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ISBE Approves Redesign of G.U.'s Middle Grades Teacher Education Program

Published: April 13, 2021

ISBE Approves Redesign of G.U.'s Middle Grades Teacher Education ProgramThe School of Education at Greenville University is pleased to announce state approval of a redesigned program that prepares teachers for middle grades education. The program provides licensure for teachers working with sixth through eighth graders; it covers instruction in history, science, language arts and math.

New requirements for middle grades endorsement and licensure established by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) drove the redesign, which now features a strong curricular emphasis on literacy.

Lisa Amundson, dean of the School of Education, reported that the ISBE approved G.U.s program without concern or issue and with commendations for our emphasis on diverse field experience. She and her team worked on the programs design for about two years.

Earlier in the fall, the ISBE also approved re-launch of G.U.s Early Childhood Education program.

Now our School of Education is able to license teachers to teach kids throughout the full range of birth through 12 grades in Illinois public schools, said Amundson. It is exciting to be a part of such a robust program.

Teachers interested in taking the related methods courses for graduate level and continuing education credit are now able to do so online.

Associate Dean of the School of Education Kathy Taylor will serve as program director and Assistant Professor of Education Paul Alvord will serve as program coordinator. Alvord is experienced both as a middle grades social studies teacher and middle grades principal.

Critical Teacher Shortage Statewide

Last September, The Herald & Review reported the Illinois teacher shortage as critical. In its 2018 Triennial Report, the ISBE acknowledged over 2,000 unfilled positions in Illinois public districts in 2016-17; instructional positions comprised nearly 50 percent of the openings. The ISBE projects that Illinois will need between 20,000 and 24,000 new educators through 2019-20.

G.U.s Vice President of Academic Affairs Brian Hartley believes these new programs strongly position Greenville University to capitalize on the growing need for teachers in these critical areas over the course of the coming decade as baby boomers retire.

Learn More

Greenville Universitys Early Childhood Education Program Approved
School of Education: Experiences Delivered
National Recognition Times Two For Senior Lindsay Burton
National Assessment Reflects Solid Preparation for Future Teachers
GC and Kaskaskia College Sign Agreement for Undergraduate Teacher Education Program

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