Frequently Asked Questions
Minor in Secondary Education
Secondary Education | College of Education

I’m thinking about becoming a high-school  teacher. What should I do?

Congratulations on taking the first step toward making a real difference in the life of an adolescent! Roosevelt’s undergraduate minor in Secondary Education (SEED) leads to certification in your academic major.

What are the steps in getting certified?

1.  First, students must show that they have declared a major in the subject they wish to teach. Within the bachelor’s degree, students must complete the specific content courses required by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

2.  Students must also complete Roosevelt University’s general education requirements.

3.  Students must pass the Illinois Test of Basic Skills. (Passing scores on this test are required prior to enrolling in any education courses.)

4.  Students take 24-27 credits of professional education courses for certification. Included within these course requirements are 100 hours of pre-student teaching field work distributed throughout the program (SEED 301, SEED 350, and SPED 319) and a 15-week semester of student teaching.

5.  Students must pass two additional state tests:

• Content-Area Test (must be passed prior to student teaching)
• Assessment of Professional Teaching (must be passed prior to certification)

Where can I get information about the state tests?

Visit the Illinois Certification Testing System website at http://www.icts.nesinc.com  to learn more.

I have registered to take the Illinois Test of Basic Skills. Can I enroll in education classes?

The state requires that we see evidence of passing scores on the Basic Skills exam prior to your enrollment in any education classes.

Can I take all my classes at the downtown or Robin campuses?

We cannot guarantee that you will be able to complete the entire SEED program by attending classes at only one campus. Roosevelt is one university with two locations. (Just think of all the reading you can get done on the shuttle or train!) See the information-desk attendant at either campus for shuttle details.

What grades do I need to continue in the program?

Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the professional education core in order to remain in Roosevelt’s secondary education program. Further, a student must retake any education class in which he or she earns a grade lower than a C.

I’ve just completed my first six credits of education classes. Now what?

Upon completion of six credits of education classes, you must apply for continuance in the SEED program. You may pick up the application from your advisor or from the secretary in the education office. You must have a 3.0 GPA in the professional education core,  and you must obtain a signature from a full-time faculty person recommending your continuation in the program. You may not continue registering for education courses until you have received approval to continue.

How much field work must I do?

The state of Illinois requires a minimum of 100 hours of field work prior to student teaching. Field work is built into the professional education core. Your instructors in SEED 301, SEED 350, and SPED 319 will give you more details.

Can I do my field work in my child’s school?

Sorry, no. You may not fulfill a field experience requirement in a school your child attended, attends, or will attend. Also, you may not fulfill a field experience requirement in a school where you are now or have been employed, in a school you attended, or in a school where a relative is employed. We believe it is critical for our students to have field experiences that prepare them to work successfully in a variety of situations and with diverse populations.

Do I need a TB test in order to student teach?

The state requires that all student teachers produce documentation of a negative TB test. The Office of Field Placement has information on Chicagoland clinics that offer free TB tests. To make sure you have a valid test, obtain a TB test the semester prior to student teaching.

When do I apply for student teaching?

You apply two academic semesters prior to the semester in which you wish to student teach. In the fall semester, applications are due on November 1. In the spring semester, applications are due on March 1.

What’s involved in student teaching?

In many ways, student teaching is the most important aspect of your teacher education program. To be successful, you must apply the strategies, philosophies, and methods you have learned in your course work.

• Student teaching includes a full-time, 15-week assignment in a school and weekly seminar meetings
• All content area, general education, and core professional education courses must be completed prior to student teaching
• A minimum of 100 hours of field work must be completed prior to student teaching
• You must present evidence of a passing score on the appropriate Illinois Content Area exam prior to student teaching
• You may not take courses concurrently with student teaching
• You may not student teach in a school you or your children attended
• You may not student teach in a school where you were employed
• Other restrictions may apply

What is the College of Education’s Conceptual Framework?

The conceptual framework is the philosophical foundation on which our certification programs are built. It outlines our beliefs and understandings as a faculty, and it details the type of teacher we hope you will become. Click here for more information.

Whom do I call if I have additional questions?

Your advisor can point you in the right direction. Programs are subject to change. Schedule an appointment with your advisor every semester.