Elementary Education & Special Education

Eureka College prepares future educators to support diverse learners in elementary and special education settings. Students build a strong foundation in elementary teaching methods and may pursue specialized preparation in special education for dual licensure.

Program Highlights

• Field experiences beginning early in the program, including junior and senior practicum placements
• 70-day full-time student teaching experience
• Methods coursework in literacy, mathematics, science, social science, fine arts, and health and physical education
• Preparation in educational technology, English Language Learners, Universal Design for Learning, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
• Coursework in collaboration with families, specialists, and school teams
• Special education preparation in exceptional learners, diagnosis and evaluation, classroom adaptations, and IEP support
• Separate elementary and special education clinical experiences for students pursuing dual licensure
• Alignment with Illinois and national standards, IDEA, and Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading standards

Licensure

Illinois Elementary Education licensure (grades 1–6), with the option to complete the Elementary Education/Special Education double major leading to additional Special Education licensure (K–22).

Secondary Education

Eureka College’s Secondary Education program prepares students to teach English, social science/history, or mathematics in grades 9–12, with a middle grades endorsement for grades 5–8 built into the program. Students develop strong content knowledge while gaining practical experience with diverse learners and secondary teaching methods.

Program Highlights

• Early and ongoing school-based experiences
• Two supervised practica — including diverse-school and content-focused placements — followed by 70-day full-time student teaching
• Methods coursework for both middle grades and high school settings
• Content-rich preparation in English, social science/history, or mathematics
• Technology integration, language diversity, and culturally responsive teaching
• Alignment with relevant Illinois and national content-area standards
• Add-on middle grades endorsement built into the program

Licensure

Illinois Secondary licensure in English, Social Science, or Mathematics (grades 9–12), with a middle grades endorsement (grades 5–8).

Physical Education Teaching

The Physical Education program at Eureka College prepares teachers to inspire active, healthy lives in students across grades K–12. The program combines strong content preparation, technology integration, and extensive experience in school settings.

Program Highlights

• Early and ongoing experience in K–12 physical education classrooms
• Two supervised practicum experiences followed by 70-day full-time student teaching
• Methods coursework for both elementary and secondary settings
• Coursework in biomechanics, motor development, human anatomy, and fitness technology
• Preparation to design inclusive, standards-aligned instruction and serve in educator and coaching roles
• Alignment with national SHAPE America standards
• Small class sizes and personalized faculty support

Licensure

Illinois K–12 Physical Education licensure.

Music Education (Vocal/Choral)

Eureka College’s Music Education concentration prepares students to teach and lead music programs at the K–12 level through strong musicianship, performance experience, and practical preparation for the classroom.

Program Highlights

• Training in solo and ensemble performance, choral conducting, and vocal performance
• Applied lessons in the student’s primary instrument
• Dedicated music education methods coursework aligned to Illinois teaching standards
• K–12 student teaching experience
• Music history coursework spanning Western, non-Western, popular, and diverse world music traditions
• Small, close-knit program with personalized faculty mentorship

Licensure

Illinois K–12 Music Education licensure (Vocal/Choral).