceed this time frame will need to apply to the Academic Policies Committee for an extension of the timeline. In addition, candidates will be responsible for any new or updated requirements of the MAT program. If a petition is denied, students have the right to appeal the Committee’s decision to the Provost’s Office. An appeal to the Provost’s Office is not considered a re-hearing of the petition. The purpose of the appeal is only to review due process. Diplomas and Graduation While candidates are integrating theory and practice, learning to teach, and preparing to enter the MAT MGE teaching profession, there are some other tasks they need to attend to regarding NLU graduation and issuance of a diploma. All candidates must apply to graduate and receive their diplomas. Diploma applications are available at the registrar’s site at https://nl.edu/student- services/office-of-the-registrar/. This process should be started in the term preceding student teaching to allow time for completing any graduation requirements that are shown to be missing in the Degree Audit. There are four diploma dates each year: Fall, December 31; Winter, April 15; Spring, July 15; and Summer, September 15.
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Commencement ceremonies are held once a year in June. Candidates are eligible to participate in the ceremony if they have completed their programs the previous fall quarter, winter quarter, spring quarter, or will complete all degree requirements by the end of summer quarter. Candidates should contact the registrar’s website (https://nl.edu/student-services/office-of- the-registrar/) for more information concerning their participation in the commencement ceremony. Participation in the commencement ceremony does not confirm graduation. Graduation is dependent upon completion of all degree requirements. Concerns with your MAT Program? Concerns regarding the quality of your MAT program or fairness of policies should be discussed with your academic advisor. If the concern remains unresolved and/or has far reaching effects, contact Dr. Jamillah Gilbert, Director of Teacher Preparation, directly (jgilbert11@nl.edu).
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Course of Study – M.A.T. Middle Grades Education
On Ramp Courses (4sh) EPS 511
Human Learning and Development in Instructional Contexts
2 2
FND 510
Social Justice Perspectives on the History & Philosophy of American Education
Winter Courses (3sh) MGE 501 Spring Courses (5sh) MGE 520
Introduction to Middle Grades Education: Young Adolescents in Context 1
3
Methods of Teaching Content Area Literacy in the Middle Grades
2 3
MGE 509
Integrated Curriculum in the Middle Grades
Summer Course (3sh) CIL 505
Methods and Materials for Teaching English as a Second Language
3
Fall Courses (6sh) MGE 503
Advocacy Practicum: Young Adolescents in Context 2
3
Candidates select one methods course of the following: MGE 510 Methods of Teaching Middle Grades Science
3
MGE 512 MGE 514 MGE 518
Methods of Teaching Middle Grades English/Language Arts Methods of Teaching Middle Grades Mathematics Methods of Teaching Middle Grades Social Studies
Winter Course (6sh) MGE 505
Teaching and Learning Practicum: Young Adolescents in Context 3 Introduction to and Methods of Teaching Students with Disabilities
3 3
SPE 500
Spring Course (6sh) MGE 590
Student Teaching: Young Adolescents in Context 4
6 Total hours for Licensure: 33
Candidates select one of the following electives: CIL500
Foundations of ESL and Bilingual Education
SPE 501 ESR 514 MGE 510 MGE 512 MGE 514 MGE 518
Educational and Diagnostic Assessment of Exceptional Children and Adolescents
3
Research in Action: Becoming Practitioner Researchers
Methods of Teaching Middle Grades Science
Methods of Teaching Middle Grades English/Language Arts Methods of Teaching Middle Grades Mathematics Methods of Teaching Middle Grades Social Studies
Total hours for MAT degree: 36
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Preparing for Your MGE Field Experiences It's important for teacher candidates to know what is expected of them before they begin their clinical experiences because it provides clarity, fosters growth, and ultimately prepares you for a successful career in teaching.
TO DO ASAP:
1. Criminal Background Check 2. TB Test 3. Mandated Reporting Training
NLU requires all candidates in programs that include time spent in an Illinois school to have an Illinois State Police criminal background fingerprint check, a TB test, and a Certificate of Completion with the Department of Children and Family Services Mandated Reporter Training. Only teacher candidates with a) “no record,” b) a negative TB test, and c) a Certificate of Completion may be placed in a school. Refer to the Office of Field Experience Information Guide (Appendix C) for specific details and instructions regarding the 1. Criminal Background Check, 2. TB Test, and 3. Mandated Reporter Training The MGE M.A.T. Program requires that a minimum of 130 clock hours of observation and/or Internship experiences to be completed prior to Student Teaching. These classroom observations are designed to provide candidates with opportunities to develop and refine teaching skills. Most instructors require additional assignments related to these field experiences. Focusing observations on effective teaching strategies and taking thorough notes will enable the candidate to connect the field experiences to the topics of study within the course. Notes: • We incorporate observation hours into MGE 501, MGE 503, CIL 505, SPE 500, and MGE 505 of the courses that are required for licensure in MGE See the Course of Study chart above for courses requiring field experience hours. • Some schools will require a letter requesting permission to observe. This letter will be provided to you upon request. Pre-Clinical Experiences Pre-Student Teaching Experience Hours
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