UTEP FAQs
What are the important deadlines for the UTEP program?
Informational meetings are scheduled during the each quarter of each year. All interested applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an informational meeting before beginning the application process. The upcoming early application deadline is schedule for February 15th, 2008 and the regular application deadline is scheduled for April 18th, 2008. Applicants who apply to the early round are given preference for admission.
Why a two year program as opposed to a 9 month program?
UTEP is of the firm belief that learning how to teach well takes time; there are no short cuts. The first year of the program is designed for UTEP candidates to receive a strong theoretical understanding of the foundations of education while getting acclimated to the role of teacher and the urban context, as well as develop expertise in pedagogy and subject matter, before beginning a yearlong teaching internship.
When does the quarter start?
The quarter typically begins in mid-September with a mandatory week-long orientation. UTEP orientation week 2008 begins Monday, September 22 and UTEP orientation week 2009 begins Monday, September 21.
What does being on a quarter system mean?
Our program, like the entire University of Chicago, is on a quarter system. Each academic year consists of four, ten-week quarters. UTEP students are expected to enroll in all four quarters, including the summer quarters, during the two year program.
What are the prerequisites for entering the program?
University of Chicago undergraduates must be seniors in the college and all other applicants must have graduated college. If your college course load did not include a significant number of mathematics courses, you may be asked to take a University of Chicago math course during the first year of the program. In addition, you must successfully complete the basic skills test provided by the Illinois Certificate Testing System. You can find more information by going to http://www.icts.nesinc.com/
What other supports are available beyond the 2 year program?
Chicago UTEP assists its graduates in finding a job as a teacher in a Chicago Public School, and provides continued support for an additional two years through personalized coaching and workshops provided by the Chicago New Teacher Center
Do you provide secondary education training?
UTEP provides Illinois K-9 teaching certification and an optional middle-school endorsement in English or mathematics. At this time, UTEP does not have a program for high school teaching certification, but plans are underway for a program in math and science to begin in 2009.
What do you look for in a strong candidate?
Strong candidates have experienced a rigorous college education and are committed to teaching in an urban environment. They have also sought out volunteer or work experiences in urban elementary schools. Strong candidates are persistent, can continually position themselves as learners and simultaneously have the capacity to lead.
Do you help with school placement at the end of the two year process?
Chicago UTEP assists its graduates with finding jobs as a teachers in a Chicago Public Schools but it does not “place” them in a position.
Is financial aid available?
Significant aid is available for all students. Please click here for information on program costs and financial support.
What is the total cost of the program?
The University of Chicago is committed to keeping the costs of Chicago UTEP as low as possible to attract the most qualified people to teach in urban public schools. Incentives include significantly reduced tuition, financial aid and stipends. Please click here for information on program costs and financial support.
What if I really hate math?
If you are entering UTEP as a graduate student without a significant number of college level math courses, you may be asked to take a supplemental math course during the first year of the program. During the second year of the program, UTEP students take a class on the elements of math instruction with Professor Paul Sally.
Do I need to submit GRE scores in my application?
No, we do not require GRE scores, but they are recommended.
Does UTEP require students to complete a minimum number of years teaching in an urban environment?
UTEP strongly encourages and gives preference to applicants who express a strong commitment to teach in Chicago Public Schools (CPS). UTEP does not currently require students to teach for minimum number of years. However, UTEP is designed for students who wish to make a career out of improving urban education.