Urban Student Teaching Program
Your career begins here.
Program Highlights
Our careful selection of school placements ensures every student-teacher the experience of teaching in a diverse and supportive environment. Additionally, small and large schools, special education, bi-lingual, and fine arts placements give you many options in your selection process.
Occasionally, the seminar will feature guest speakers with expertise in different aspects of the teaching field. Discussion may include special education, teachers unions, education policy, principals and school leadership, and student teachers' identities in the classroom.
Have access to the entire city and feel like a resident. Master public transportation, sample food from all over the world, enjoy a world class arts scene, and take advantage of everything that comes along with living in the nation's third largest city.
Don't have a place to live in Chicago? You don't have to worry as all of our students live together in an apartment building located in the Hyde Park neighborhood. Gain the life skills you'll need after graduation through managing a grocery budget, cooking meals, and learning in a cooperative living environment.
Explore your strengths, perfect your resume, gain valuable financial knowledge, and get extra support from staff through our LEAD Program. All Chicago Center students participate in six to eight sessions throughout their semester.
The Chicago Center gave me the opportunity to not only learn a brand new city, but also challenged me to grow as an educator and person.​
Maggie Walker, SP'24
About the Urban Student Teaching Program
​This program is perfect for you if you are a student who:
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Needs to complete their student teaching practicum
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Is looking for a unique experience living and learning in one of America’s largest cities for a semester
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Is ready to gain work experience in a 5-day-a-week placement
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Will thrive in an independent learning environment, simulating post-graduate life, fostering independence, confidence, self-reflection, and growth
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Students enrolled at the Chicago Center during fall or spring semester will work our staff to find a practicum placement (5 days a week) that best meets their college/university requirements and academic and career goals. You will receive twelve academic credits for your field placement and 1-2 credits for its included seminar. The Seminar meets one evening every week and offers support and preparation for quality teaching. This seminar is informed with a specialized emphasis on teaching within a diverse population. As a student in our student teaching program adapt and refine your interview and assessment skills. As part of the program, you will fulfill all the requirements (written and reporting) of your campus’ program.
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Field Placement – 12 credits
Student Teaching Seminar – 1-2 credits
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