2026 Cheapest Way to Get a Teaching Credential in Chicago, IL: Degree Requirements & Certification

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Cheapest way to get a teaching credential in Chicago, IL: what to know before you enroll

The lowest-cost route to a teaching credential in Chicago depends on what you already have: no degree, a bachelor’s degree in another field, prior teaching experience, or credits that can transfer. The right path can save you thousands of dollars, but the wrong one can delay licensure, limit financial aid, or leave you with coursework that does not meet Illinois requirements.

This guide explains how to earn a teaching credential in Chicago without overspending. You will learn the academic and certification requirements, typical cost drivers, lower-cost program options, online versus campus trade-offs, financial aid sources, alternative licensure routes, and practical steps for comparing programs before committing.

Quick answer: What is the cheapest path to a Chicago teaching credential?

For many aspiring teachers, the cheapest path is to complete lower-division coursework through an affordable local option such as City Colleges of Chicago, transfer into an Illinois-approved teacher preparation program, use grants or scholarships when eligible, and choose a paid residency or alternative licensure route if you already hold a bachelor’s degree. Career changers may save more by entering a paid residency program because they can earn income while completing licensure requirements.

The key is not simply finding the lowest tuition. You must confirm that the program is approved for Illinois licensure, fits your intended grade level or endorsement area, accepts transfer credits, and prepares you for the required exams and student teaching or residency components.

Key points about affordable teaching credential programs in Chicago, IL

Teaching positions in Chicago, Illinois, are projected to grow by 2% through 2032, and Chicago Public Schools reported a 10% increase in full-time teachers between 2018 and 2020.
Teachers in Chicago earn an average annual salary of $86,439, with potential to reach $114,429 by 2027–2028.
To qualify for licensure, aspiring teachers must earn a bachelor’s degree, complete an Illinois-approved teacher preparation program, and pass the required state certification exams.
The least expensive route depends on your starting point: first-time college students, transfer students, and bachelor’s degree holders often need different strategies.
Accreditation and state approval matter because an inexpensive program that does not lead to Illinois licensure can become the most expensive mistake.

Table of Contents

Cheapest teaching credential route in Chicago Quick cost-saving overview Key points
What are the academic requirements for teachers in Chicago, IL?
What are the certification requirements for teachers in Chicago, IL?
How much do teaching credential programs cost in Chicago, IL?
How long does it take to get a teaching certificate in Chicago, IL?
Are there schools in Chicago, IL offering affordable teaching programs?
Does accreditation guarantee quality in Chicago teaching programs? Affordable program examples
What professional development opportunities support career growth for educators in Chicago, IL?
What challenges might prospective teachers face when obtaining credentials in Chicago, IL?
Which teaching specializations are most in-demand in Chicago, IL?
What additional certifications can boost my teaching career in Chicago, IL?
Are online teaching programs cheaper than traditional ones in Chicago, IL?
How can students lower the cost of attending teaching programs in Chicago, IL?
Are there organizations in Chicago, IL that provide financial aid for teachers?
Is investing in a teaching credential in Chicago, IL worth it?
Are there alternative pathways aspiring educators in Chicago, IL can take to obtain credentials?

What are the academic requirements for teachers in Chicago, IL?

Chicago teachers follow Illinois licensure rules, which means the academic pathway must align with Illinois State Board of Education expectations. Before comparing prices, confirm that the program leads to the license and endorsement you need for your intended classroom role.

Earn a bachelor’s degree: Illinois teacher candidates need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Students who need flexibility may consider an accredited online education degree, provided the program meets Illinois licensure requirements.
Complete an approved teacher preparation program: Teacher preparation may be embedded in a bachelor’s degree or completed after graduation through a post-baccalaureate or alternative route. It must include professional coursework and supervised classroom practice.
Meet general education expectations: Applicants must complete required general education coursework, including at least one science course and two social science courses.
Meet GPA standards for admission: Many preparation programs require a minimum GPA of 2.75 for full admission, though some institutions may offer conditional admission with additional academic support.
Complete field experience: Candidates need supervised classroom experience, such as fieldwork, student teaching, internship hours, or a residency under a licensed mentor teacher.

Starting point	Likely lowest-cost strategy	What to verify before enrolling
No college degree yet	Begin with lower-cost general education coursework, then transfer into an approved teacher preparation program.	Transfer agreements, GPA requirements, endorsement options, and whether credits apply to licensure.
Some college credits	Request a transfer evaluation before choosing a program so you do not repeat courses.	How many credits transfer, whether education prerequisites are still needed, and total remaining cost.
Bachelor’s degree in another field	Compare alternative licensure, post-baccalaureate, and residency options.	Program approval, paid residency availability, licensure timeline, and required exams.
Out-of-state licensed teacher	Use Illinois reciprocity guidance and submit documentation through the state process.	License validity, transcript requirements, endorsement equivalency, and any missing Illinois requirements.

What are the certification requirements for teachers in Chicago, IL?

After meeting the academic requirements, candidates must complete the Illinois licensure process and, if applying to Chicago Public Schools, the district’s hiring requirements. The state license is what makes you eligible to teach; the district hiring process determines whether you receive a specific job offer.

Create an ELIS account: Applicants use the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) to apply for, track, and maintain Illinois educator credentials.
Pass required assessments: Candidates must complete the required content-area exams and teacher performance assessments, usually during or after the approved preparation program.
Submit out-of-state documentation when applicable: Educators licensed elsewhere must provide proof of a valid teaching license and bachelor’s degree transcript when seeking reciprocity.
Complete Chicago Public Schools hiring steps: CPS applicants typically create a teacher profile, apply through the district job board, interview for openings, complete any demonstration lesson requirement, and pass background screening.
Meet the Chicago residency rule: Newly hired CPS teachers must establish residency within Chicago city limits within six months of their employment start date.

Requirement	Why it matters	Cost-saving tip
Illinois-approved preparation program	Without approval, coursework may not qualify you for the Professional Educator License.	Ask the school to identify the exact license and endorsement the program leads to.
Required exams	Licensure depends on passing the state-required assessments.	Choose a program that includes exam advising and preparation support.
Fieldwork or residency	Classroom practice is required and may affect your schedule and ability to work.	Compare unpaid student teaching with paid residency models.
CPS employment steps	Licensure alone does not guarantee placement in a Chicago school.	Build a hiring timeline early so background checks and interviews do not delay employment.

How much do teaching credential programs cost in Chicago, IL?

Costs vary widely based on school type, residency status, program format, and whether you already have a bachelor’s degree. Community college coursework is usually the least expensive starting point. At City Colleges of Chicago, local residents pay approximately $153 per credit hour, while out-of-district students may pay around $403 per credit. Out-of-state and international students could pay up to $505 per credit.

Students comparing bachelor’s-level options may also review an affordable online education degree, especially if commuting, childcare, or work schedules make campus attendance more expensive.

Tuition is only one part of the total price. Students should also budget for technology charges, student service fees, lab or course fees, transportation, books, and required background checks, which average about $40 plus access fees. Room and board can significantly increase the total cost, so many Chicago-area students reduce expenses by commuting or choosing online and hybrid courses when appropriate.

Cost category	What to watch for	How to reduce it
Tuition	Per-credit rates differ by residency status and institution type.	Use in-district community college credits when they transfer cleanly.
Fees	Technology, student service, lab, placement, and background check fees can add up.	Request a full program cost sheet, not just tuition rates.
Books and materials	Education courses may require textbooks, assessment tools, and classroom materials.	Use library reserves, used books, rentals, and digital materials when allowed.
Transportation and housing	Campus programs may require commuting or relocation costs.	Compare local, hybrid, and online formats before assuming campus is cheaper.
Lost income during student teaching	Unpaid clinical placement can reduce work hours.	Consider paid residencies or employer-compatible schedules.

How long does it take to get a teaching certificate in Chicago, IL?

The traditional path usually takes four to six years. A full-time bachelor’s degree commonly takes about four years, and the licensure application, exams, and documentation steps can add several months after coursework and field experience are complete.

Students looking for a simpler academic route sometimes search for an easy education degree program, but “easy” should not mean poorly matched. The best program is one that fits your schedule, transfers prior credits efficiently, prepares you for required assessments, and leads to the correct Illinois license.

For candidates following the standard undergraduate route, a realistic planning window is about four and a half to five years from first enrollment to licensure. Career changers with an existing bachelor’s degree may finish faster through alternative licensure or accelerated master’s pathways, but those routes can be intensive because coursework, residency, and exam preparation often overlap.

Pathway	Typical timeline	Best fit
Traditional bachelor’s plus teacher preparation	Four to six years	First-time college students who want an undergraduate education degree and licensure together.
Transfer pathway	Varies by accepted credits	Students who can complete lower-cost credits first and transfer into an approved program.
Post-baccalaureate or alternative licensure	Often shorter than a second bachelor’s degree	Career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree.
Paid residency model	Program-specific	Candidates who need income while completing supervised teaching requirements.

Are there schools in Chicago, IL offering affordable teaching programs?

Yes. Chicago has several lower-cost or cost-conscious pathways, but they serve different types of students. Before choosing one, compare not only tuition but also licensure outcome, salary during training, time to completion, and whether you need a bachelor’s or graduate credential.

City Colleges of Chicago (CCC): CCC can be a low-cost starting point for general education or education-related coursework. Through the Future Ready initiative, eligible residents may access tuition-free short-term programs, though books and fees may still apply. These programs can help students enter education-related roles quickly, but candidates should confirm how credits apply to teacher licensure.
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Teacher Residency: This full-time route is designed for career changers and offers a $40,000 salary and benefits during the training year. Graduates move into full-time teaching roles earning at least $66,000. Because it combines paid experience with graduate-level preparation, it can reduce the financial strain of licensure.
University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) – College of Education: UIC offers Master of Education pathways with evening options for working adults. Scholarships, assistantships, and financial aid may help lower out-of-pocket costs for eligible students.

Program option	Why it may be affordable	Best for	Question to ask
City Colleges of Chicago	Lower per-credit tuition for local residents and possible tuition-free short-term options for eligible students.	Students beginning college or reducing the cost of transferable coursework.	Which courses transfer into an Illinois-approved teacher preparation program?
CPS Teacher Residency	Paid training year with salary and benefits.	Career changers who can commit to a full-time residency.	What subject areas and grade levels are currently available?
UIC College of Education	Evening formats and potential scholarships or assistantships.	Working adults and graduate-level candidates.	What is the total cost after aid, fees, and required clinical experiences?

Does accreditation guarantee quality in Chicago teaching programs?

No. Accreditation and state approval are essential, but they do not automatically prove that a program is the best choice for your budget, schedule, or career goal. A program can be legitimate and still have weak advising, limited placement support, high fees, or poor alignment with your preferred endorsement.

At minimum, prospective teachers should verify that the program is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education or recognized by the appropriate accrediting body. Approval affects licensure eligibility, financial aid access, credit transfer, and whether employers recognize the credential. After confirming approval, evaluate practical quality markers: student teaching placements, exam support, graduate outcomes, faculty access, cohort size, and responsiveness from advisors.

If you are comparing education with other helping professions, Research.com also provides career guidance on how to become a marriage and family therapist in Chicago, which can help readers understand how credentialing differs across fields.

What professional development opportunities support career growth for educators in Chicago, IL?

After licensure, Chicago educators can continue building skills through district workshops, university-based continuing education, mentoring, coaching, endorsement coursework, and leadership training. These opportunities can support classroom effectiveness, license renewal, specialization, and movement into instructional leadership or support roles.

Professional development is especially important because teacher expectations are changing. Schools increasingly expect educators to use learning technology responsibly, interpret student data, support multilingual learners, collaborate with families, and respond to diverse learning needs. Teachers who continue training in these areas may be better prepared for specialized assignments and advancement.

Some education professionals also explore adjacent human-services careers. For example, this guide on how to become a substance abuse counselor in Chicago explains another credentialed pathway for people interested in youth, family, and community support.

What challenges might prospective teachers face when obtaining credentials in Chicago, IL?

The most common credentialing challenges are not always academic. Many candidates lose time or money because they misunderstand state approval, miss deadlines, underestimate fees, choose the wrong endorsement, or fail to plan for unpaid fieldwork.

Common challenge	Why it can delay licensure	Better approach
Choosing a program before checking Illinois approval	Coursework may not qualify for the Professional Educator License.	Confirm approval directly with the school and through state licensure resources.
Looking only at tuition	Fees, transportation, exam costs, and lost wages can change the real price.	Build a full cost estimate before enrolling.
Ignoring clinical placement requirements	Student teaching or residency schedules may conflict with work or caregiving.	Ask when placements occur and whether paid options exist.
Assuming reciprocity is automatic	Out-of-state teachers may still need documentation or additional steps.	Review Illinois reciprocity requirements before moving or applying.
Waiting to prepare for exams	Failed or delayed tests can postpone licensure and employment.	Choose programs with test preparation and plan exam dates early.

For a focused cost comparison, readers can also review Research.com’s guide to the cheapest way to become a teacher in Chicago.

Which teaching specializations are most in-demand in Chicago, IL?

Chicago schools often look for candidates who can serve high-need student populations and hard-to-staff subject areas. STEM, bilingual education, and special education are commonly important areas because they support core academic needs, multilingual learners, and students with disabilities.

Special education remains a particularly important pathway for candidates who want to work with students requiring individualized supports. If this is your goal, review the special education teacher requirements in Chicago before choosing a program, because endorsement requirements and field placements matter.

Technology integration and early childhood education can also shape hiring needs, especially as schools adapt instruction for younger learners and use digital tools in the classroom. Candidates should ask programs which endorsements are available and whether local school partners regularly hire graduates in those areas.

What additional certifications can boost my teaching career in Chicago, IL?

Additional endorsements or certifications can help teachers qualify for specialized roles, serve more student populations, and strengthen advancement options. The right add-on depends on your license area and career goal.

Special education endorsements: Useful for teachers who want to support students with disabilities or work in inclusive classrooms.
Bilingual or ESL-related credentials: Helpful for educators serving multilingual learners.
STEM-related endorsements: Valuable for candidates prepared to teach math, science, technology, or related subjects.
Behavior-focused credentials: Relevant for educators working with students who need behavioral, developmental, or intensive learning supports.

Teachers interested in behavior analysis or intensive student support may want to review the BCBA education requirements in Chicago to understand how that credential differs from a standard classroom teaching license.

Are online teaching programs cheaper than traditional ones in Chicago, IL?

Online programs can be cheaper, but they are not automatically the lowest-cost option. They often reduce commuting, parking, transit, and some campus-related expenses. However, tuition rates, residency status, fees, and required in-person clinical placements can still make one online program more expensive than another campus-based option.

For example, Saint Xavier University’s online Alternative Licensure program costs between $14,950 and $18,400, or $575 per credit hour over 15 months. Campus-based programs may include additional institutional service fees and transportation expenses that can total over $900 per semester.

The University of Illinois offers online endorsement courses at $941 per credit hour, or $680 for Illinois residents, showing why residency classification and program type matter. Online options may support several types of teaching degrees, but students should confirm that the program includes any required fieldwork, student teaching, or residency arrangements in Illinois.

Format	Potential advantages	Potential drawbacks	Best for
Online	Lower commuting costs, flexible scheduling, easier for working adults.	May still require in-person fieldwork; tuition is not always lower.	Students who need schedule flexibility and can complete local placements.
Hybrid	Balances face-to-face support with fewer campus trips.	Requires careful scheduling around work and clinical hours.	Students who want some campus access without attending daily.
Campus-based	Direct access to faculty, peers, advising, and local placement networks.	Transportation, fees, and time on campus may raise total costs.	Students who prefer structured in-person learning and nearby placements.

How can students lower the cost of attending teaching programs in Chicago, IL?

Reducing the cost of teacher preparation requires planning before enrollment. Once you commit to a program, it may be harder to transfer credits, change endorsements, or switch to a paid pathway without losing time.

Start with a transfer plan: If you begin at a community college, get written confirmation that your credits will transfer into a licensure-track program.
Complete the FAFSA and search for teacher-specific aid: Grants, scholarships, tuition assistance, and service-based awards can reduce borrowing.
Compare total cost, not advertised tuition: Include fees, books, exams, background checks, commuting, and lost income during clinical placement.
Ask about paid residencies: Alternative licensure routes with salary support may be more affordable for bachelor’s degree holders.
Use low-cost materials when allowed: Buy used books, rent textbooks, use digital editions, and ask instructors about open educational resources.
Choose a schedule that protects your income: Evening, online, hybrid, or cohort models may help working adults stay employed while studying.
Avoid repeating coursework: Request transcript evaluations from every school you are seriously considering.

Questions to ask before choosing a low-cost teaching program

Is this program approved for Illinois teacher licensure?
Which exact license, grade band, and endorsement will I be eligible for after completion?
How many of my prior credits will transfer?
What is the total cost including tuition, fees, books, exams, background checks, and placement expenses?
Is student teaching unpaid, paid, or part of a residency?
What happens if I do not pass a required exam on the first attempt?
Does the program help with CPS applications, interviews, and placement preparation?
Are courses offered at times that fit my work and family responsibilities?

Are there organizations in Chicago, IL that provide financial aid for teachers?

Yes. Aspiring teachers in Chicago may qualify for scholarships, grants, or service-based aid. The most important rule is to understand the service commitment. Some awards become loans if the recipient does not meet the required teaching obligation.

Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship: Provides up to $7,500 per year to eligible students who agree to teach in Illinois schools with at least 30% minority enrollment. Applicants must belong to a qualifying minority group or be bilingual. If the recipient does not complete the required in-state teaching service, the scholarship becomes a loan.
Federal TEACH Grant: Offers up to $4,000 annually for candidates who plan to teach high-need subjects in low-income schools. Recipients must sign a service agreement, and failure to complete the obligation converts the grant into a loan.
Chicago Teachers Union Foundation (CTUF) Scholarship: Awards $1,000 to high school seniors whose parents are CTU members. Funds may be used for teacher preparation programs, and applicants typically submit transcripts, recommendations, and a personal essay. Special education students are strongly encouraged to apply.

Aid option	Amount stated	Key condition	Best fit
Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship	Up to $7,500 per year	Teaching service in qualifying Illinois schools is required.	Eligible minority or bilingual candidates planning to teach in Illinois.
Federal TEACH Grant	Up to $4,000 annually	Must teach in a high-need subject at a low-income school or the grant converts to a loan.	Candidates committed to qualifying high-need teaching roles.
Chicago Teachers Union Foundation Scholarship	$1,000	Available to eligible high school seniors whose parents are CTU members.	Students from CTU-member families entering teacher preparation.

Is investing in a teaching credential in Chicago, IL worth it?

A Chicago teaching credential can be worth the investment if you choose an approved, affordable pathway and understand the working conditions, licensure obligations, and salary structure before enrolling. It is not automatically worth it for everyone. The return depends on your debt level, ability to complete licensure, endorsement area, and interest in long-term classroom work.

Compensation can be competitive: Teachers in Chicago Public Schools earn an average annual salary of $86,439, with potential to reach $114,429 by the 2027–2028 school year. Advanced study may also lead to high-paying jobs with education degree, depending on role, experience, and employer requirements.
Prior experience may count: CPS recognizes up to seven years of previous teaching experience for salary placement, which can help experienced teachers and career changers entering the district.
State investment supports schools: Illinois ranks 10th nationally in per-student education spending, allocating $21,657 per pupil.
Demand remains steady: Illinois teaching positions are projected to grow by 2% through 2032, and CPS saw a 10% increase in full-time teachers between 2018 and 2020.
Teaching is difficult to fully automate: Classroom teaching relies on relationship-building, judgment, communication, and student support. Technology may change how teachers work, but it does not replace the need for skilled educators.

Who is a Chicago teaching credential best for?

Students who want a stable public-service career and are prepared for classroom responsibilities.
Career changers who already have a bachelor’s degree and can access a paid or accelerated licensure route.
Candidates interested in high-need areas such as special education, bilingual education, STEM, or early childhood education.
Working adults who can find a flexible, approved program with clear field placement support.

Who should consider a different path?

Students who are unsure they want to teach and would need to borrow heavily to complete the credential.
Candidates who cannot meet student teaching, residency, or CPS residency requirements.
Applicants considering programs that are inexpensive but not approved for Illinois licensure.
Individuals who prefer non-classroom education roles and may be better served by training in instructional design, counseling, administration, or community services.

Are there alternative pathways aspiring educators in Chicago, IL can take to obtain credentials?

Yes. Alternative licensure can be a strong option for bachelor’s degree holders who want to enter teaching without completing a traditional undergraduate education degree. These programs can be faster and, in some cases, more affordable because they may combine paid teaching experience with required coursework.

UIC Early Childhood Education Alternative Licensure Program: This pathway allows early childhood educators to work while completing licensure preparation. It combines coursework with a paid teaching residency, which can reduce the income gap often associated with unpaid student teaching.
Saint Xavier University Fast-Track Program: This 15-month program leads to licensure in Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, or Secondary Education. Total costs range from $14,950 to $18,400, depending on the focus area.
Dominican University Alternative Licensure Program: This one-year, 35-credit hybrid program includes a paid teaching residency. Graduates earn both a master’s degree and a Professional Educator License.

Alternative pathway	Notable feature	Cost or timeline stated	Best for
UIC Early Childhood Education Alternative Licensure Program	Paid teaching residency with coursework.	Program-specific	Early childhood educators who want to keep working while earning licensure.
Saint Xavier University Fast-Track Program	Online alternative licensure format across several grade-level areas.	15 months; $14,950 to $18,400	Bachelor’s degree holders seeking a structured accelerated route.
Dominican University Alternative Licensure Program	Hybrid model with paid residency and master’s degree outcome.	One-year, 35-credit program	Candidates who want licensure and graduate credentials together.

Common mistakes to avoid when choosing the cheapest route

Choosing the lowest tuition without checking licensure approval: A program that does not lead to the correct Illinois credential can cost more in the long run.
Forgetting about unpaid clinical time: Student teaching can reduce income, so compare paid residencies when possible.
Assuming online always means cheaper: Online programs can reduce commuting costs, but tuition and fees may still be substantial.
Ignoring transfer policies: Lost credits can erase community college savings.
Relying only on rankings or marketing: Ask for total cost, licensure outcomes, exam support, and placement details.
Not reading service obligations: Scholarships and grants tied to teaching commitments can become loans if obligations are not met.

References:

Academy for Urban School Leadership. (n.d.). About the Chicago Teacher’s Residency. Retrieved from AUSL.
All Education Schools. (n.d.). Illinois teacher certification guide. Retrieved from All Education Schools.
DePaul University. (n.d.). Professional Educator License (PEL) and endorsements. Retrieved from DePaul University.
Education Commission of the States. (n.d.). Teacher license reciprocity: State profiles. Retrieved from Education Commission of the States.
NBPTS. (n.d.). Incentives for Illinois NBCTs: Illinois professional educator reciprocity. Retrieved from NBPTS.
South Cook Intermediate Service Center. (n.d.). Out of state or out of country applicants. Retrieved from South Cook ISC.
Teach Chicago. (n.d.). Career changers. Retrieved from Teach Chicago.
Teaching Certification. (n.d.). Illinois teacher reciprocity agreements: Teaching certification in IL for out-of-state teachers. Retrieved from Teaching Certification.
University of Illinois Chicago. (n.d.). Certificate in the Foundations of College Instruction. Retrieved from UIC Graduate College.
University of Illinois Chicago – College of Education. (n.d.). Licensure, endorsements, & credentials. Retrieved from UIC College of Education.

Key Insights

The cheapest teaching credential route in Chicago is the one that combines low tuition with Illinois licensure approval, transferable credits, manageable fieldwork, and strong exam support.
Community college coursework can lower early costs, but students should verify transferability before enrolling.
Career changers with a bachelor’s degree should compare alternative licensure and paid residency programs before pursuing a second bachelor’s degree.
Online programs may reduce commuting and scheduling costs, but they still require careful review of tuition, fees, residency status, and in-person placement requirements.
Financial aid can reduce costs, but service-based awards such as the MTI Scholarship and TEACH Grant require candidates to meet teaching obligations.
Accreditation and state approval are nonnegotiable. A cheap program that does not lead to the correct Illinois license is not a bargain.
Before committing, ask for the full cost, licensure outcome, transfer evaluation, field placement plan, exam requirements, and graduate support services in writing.

Other Things You Should Know About Getting a Teaching Credential in Chicago, IL

What is the most affordable way to obtain a teaching credential in Chicago, IL in 2026?

The most affordable way to obtain a teaching credential in Chicago, IL in 2026 is through alternate certification programs such as Teach for America or the Chicago Teaching Fellows. These programs often offer reduced tuition by integrating hands-on teaching experience and coursework, which can lead to a full-time teaching position.