OVERVIEW
Long recognized
for its outstanding teacher education programs, Western Illinois University
provides eighteen areas of teacher certification and six advanced areas
of certification. The professional preparation of educators involves all
colleges of the university. Western Illinois University is accredited
by the National Council for Accreditation
of Teacher Education (NCATE) and North
Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Western Illinois University
maintains membership in: American
Association of Colleges of Teacher Education, American
Council on Education, and Teacher Education Council of State Colleges
and Universities.
While traditional aspects of teacher preparation are maintained, programs
are continually assessed. The Curriculum Library located in 80 Horrabin
Hall provides students and faculty with resources and instructional materials
that are essential elements of the teacher education program.
The Science Education Center also located in Horrabin Hall provides students
with materials, laboratory facilities, and special programs which enhance
teacher preparation and educational knowledge.
The College is actively engaged in the use of technology to prepare our
graduates to be able to use technology in their teaching. Several rooms
in the College have been dedicated to this use.
The College has a well-established field experience program that focuses
on the partnerships that exist between the public schools in the areas
served by Western Illinois University. Supervised field experiences at
the pre-clinical and student teaching levels are available in small and
large school settings, minority group settings, rural and urban schools,
agencies with migrant populations, and in day-care sites. Supervised student
teaching in cooperating public schools is the process whereby a prospective
teacher candidate demonstrates his/her competence as an effective beginning
teacher. Students seeking certification are required to complete successfully
one semester of full-time student teaching. Candidates are supervised
by university supervisors, supervision specialists, and mentoring teachers.
