Milestone 2: Admission to Student Teaching

For more information on Student Teaching at UIC, please refer to the Secondary and World Languages Student Teaching Handbook.

All student teachers are required to take the content test prior to student teaching. This is a required component of the CTE ST application, and your application is not considered complete without an attempt.

A Content Area Test measures how well students know the subject matter they will teach. Each test contains 100-125 multiple choice questions.

Select an appropriate Content Area Test:

CTE strongly encourages students to discuss content area test options with a program representative. For a complete list of all Illinois State Board of Education Content Area Tests available click here. Additionally, Secondary Education Foreign Language teacher candidates are required to take the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI). Email program representative, Inma Taboada, for more details.

Available Practice Test Resources:

• When you register for a content exam on the ILTS website, you will automatically receive access to a free practice test, if one is available for that content exam. If multiple practice tests are available, you will receive access to one free practice test and can purchase additional practice tests.
• CTE offers practice content test voucher codes. You can access the request form here. All voucher codes expire on March 30, 2025. You can request vouchers for your primary and subsequent endorsement areas as well. Voucher codes are sent out within two weeks of receipt of your request.
• UIC’s library has also established a Mometrix eLibrary that offers flashcards and practice tests aligned to the ISBE content tests. Access the eLibrary here.
• Additionally, the state of Minnesota also uses the same publisher, Pearson, for their teacher content tests. They have free practice tests and test prep materials available here.

Access and create a PDF of your unofficial transcript at https://my.uic.edu/.

Your student teaching application may require you to respond to the following three questions:

1. Explain why you think you will be an effective teacher.
2. Describe your philosophy of teaching, specifically with respect to how it addresses meeting the diverse learning needs of students from different backgrounds and experiences.
3. How will student teaching in an urban setting specifically prepare you for your long-term career as a teacher?

Here are some tips to help you with your responses:

• Your response to each question should be 2-3 paragraphs.
• These responses will be part of the portfolio that is shared with administrators at the placement sites you will be applying to. Consider this audience while writing, and be sure to proofread!
• Where possible, include specific examples to demonstrate your strengths as a future teacher, your philosophy of teaching, and how you will support students.
• Above all, be authentic! These essays are an opportunity for administrators to get to know you as an educator.

If you would like help developing and editing your responses, reach out to the UIC Writing Center: https://writingcenter.uic.edu/

Below are links to helpful tools and resources for building your resume. For additional support, visit UIC Career Services.

Sample Resumes:

• Science Education
• Urban Education
• Secondary Education

Resume Building Template

Students must complete the CPS Student Teaching Registration Process in order to student teach within Chicago Public Schools (CPS). If a student elects to not complete the CPS Student Teaching Registration Process, they are required to complete the Opt-Out of CPS Registration process upon notification of placement.

To Complete the CPS Student Teaching Registration Process:

1. CTE will notify eligible students via UIC email when the CPS Student Teaching Registration Process is open for the appropriate semesters of student teaching. Once students receive this notification, students begin the CPS Student Teaching Registration Process.
   1. Refer to the CPS Student Teaching Registration Guide for process details and deadlines.
2. Within 90 days prior to student teaching, CPS will send student teachers a Certification of Freedom from Tuberculosis form and a Fingerprinting Background Authorization & Release form.
   1. Print and complete each form.
   2. Take the Certification of Freedom from Tuberculosis form to a medical professional that is most convenient. After the testing is completed, email the form results to CPS at studentteach@cps.edu.
   3. Take the completed Fingerprinting Background Authorization & Release form to a conveniently located Accurate Biometrics Office. Find the office locations by visiting the Accurate Biometrics website. Please retain the receipt from Accurate Biometrics. Students will need this receipt if any questions should arise.
      1. Please note that any background check that produces a “HIT” result will be required to go before the CPS Criminal Background Review Committee. If you believe you may have a “HIT” due to an arrest, charge, or conviction, you may want to contact Student Legal Services in the Office of the Dean of Students for assistance and support.
3. After fingerprinting is completed, Accurate Biometrics will send the fingerprints to the Illinois State Police (ISP) and to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Once the fingerprints have been cleared, the ISP and the FBI will send the clearance to Accurate Biometrics. Accurate Biometrics will send the clearance to CPS. CPS will then send each student an email with an Approval Notice form attached. This will take at least two weeks to be processed.
4. Students are required to bring a UIC ID, a State ID and the Approval Notice form to their Student Teaching Placement.

Occasionally, a student may choose to Student Teach outside of CPS, in which case a student must consult their Program Coordinator and submit an Opt-Out form by the student teaching deadline.

• Opt-Out of CPS Registration Form

Click here for information regarding Student Teaching in Personal Classroom.

Please review the following guidance regarding the substitute teaching policy.