Department of Education

A Best in Class Education Program

Few professions will grow as fast in the coming decades as teaching. Even fewer professions will be as rewarding and as significant to our society.

If you are ready to make a real difference in the lives of children and youth, look to the Department of Education at Elmhurst University for inspiration and for the professional knowledge and experiences to prepare you for a challenging and vital profession.

Explore Academic Programs

Undergraduate Programs

• Major in Educating Young Children
• Major in Elementary Teacher Education
• Major in Special Education
• Major in Secondary Education
• Teacher Licensure in Physical Education
• Minors in Education

An education degree at Elmhurst University is about best practices that are grounded in research and theory. Our education undergraduates are highly sought after and their extensive school-based experience gives them a critical head start in the field. It also is about practical, hands-on experiences. Future teachers are immersed in real-world applications in schools and practicing teachers are challenged to apply new ideas and best practices in their classrooms and schools.

We offer 17 teacher education programs that lead to Illinois teacher licensure. Our graduates are teaching at every level throughout the United States and abroad. More than 1,700 Elmhurst alumni are teaching in Illinois schools alone.

Graduate Programs and Endorsements

• M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership: a progressive alternative to conventional programs in curriculum and instruction and approved for the new Teacher Leadership endorsement in Illinois.
• M.S.Ed. in Special Education: enables teachers to provide research-based special education services in their classrooms and schools and includes approved curriculum for the Special Education (LBS1) endorsement.
• ESL and Bilingual Endorsements: The ESL and bilingual endorsements may be added to a Professional Educator License (PEL) and would be valid for grades PreK-12. The bilingual endorsement requires passing a Target Language Proficiency exam.
• Special Education Endorsement (LBS1): Teachers can use this endorsement to educate children, adolescents and adults with developmental, learning or emotional disabilities.
• Teacher Leader Endorsement: Teachers learn skills that can benefit them in leadership roles such as curriculum specialist, instructional coach, mentor teacher, department chair, lead teacher or professional development facilitator.

Department of Education (BA, MS, M.Ed.)

Requirements for educator licensure vary by state and may involve more than successful degree completion Graduates who apply for licensure in another state may need to complete other requirements, such as completing an application, paying a fee, additional coursework, and passing associated state licensure exams. The Department of Education programs at Elmhurst University are accredited by the Illinois State Board of Education through the State Educator Preparation and Licensing Board. The department offers 17 teacher education programs that lead to Illinois teacher licensure at the undergraduate and graduate levels. All students must obtain an Illinois Professional Educator License before applying for licensure in another state. Please note that employment, salary, and occupational advancement are not guaranteed.

For more information on a state-by-state basis, see Professional Licensure Disclosure: Education.

Illinois State Board of Education Licensure

The Department of Education continues to maintain program approval status with the Illinois State Board of Education. Information regarding program approval status can be found at the Illinois Educator Preparation Profiles at https://apps.isbe.net/epp/public#/.

Elmhurst University is required to provide detailed information about accountability for programs that prepare teachers. These disclosures will assist students and their families in making informed enrollment decisions.

Learn More About Our Department

Request Info  Plan a Visit  Apply Online