The Urban Teacher Education Program (UTEP) is experience-rich, field-based, and leads to teacher licensing in selected areas through undergraduate and graduate programs, Option I and Option II, respectively.

Option I is designed for undergraduates and offers a unique opportunity for those enrolled in the SOE to do a yearlong experience in an urban professional development school and obtain certification in elementary education.

Option II is designed to attract the best and brightest non-education majors who desire to be urban teachers and who hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.50 on a 4.0 scale. Successful completion of the program (licensure) requires completing all content area coursework stipulated for the licensure area (with a minimum grade of a C); teaching will be obtained by demonstrating successfully functioning in an urban classroom; receiving a satisfactory evaluation of performance  by a mentor, university supervisor, and building administrator; state required licensing exams and required course and portfolio requirements. 

Requirements

• EDUC S508: Content Area Methods in the Urban Classroom. Separate sections for English/ Speech/Visual Arts/Mathematics/ Science/Social Studies (3 cr.)
• EDUC S510 Methods of Teaching in Secondary Urban Schools (3 cr.)
• EDUC K505 Introduction to Special Education (3 cr.)
• EDUC L517 Advanced Study in the Teaching of Reading in the Junior High and Secondary Schools (3 cr.)
• EDUC T550 Cultural/Community Forces and the School (3 cr.)
• EDUC M501 Field Experience in Urban Classrooms (3 cr.)
• EDUC S508 Content Area Methods in the Urban Classroom. Separate sections for English/Mathematics/ Science/Social Studies/Visual Arts (3 cr.)
• EDUC P507 Testing in the Classroom (3 cr.)
• EDUC M550 Student Teaching (12 weeks) (3 cr.)

UTEP is committed to the development of "star" urban teachers as supported by the research on effective teaching in urban schools. The program ensures that preservice teachers are exposed to "best practice" in urban teaching, through the collaborative mentorship of school-based and university-based faculty members.

Graduates of the program are given "first consideration" in hiring by the urban districts of Gary, East Chicago, Hammond, Merrillville, and Lake Ridge.