Education Checklist

Northwestern's teacher education program is both rigorous and rewarding. When you've met all the requirements listed below, you'll be ready for school—as a teacher. If you are a current NWC education student, please go to this link to view an updated list in MyNorthwestern (you will need to be logged in).

STEP 1: Preparing to apply

In order to apply to the teacher education program, you must meet these requirements during your freshman/sophomore year:

  1. Maintain a 2.5 GPA, cumulatively and in your major. (This requirement must be met before your application to the program will be reviewed by the teacher education committee; you must also maintain this minimum GPA throughout your enrollment in the teacher education program.)
  2. Complete EDU102: Foundations of Education and EDU206: Survey of Exceptional Individuals with a grade of a "C" or better.
  3. Read the teacher education program policy manual and familiarize yourself with the education department policies.
  4. Complete a cleared background check before participating in any field hours in local schools.
  5. We recommend you complete EDU202: Early Field Experience with a positive evaluation from your cooperating teacher before you apply to the teacher education program.
  6. Review the arranged, field experience and multicultural/badge hours (see STEP 3) required of students who are enrolled in the teacher education program—so you know what's ahead.

When you have checked everything on the list in STEP 1, then you're ready to apply to the teacher education program.

STEP 2: Applying and enrolling

Teacher education program applications are typically submitted during the fall of your sophomore year. To apply: 

  1. Continue to maintain a 2.5 GPA, cumulatively and in your major.
  2. Complete the Application for Admission to the Teacher Education Program.
  3. Complete a Disposition Self-Evaluation to help you examine your growth on the path to beginning a teaching career.
  4. If you are a secondary education major, your major department must complete a recommendation for you.
  5. Complete an Entrance Portfolio and meet with an assigned education faculty member to review the portfolio.  
  6. Meet competency requirements for reading, writing, and math as determined by the Department.

After the items in STEP 2 are completed, the teacher education committee will review your application.

STEP 3: Preparing to student-teach

As you progress through the teacher education program:

  1. Meet with your adviser to ensure you've completed or are on track to complete all your required education courses.
  2. Ensure you have completed or will complete your arranged, field experience and multicultural/badge hours.
  3. In addition to 100 field hours, all teacher candidates must complete 2 badges before they are approved for student teaching.
  4. Consider your student-teaching options before deciding which placement is best for you.
  5. Complete the Student-Teaching Application in the academic year before the year in which you plan to student-teach. 

When you have checked everything on the list in STEP 3, you will be reviewed by the Teacher Ed Program.

STEP 4: Student-teaching and becoming a licensed teacher

You are just one or two semesters away from being in your own classroom! To prepare for starting your teaching career, complete these requirements:

  • Attend a student-teaching orientation meeting and review the Student-Teaching Handbook.
  • Attend all student-teaching seminars.
  • Submit your EXIT portfolio.
  • Submit all student-teaching paperwork.
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