Application Forms - and FAQs (WheTEP)

Resume Guidelines and Examples

• Resume Guidelines for WheTEP (PDF format)

• Resume Action Verbs List (PDF format)
• Resume Example -- Elementary (PDF format)
• Resume Example -- PK-12 (PDF format)
• Resume Example -- High School (PDF format)

FAQs for the WheTEP application process

Why do I have to apply to WheTEP since I have already been accepted into Wheaton College?
All state-accredited teacher education programs in Illinois must have a selective process to screen teacher candidates, ensuring they meet licensure requirements. These include academic performance and professional dispositions. These must be met before proceeding with the method's practicum and student teaching.

Why does the resume need to be updated from EDUC 225L?
With the completion of the teacher aiding practicum, in addition to the cross-cultural tutoring practicum, the revised resume should include recent experiences that support teacher education. Additional summer experiences that are pertinent should be added. High School graduation information should be dropped and the month of graduation anticipated and the specific IL Professional Educator License sought should be added, along with any additional endorsements anticipated.

How will my resume be used? 
Resumes are read by the WheTEP interviewer (with feedback after the interview, if necessary), by other Education Department faculty prior to a WheTEP decision, and then by school administrators at potential placement schools.

When will or should I student teach?
Elementary Education majors should student teach in the last fall they are enrolled, typically the fall semester of the senior year or the fall after graduation. Secondary and PK-12 applicants are permitted to student teach either in the fall or spring semester of their final year. Those in the accelerated MAT program student teach in the fall after the undergraduate commencement.

What input will I have on a student teaching placement?  
The WheTEP application includes a section with several questions about student teaching placement preferences. These will be considered by the Clinical Placement Coordinator when requesting placements.

What if I want to student teach elsewhere, like in Chicago or Internationally?
International student teaching required a separate application process one and a half years before student teaching, so for most WheTEP applicants, that deadline has passed. We have a partnership with one elementary (K-8) school in Chicago for elementary education majors. For secondary and PK-12 applicants seeking a more diverse or urban context, there are other suitable placements within 30-45 minutes of campus that may offer these contextual experiences.

After submitting my WheTEP application, what happens next?  
Once the application is submitted, you can expect an email to schedule a WheTEP interview. Please respond promptly so the interview can be scheduled at the earliest convenience.

How should I prepare for the WheTEP interview? What should I expect? 
Once your application has been submitted, you will be scheduled for a WheTEP interview—the first portion of which is a “mock interview” for a teaching position. You will arrive at your WheTEP interview exactly as you would arrive to a formal interview with a principal. Your attire and appearance should be exceedingly professional, and you should be prepared to introduce yourself to the faculty member(s) as if they are completely unfamiliar to you; if you are familiar to the faculty member(s) interviewing you, there will be no hint of recognition during the first portion of the meeting.

When will I hear the decision regarding my WheTEP application? 
The final decision to admit an applicant to WheTEP is holistic. Consideration is given to the following areas:

• Quality of the application document and all items submitted
• Strength of essay
• Performance at interview
• Academic work
• Disposition
• Cooperating Teacher and Supervisor assessments from the Teacher Aiding practicum