Persons interested in becoming teachers may prepare for licensure at the elementary or secondary level through the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS) Department of Teacher Education (TEP). The Elementary Education major is completed while concurrently completing a second major in an appropriate academic content area. Students wishing to teach at the secondary level will complete a minor in Secondary Teacher Education while concurrently completing a major in an appropriate academic content area (biology, chemistry, English, history, mathematics, political science, or sociology/anthropology). Those who have already completed baccalaureate degrees in appropriate academic content areas may also complete the sequence of TEP course work (for either elementary or secondary licensure). Individuals wishing to pursue teaching at the middle school level should consult with the TEP Program Advisor at the point of initial advising. All TEP programs are developed and maintained under the auspices of the College of Education and Human Services' Council on Professional Education (COPE) and the four themes of the Conceptual Framework: quality teaching and professional practice, public engagement, technology, and diversity. Once a student is accepted into a program in the Department of Teacher Education, (s)he is referred to as a ''candidate'' (for licensure).