Students who want to be licensed to teach political science at the secondary level must declare their intention to do so with the History and Social Sciences Secondary Teacher Education Program at the earliest possible opportunity. Educator licensure involves significant requirements in addition to the completion of a degree in political science.
Admission
Students are admitted to the History and Social Sciences Secondary Teacher Education Program when they have
established a file with the History and Social Sciences Secondary Teacher Education Program and completed satisfactory reviews of progress each semester after establishment of the file;
attained junior standing and completed at least 12 semester hours at NIU with a minimum GPA of 2.75;
passed the Test of Academic Proficiency or met the requirements for an ACT/SAT/TAP substitution;
completed at least 6 semester hours of political science at NIU and earned a minimum GPA of 3.00 in all political science courses taken at the college/university level;
met all other Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) requirements for admission to an educator licensure program; and
obtained approval from the History and Social Sciences Secondary Teacher Education Program.
Retention
Students admitted to the program must maintain the GPA requirements and complete a satisfactory review of progress each semester with the History and Social Sciences Secondary Teacher Education Program.
Department Requirements
Students must complete the requirements for a degree in political science. In addition, they must complete POLS 496X, History and Social Science Instruction for Secondary Educators. Except in unusual circumstances, POLS 496X must be taken in the semester immediately prior to enrollment in student teaching.
Students must complete HIST 400, Student Teaching in History/Social Sciences for Secondary Educators. Except in unusual circumstances, students are admitted to HIST 400 only upon satisfactory completion of all other work required for graduation and licensure.
The History and Social Sciences Secondary Teacher Education Program complies with all ISBE rules as they relate to licensure as outlined in Title 23, Part 25 of the Illinois Administrative Code and all other applicable state laws and university requirements. Students should consult with the History and Social Sciences Secondary Teacher Education Program to determine the necessary requirements to obtain educator licensure.
Placement
The History and Social Sciences Secondary Teacher Education Program cannot guarantee geographic area, subject area, or availability of placements for clinical experiences including student teaching. All placements are arranged through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Office of School Partnerships and Placements.
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