Loyola University Chicago

College graduates or those expected to graduate in the spring prior to entry into the program are invited to apply. LU-CHOICE is designed specifically for non-education majors.

Yes, LU-CHOICE welcomes graduates of schools other than Loyola.

LU-CHOICE places teachers in elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago in grades K through eight. We do not place our teachers in high schools.

One of the pillars of LU-CHOICE is community life. Community is a source of professional support, personal growth, and shared faith. Therefore, all LU-CHOICE teachers are required to live in community.

LU-CHOICE teachers live in residential dorms on Loyola's Lake Shore Campus while they take classes during the summer. Teachers are provided a meal plan, so they eat in the school's dining halls. Second year teachers are given the option to live on campus or at the community home for the summer. If they choose to live at their community home, they can still receive a meal plan for the summer.

LU-CHOICE serves under-resourced schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago. LU-CHOICE will place you according to the needs at each school.

Loyola's School of Education created a class sequence for LU-CHOICE that will prepare its teachers for the classroom as well as fulfill the requirements of the Master's degree with certification. LU-CHOICE teachers take three classes each summer, two during each semester of teaching, and earn student-teaching credit hours, for a total of 36 credit hours.

Participants receive several benefits, both tangible and intangible. Each LU-CHOICE teacher receives a modest stipend to cover living expenses, such as rent and groceries. Participants are eligible for undergraduate loan deferment, and some participants may be eligible for Perkins Loan forgiveness. Also, LU-CHOICE provides an opportunity to earn an M.Ed from Loyola University Chicago. Most importantly, LU-CHOICE allows young adults to put their faith in action by serving and living in community with others.

LU-CHOICE participants are responsible for paying rent and utilities after they move into their community home. They also pay for groceries, transportation, books for class and other education related expenses. (see the program handbook for more detailed information about expenses)

While some LU-CHOICE teachers do find having a car convenient, LU-CHOICE homes are located near public transportation. Community members are encouraged to share their resources and carpool with those who do not own cars.