About Us
CHAPTER is a teacher education recruitment initiative created in response to the pressing need for new teachers at the elementary and secondary levels, especially in the areas of bilingual, science and special education. Created in partnership with Loyola University Chicago’s College of Arts and Sciences, area public school districts and community colleges, and the U.S. Department of Education, this program provides tuition scholarships for School of Education undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in teacher preparation programs.
Professional Practice Cohort
The Professional Practice Cohort is designed for teacher candidates interested in teaching in high-need schools. Members of the Professional Practice Cohort have the opportunity to participate in Professional Development Programs and Saturday Seminars to enhance professional skills and knowledge related to teaching in high-need schools.
For more information and to apply for the Professional Practice Cohort, click here.
CHAPTER Scholarships
Current CHAPTER Scholars who agree to teach in high-need schools upon graduation/certification can be awarded merit-based tuition funding. Under the conditions of this award, the best candidates are those who demonstrate a commitment to help others achieve equity and equal access in education.
For more information and to re-apply for a CHAPTER scholarship, click here. NOTE: Re-Application deadline for Fall 2008 is May 15, 2008.
CHAPTER scholarships are funded by the U.S. Department of Education through Teacher Quality Enhancement Grants program, Title II of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998.
CHAPTER Scholars
In spring 2006, the first cohort of CHAPTER scholars was formed. These School of Education teacher candidates believe in the need to equalize educational opportunity by teaching in public high-need schools—beliefs that were eloquently described in the letters of interest they submitted with their applications.
The School of Education, proud of these teacher candidates, shared excerpts from their essays in the CHAPTER essay poster (PDF), used as part of a recent outreach campaign to prospective CHAPTER Scholars.
District Partners
Guided by the concept of a community of professional practice, CHAPTER is a cooperative effort of:
- Loyola University Chicago
- Chicago Public Schools
- Evanston/Skokie School District 65
- Community Consolidated School District 62/Des Plaines
- Oakton Community College
Faculty and staff at Loyola and the partner school districts work together toward a common goal: to prepare teachers who are able to positively affect educational opportunities for children and youth in high-need schools.
Learning Communities
Inclusive professional work teams, comprised of representatives of CHAPTER's partner agencies, recruit and prepare teachers for high-need schools. Immersed in issues of professional practice at school sites, School of Education teacher candidates and new teachers are challenged to become highly qualified classroom practitioners in high-need schools. For more information about CHAPTER learning communities, click here.
Professional Development for Teachers
Professional development begins with pre-service teachers through on-site clinical activities at partner schools. Teacher candidates participate in professional practice seminars with cooperating teachers to enhance their knowledge and understanding of a range of issues related to teaching and learning. CHAPTER scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to attend seminars with fellow awardees and School of Education faculty to discuss their experiences in classes and/or school clinicals.
CHAPTER also offers professional development opportunities for our district and school partners. For more information about professional development offered through CHAPTER, click here.
Induction Support for New Teachers
Several years ago, Loyola University Chicago began an induction program to support new teachers in their first three years of teaching. This program has grown to include mentor teachers and an online E-Mentoring component in addition to free on-campus workshops that address topics of frequent interest and concern to novice teachers. The Website is password-protected and provides a safe discussion forum for issues, instructional resources and professional information. Through the CHAPTER project, school districts serve as collaborative partners in this program.