Step 1:

The first step in applying to go back to school in the fall to become a certified teacher. My email to the Director of the Master's of Teaching History Program at the University of Illinois @ Chicago. I wanted you folks at home to know that I've begun the process! Fingers crossed.

Dr. Johnston:

Hello, my name is Ray and I am very interested in joining the MAT program cohort in Fall 2009. I hope to earn a degree and Illinois teacher certification in teaching Middle School to High School level students in the area of Social Sciences.As a product of Illinois education, I want to bring my experience and passion for the social sciences back to my state.

I have a strong political science background. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Millikin University (2006) and a Master of Arts in Public Administration (2007) from Eastern Illinois University, I feel that this background qualifies and prepares me for a career in teaching History.

Currently, I reside and work in Seoul, South Korea as an ESL elementary school teacher at an English academy. I have been working in South Korea as a teacher since August, 2007. I have taught children from the ages of 6 to 14 in various subjects: science, social studies, vocabulary, grammar, reading, and writing. My current contract runs through August of this year, but is flexible based on my pursuing a degree in education this fall.

My experience teaching in Korea has opened my eyes to a life-long career in education. I would like to enter a teacher education program this fall to start making this a reality. I am writing you today because I have many questions about this process. My experience has led me to understand that it is highly important to find an educational program that fits my needs as an individual. I hope that you'll be able to help me better understand this program and how it will prepare me as an Illinois state educator.

My initial questions are with the application process, as I want to be sure I will be eligible for admission. I read through the application information provided on your website, and I am able to get started on most of the application process immediately. Living in Korea presents one difficulty in applying, however. As I understand, taking a Basic Skills test is necessary for a degree certification program. Is this an absolute prerequisite for admission, or is it possible to gain conditional admission and meet this requirement once I return to the U.S.? If I am not able to apply to the program due to this requirement, do you have any suggestions or recommendations for an alternate route toward certification? I would really like to begin a teaching program starting this fall, and I am willing to do everything within my power from abroad in order to make that happen.

I look forward to hearing from you, and please let me know if you need any additional information. Thank you again!

---------------------------------------------------------
REPLY:

Dear Ray,

I'm delighted to hear from you and learn of your interest in the program!
It sounds like you're doing important and interesting work in Korea.

Fortunately, we can indeed give you a conditional admission and then have
you take the Basic Skills test as soon as you get back to Illinois.

Don't hesitate to let me know if you have any other questions!

Best,

Robert