Undergraduate Teacher Education Program (UTEP)
The Off-Campus Undergraduate Teacher Education Program (UTEP) in concert with Kaskaskia College, Lewis & Clark Community Colleges, Lincoln Land Community College, Southwestern Illinois College, and Lincoln Christian University is designed for students who are working towards their associate degree (Associate of Arts or Associate of Science). As students complete their associate degree, they work toward their prerequisites for entry into the teacher education program at Greenville College. Then, students “transfer” to Greenville College to earn their bachelor degree, completing the Greenville College courses at their home college/university location. Students are able to complete their field experience and student teaching requirements within their region.
Admission Requirements
Application for admission can be made anytime. It is preferable that is it done no later than during the semester after successful completion of the partnership college’s Introduction to Education course(s). Admission is contingent upon:
- successful completion of all prerequisite courses as outlined on the advisement sheet by chosen major and attainment of an Associate of Art or Associate of Science degree from the partnership college,
- attaining a minimum grade point average of 2.75 in cumulative partnership coursework and in the Greenville College professional studies core,
- a grade of “C” or higher in all coursework required for certification
- receipt of passing scores on all areas of the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP)
- receipt of completed admissions checklist,
- receipt of a favorable criminal background check (note: drug screening may be required for field experience), and
- approval by the Committee on Teacher Education (COTE).
Once all requirements listed above are verified and compiled by Greenville College Admissions, students’ files will be presented to the Committee on Teacher Education (COTE) for admissions consideration. Notification will be mailed to students of their acceptance by COTE. All students must be admitted by COTE to the program before they begin Greenville College coursework.
Once admitted to the teacher education program, students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 in cumulative institutional coursework and in the professional studies core. If the GPA is not maintained:
- The student will not be allowed to continue in the program until the deficiency is removed.
- Student must create a remediation plan and present it to their academic advisor.
- Student may reapply to the program when the 2.75 GPA is attained.
*The Illinois State Board of Education requires full admission to an approved Teacher Education Program one full semester prior to student teaching.
Degree Requirements
Students majoring in education must be admitted to the teacher education program by the Committee on Teacher Education (COTE). A minimum GPA of 2.75 is required for admission. Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) regulations state that all candidates completing a teacher education program must earn a grade of C or higher in all courses leading to licensure. Admission to the professional internship which includes student teaching is also granted by COTE for students meeting all of the requisite requirements including a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 in all coursework and professional education courses. A minimum of 126 credit hours are required for graduation from Greenville College.
Elementary Education Major Requirements
The elementary education major prepares students to teach kindergarten through grade eight. Students who desire to earn middle school endorsements must also complete 18-21 credits in the chosen area. The specific coursework needed for endorsements are included in the Guide to Teacher Education. Students completing the elementary major are eligible to receive the bachelor of science degree.
Required Kaskaskia College Courses
+ Remaining courses for completion of Kaskaskia College AA or AS degree requirements
Required Lewis and Clark College Courses
+ Remaining courses for completion of Lewis & Clark AA or AS degree requirements
Required Lincoln Christian University Courses
ED 141 | Introduction to Educational Practice | 3 |
ED 221 | Cultural Awareness in the Classroom | 3 |
ED 222 | Adolescent Development | 3 |
ED 223 | Children's Literature | 3 |
ED 237 | Survey of the Exceptional Child | 3 |
HI 141 | American History | 3 |
LA 111 | Introduction to Written Composition | 3 |
LA 210 | Advanced Written Composition | 3 |
MA 161 | Math Reasoning I | 3 |
MA 208 | Math Reasoning II | 3 |
SS 223 | World Human Geography | 3 |
SS 263 | Citizens and Government | 3 |
+ Remaining courses for completion of Lincoln Christian University AA or AS degree requirements
Required Southwestern Illinois College Courses
+ Remaining courses for completion of Southwestern Illinois College AA or AS degree requirements
Required Greenville College Courses
Greenville College offers curriculum for a few education endorsements.