Computer Science Teacher Education

Subsequent Teaching Endorsement in Computer Science

Overview

Launching in summer of 2021, the Teaching Endorsement in Computer Science is a five semester (20 credit hour) curriculum sequence that meets ISBE’s credit requirement for obtaining a subsequent teaching endorsement in computer science. The course work is designed to provide current teachers with computer science content knowledge while reflecting and discussing on the process of learning computer science. Specifically, the course work enables students to:

• Acquire knowledge and skills that are core to computer science, including: computer programming, discrete mathematics, computer systems and data structure;
• Reflect on their own process of learning about computer science and discuss the expected experience of their future students;
• Explore and discuss topics that are important to the teaching of computer science;
• Learn about diverse applications of computer science (e.g. game design, data science, etc.) that can be implemented in their future classroom;
• Meet ISBE’s credit requirement for the subsequent teaching endorsement in computer science.

The Teaching Endorsement in Computer Science will provide individuals with core knowledge and skill in computer sciences, allowing them to teach and design a variety of courses related to computer programming. 

Who should apply

The Teaching Endorsement in Computer Science is open to all teachers holding a current and valid Professional Educator License and covers grades 5 - 12. In particular, this program is designed for practicing teachers who are interested in teaching or designing courses related to the topic of computer science. 

Typical Course Sequence (20-24 hours)

This endorsement is not transferable. The endorsement is granted by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), i.e. ISBE issues the endorsement. The University of Illinois is not in charge of granting endorsements and therefore the university does not include endorsements on any university transcript.