Current University of Illinois students can apply to the Secondary Education Minor for admission effective in the spring semester of their junior year. The application periods for Spring 2026 admission are:
Note: The essay requirements have been revised for the Spring 2026 application period. Please read carefully.
Program faculty and/or staff will read and review each essay, which will be a deciding factor in admission decisions, regardless of whether an applicant meets the GPA requirements and satisfies course prerequisites.
In a well-organized essay (3-4 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins), respond to the prompt below. Use your previous learning and teaching experiences, including any tutoring, to provide concrete examples.
The State of Illinois has adopted the Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Standards to equip aspiring educators with the skills and dispositions necessary to engage all students, honoring their diverse cultures and identities, and fostering an optimal learning environment.
Reflecting on standards A through H, identify and discuss two specific areas (for example, "B3" and "F2") in which you feel confident to apply in your teaching and two areas in which you see room for growth.
As you analyze your areas of strength and growth, please include your definition of equity in the context of education and critically examine how your unique cultural and educational experiences share your perspective. Discuss how these experiences will impact your efforts to promote educational equality and create inclusive learning environments for all students in your selected content area.
Applicants must submit a completed advisor verification form in the application process that verifies their ability to complete their declared major along with the Secondary Education minor coursework.
Please review the required coursework to be completed or in progress at the time of application by major.
PREFERRED
Alternative
(Note: completion of five or six courses in major is highly recommended)
Applicant grades for MATH 241; and MATH 314 or 347 should be at least B- and should have a minimum 2.5 mathematics major GPA.