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 Special Education MAT Faculty Team Program Chair, Dr. Kathleen Kotel
2 / MAT Special Education Handbook
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