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Joseph Rojek, Ed.D., Director
The Graduate Programs in Education are designed to facilitate professional growth for those interested in becoming teachers and those who are currently in the field looking to advance their education. All of the graduate programs blend theoretical doctrine and practical experience with a “Christian Purpose” as the foundation. The programs are infused with current and best practices, including technological resources required for participation in a global society. All of the programs are aligned with state and national standards. To meet the needs of the adult learner, the programs are presented in an accelerated format. This allows for degree completion within a two-year span.
The graduate education programs are directly linked to the School of Education. As part of that unit, all of the graduate education programs focus on “Professionals Influencing Lives” through the development of a solid academic foundation, professionalism, curriculum development, instructional methodology, student, program, and school evaluation; and Christ-centered character.
Beyond the academic preparation provided through the educational programs, pre-service teachers and practicing teachers engage in reflective thinking and writing; assess their dispositions for teaching and leading; enhance problem solving and decision making skills as individuals and through collaborative relationships; and broaden their scope and skills on how to effectively facilitate learning for the diverse needs of today’s Pre-K-12 student population.
Teaching: Licensure
Each public school teacher is required by law to hold a valid license issued by the state in which he or she teaches.
To obtain Illinois licensure by entitlement, an Olivet graduate must have completed one of Olivet’s state-approved Teacher Education programs, all of which meet the minimum Illinois requirements. Illinois standards currently state that “all professional education and content- area coursework that form part of an application for licensure, endorsement, or approval must be passed with a grade no lower than ‘C’.” Graduates will need to meet all state licensure requirements and apply to the university to be entitled.
Individuals must pass the Illinois Basic Skills Test/Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP). Individuals who passed the Basic Skills Test/TAP and received an Illinois teaching license on the basis of those test scores are not required to take the test for any subsequent credential. However, program completers who do not already possess an Illinois teaching license and those whose Illinois license was issued on the basis of some other state’s Basic Skills Test or TAP scores must pass the Illinois Basic Skills Test/TAP prior to obtaining an Illinois license.
In addition, the appropriate content area exam and in most cases, the APT Exam must also be passed prior to licensure.
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