Students who start their teaching careers at Lake Land College gain hands-on experiences with an in-school practicum and build a solid foundation for success, all while saving on the first two years of their bachelor degrees. Lake Land College graduates transfer to a variety of universities and colleges with many choosing to attend Eastern Illinois University after graduation. Lake Land and the EIU College of Education and Professional Studies work together to assist students in the transfer process.
Teacher education majors are available as a two-year associate degree programs with concentrations in various fields. Students in the teacher education programs complete a 30-hour practicum in an area school and are prepared to transfer to a university seamlessly. Additionally, teacher education majors have the opportunity to join the Lake Land College Future Educators of America Club which hosts Kids’ Night Out events throughout the year.
According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov), the teaching field is projected to grow by 6 percent through 2024. Lake Land College education instructor, Kim Davis, said she is seeing a lot of opportunity locally. “In our area, we are facing an extreme shortage of teachers. School districts are continuing to fill openings mid-year, and we do not have enough graduates to fill their needs,” Davis said. According to a survey conducted by the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools (IARSS) at the beginning of the 2015-2016 school year, more than three-quarters of rural districts reported challenges filling positions.