How to Apply

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Last Updated: Jun 17, 2026, 02:54 PM

How to Apply to the Teacher Education Program

Undergraduate:

  1. Apply to SIU .
  2. Meet with the academic advisor for your program.
  3. Apply to the TEP once your advisor has confirmed that you meet admissions requirements.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements:

  • Achieve an overall GPA of 2.75 or higher.
    Includes all institution and transfer coursework as evaluated by SIU at the start of the semester of admission.
  • Complete English 101 and 102 ("C" or better).
  • Ready to begin four consecutive semesters of the Professional Education Sequence of coursework andclinical experiences. (4 consecutive semesters)
  • Department approval required for some programs.
  • Conditional admission is available for those students who may not initially meet admission requirements before the first semester but could be possible by the end of the first semester. Inquire at the TEP office for more information.
  • Special programs like Grow Your Own may have different criteria for admission.

Advanced Programs:

  • Click here to apply.
  • Admission requirements vary among programs.

Please contact the Office of Teacher Education at 618-453-2354 or tep@siu.edu for more information on how to apply.

Advisement

Our academic advisors are friendly professionals who will help plan your classes as well as help you become familiar with your program of study. Our staff will be glad to arrange an appointment for you with an academic advisor who specializes in your area of interest.
Before registering for specific courses, come see us. We'll help you with the options, prerequisites and requirements you need to stay on track with your degree.
Visit Wham 122 or call 618-453-6340 to schedule an appointment.

TEP Benchmarks for Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students must meet these benchmarks in order to remain in the TEP program. Those students who do not meet these benchmarks may delay the completion of their program or may be withdrawn from the program.

Semester 1 of TEP: EDUC 301 - 1 Credit, 72 hours of Clinical Experience

  • Complete Teacher Safety Education Module and Ethics Training online.
  • Submit your clinical placement request form to TEP during your advisement appointment for Semester 2, EDUC 302.
  • Review your Degree Works Audit for accuracy.
  • Check your ELIS account for accurate contact information.
  • Achieve at least a 2.75 overall GPA and earn a C or above on all EDUC and content-area coursework.
  • Complete 72 hours of clinical experience in the classroom.
  • Maintain adequate growth in professional dispositions.

Semester 2 of TEP: EDUC 302 - 1 Credit, 72 hours of Clinical Experience

  • Review your Degree Works Audit for accuracy.
  • Submit your clinical placement request form to TEP during your advisement appointment for Semester 3, EDUC 303 (or EDUC 400 for special education majors).
  • Achieve at least a 2.75 overall GPA and earn a C or above on all EDUC and content-area coursework.
  • Complete 72 hours of clinical experience in the classroom.
  • Maintain adequate growth in professional dispositions.

Semester 3 of TEP: EDUC 303 - 1 Credit, 84 hours of Clinical Experience or EDUC 400 SPED only - 5 credits, 200-225 hours of Clinical Experience, 2.5 days or 5 half days

  • Submit Student Teaching Application to TEP.
  • Enroll for student teaching during your advisement appointment.
  • Register at il.nesinc.com (in the exact name as your ELIS account to avoid delay in licensure) and pass the Content Area Test for your licensure area.
  • Expect an email (to your SIU email account) with specific directions and dates for the following student teacher requirements and deadlines:
    • TB test
    • Signed Physical Exam Form
    • Mandated Reporter Training
  • Ensure ALL transfer credits are reflected on your official transcript.
  • Deliver and pass your Gateway Defense.
  • Apply for graduation.
  • Attend the student teaching orientation.
  • Complete 84 hours of clinical experience in the classroom for EDUC 303. Special Education majors complete 200-225 hours of clinical experience for EDUC 400.
  • Achieve at least a 2.75 overall GPA.
  • Maintain adequate growth in professional dispositions.

Semester 4 of TEP: EDUC 401 -12 Credits, 16 wks, 5 full days/wk, Student Teaching Experience

  • Attend all Student Teacher seminars including the licensure training session.
  • Attend the pinning ceremony.
  • Complete the licensure process according to the licensure training by claiming your license and registering it with ROE's.
  • Maintain adequate growth in professional dispositions.