New Naperville Program Prepares Colleges Grads for Careers in the Classroom

DePaul University has a solution for people living in the Naperville area who want to pursue a rewarding career in teaching. The School of Education will sponsor an information session about its Teaching and Learning Program at 10 a.m., Nov. 14, at DePaul’s Naperville Campus, 150 W. Warrensville Rd., Bldg. 200.

"The Teaching and Learning Program is designed for people who want to bring the experience they acquired from other careers into the classroom," said Gayle Mindes, acting dean of the School of Education. "We believe that by offering this program at the Naperville campus we open a world of convenient opportunity to people living in the western suburbs who want to begin an exciting new career shaping one of our nation’s most valuable resources—our children."

The Teaching and Learning Program, offered for the first time at the Naperville Campus, is specially designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, and who want to enter the teaching profession. Students in the program can complete the requirements for teaching certification in the state of Illinois while earning a master’s degree. Graduates of the program are prepared to enter a teaching career in elementary education.

Five key features distinguish DePaul’s program. They include: viewing the steps to becoming a teacher as a developmental process that continues at least through the first year of teaching; infusing multiculturalism throughout the curriculum, incorporating clinical experience as an integral part of the program; exposing students to a variety of educational theories; and including a research component as a basis for further professional development.

"Being a good educator means more than standing in front of students presenting lessons," said Mindes. "Truly good teachers bring to the classroom a mixture of knowledge, understanding, skills, good judgment and the ability to operate from an interplay between theory and practice. They can promote positive transformation of themselves, others and society. The Teaching and Learning Program is committed to developing educators who are well versed and lifelong learners."

For more information about the Teaching and Learning Program, call the Graduate Information Office at 773/325-7740.