Colleges and Schools

K–12 Licensure

Educators at all grade levels make a positive difference in the life of a student. Starting with kindergarten, children are developing their language, motor, and social skills, and looking to their teachers in all areas for guidance and support. A North Park degree, with K–12 licensure in a specific subject area will prepare you to teach foreign language, art, music, or physical education. By specializing in one subject area, you’ll share your expertise and help students develop specific skills, routines for a healthy life, and passions for the fine arts they can carry with them for life.

Why North Park?

North Park’s School of Education has been preparing students for lives of significance and service in education for over 40 years. With a strong reputation among schools in Chicagoland—and beyond—our graduates are sought after for their expertise and compassion in the classroom. At North Park, you’ll develop the knowledge you need in your subject area along with the skills you’ll use everyday as an educator.

Program Details

The K–12 licensure program is designed for future teachers of art, Spanish, music, or physical education that want to teach at all grade levels, kindergarten through grade 12. You will declare a major in one of these subject areas, and then complete a special K–12 education sequence that includes foundational education courses along with classroom experiences in elementary, middle, and high schools.You must meet the requirements for acceptance into teacher education programs. Advisors from both your major department and the School of Education will help you plan your coursework to successfully complete both North Park’s major requirements and the Illinois State Board of Education requirements for licensure.

Program Requirements

In addition to the education sequence, students must complete the following number of semester hours in their chosen major:

  • Art: minimum 36 semester hours
  • French: minimum 36 semester hours
  • Music (vocal, piano, or instrumental): 59 semester hours
  • Physical Education: minimum 36 semester hours
  • Spanish: minimum 36 semester hours

Review the complete program requirements and education course descriptions.