The Teacher Preparation program at College of DuPage meets the needs of students planning to teach in elementary, secondary or special education settings. Many students enroll in the program to become educators or to take education courses for careers in youth counseling, criminal justice and parent teacher association leadership or to better understand your own children's schooling experience.
Students who successfully complete an Associate in Arts or an Associate in Science degree at College of DuPage can transfer to a state-approved teacher education program in which they complete the education requirements for Illinois teacher certification. A criminal background check is required for classroom observation and student teaching.
Determine Your Path
Whether you want to be an elementary, middle or high school teacher to help inspire other future generations, College of DuPage has the right program for you.
You want to attend a credible college that stands out from the rest. At COD, you'll discover:
- Dedicated instructors with years of experience working in education.
- Interactive courses available in-person and online.
- Collaborative organizations on campus to connect, learn and grow with other future educators.
- Affordable programs to help you achieve success without creating overwhelming debt or draining a savings account.
Education Transfer Pathway, A.A.
What is a Transfer Pathway?
A transfer pathway represents a typical course schedule/sequence for a student planning to complete the A.A. degree within two years, then transfer and major in a specific discipline. A transfer pathway is not institution-specific.
It is important to understand that the pathway provided in the adjacent tab is just one possible combination of classes by which to complete an A.A. and prepare for transfer in your chosen area of study. Other course combinations and sequences can work, too. It is strongly recommended that students work directly and frequently with a COD academic counselor/advisor, a COD faculty advisor, and academic counselors/advisors at potential transfer schools, to develop and execute a plan that works best for them.
Paraprofessional in Education, Certificate
The Paraprofessional certificate is designed to prepare individuals to take on the role of a paraprofessional, also known as a teacher's assistant, in a K-12 classroom. Students will take a variety of classes to introduce them to aspects of teaching and learning that will help them to be successful as a paraprofessional. Additional requirements must be met for Illinois licensure. This certificate requires 21 credits in the courses listed below.
Teaching Online Utilizing Technology (TOUT), Certificate
This certificate provides a hands-on experience in designing and implementing online course materials within a learning management system. Students will focus on instructional design, visual literacy, online assessments, current collaborative and multimedia practices while designing accessible, engaging learning materials. This certificate requires 10 credits in the courses listed below.
COD Stories
"Being a leader for pre-service teachers all over the state has taught me so much about leadership in professional settings, and it revealed a love for education policy that I never knew I had." - Stephanie Chavez
Stephanie's COD storyCOD Stories
"When I was still struggling with the language barrier and asked the faculty for help, they always tried to accommodate me. The teachers have passion, and their passion create passion in others. This is why I want to become a teacher." - Makkara Phann
Makkara's COD StoryCOD Stories
"COD helped me grow and mature a lot. It was nice that I was able to go at my own pace and pretty much make my own schedule." - Eric Tecuanhuehue
Eric's COD StoryGet Started Today
The first step to getting started in Teacher Preparation is to apply for admission.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree or certificate that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
Students who complete Education courses will:
- Develop reflective practices
- Define professional responsibilities of pre-service and in-service teachers
- Describe public education since inception
- Define qualities of a culturally competent teacher
- Develop communication skills to enhance professional relationships
- Apply methods of inquiry to analyze traditional and progressive educational practices
College of DuPage partners with several four-year institutions to help students seamlessly complete a bachelor’s degree in education. Students can connect with Transfer Services for personalized guidance on transfer opportunities.
For more information about Transfer Pathways, visit the College of DuPage Catalog. The pathway outlines a typical two-year course plan for completing an AA or AS degree before transferring to a four-year program. Course requirements vary by institution, so consult your faculty or academic advisor for specific guidance.
Articulation Agreements
College of DuPage maintains transfer agreements with many colleges and universities to ensure a smooth transition toward a bachelor’s degree. These agreements often include a defined course sequence. Students should regularly meet with a faculty member or the Counseling and Advising office to stay on track.- Elmhurst University, AA to BA in Elementary Teacher Education
- Elmhurst University, AA to BA in Special Education
- Elmhurst University, AS to Broadfield Science Secondary Education Licensure with Biology Concentration
- Elmhurst University, AS to Broadfield Science Secondary Education Licensure with Chemistry Concentration
- Elmhurst University, AS to Broadfield Science Secondary Education Licensure with Physics Concentration
- Elmhurst University, AA to Bachelor of Science Mathematics with Licensure
- Illinois State University, AA to BS in Technology and Engineering Education
- Lewis University, AA to BA in Elementary Education
- Lewis University, AA to BA in Special Education
- Lewis University, AA to BA in Elementary/ Special Education
- Lewis University, AA to BA in Middle Level Education (English/ Language Arts, Math, Science or Social Science)
- Northern Illinois University, AA to BA in Elementary Education with ESL/ Bilingual Emphasis
- Northern Illinois University, AA to BA in Elementary Education with Special Education Emphasis
- Valley City State University, AA to BS in Elementary Education
- Valley City State University, AA to BS in Education with English concentration
- Valley City State University, AA to BS to History Education
- Valley City State University, AA to BS in Technology Education
- Valley City State University, AA to BS in Mathematics Education
Transfer Guides
Beyond articulation agreements and guaranteed admission programs, College of DuPage courses transfer to many other institutions. Transfer Guides help students select COD courses that meet prerequisites for specific majors and include details such as contact information, major requirements, general education requirements, and transfer policies.Become a Middle or High School STEM Educator in Four Years
Partnering with Elmhurst University, COD is able to provide a guided pathway that enables students to graduate with a bachelor's degree in just four years (typically a double major).
Career Information
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