Elementary-Secondary Education Department

Gail Gordon-Allen

Acting Department Chair

As part of Truman College’s Center of Excellence in Education, the Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) Department provides innovative opportunities for individuals to enter the field of Education. From coursework that meets Illinois State Board of Education licensure requirements for current and future Professional Educators to providing impactful professional development to all educational professionals (i.e. Child Care Workers, Social Workers, School Counselors, Classroom Educators, etc.), the Center of Excellence is positively changing the field of education.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Department at Truman College is dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible, and inclusive professional learning opportunities that meet the evolving needs of educators and aspiring education professionals. Our programs are intentionally structured to accommodate a broad spectrum of roles in education, including classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, and those transitioning into the field. We recognize that adult learners have diverse needs and preferences, which is why we offer a wide array of flexible learning formats. These offerings are available in both online and face-to-face modalities to ensure maximum accessibility and participation.

 

A key feature of our department is our collaborative approach to professional learning. We work closely with school districts, educational organizations, and community partners to design and deliver customized professional development plans that address the unique goals and challenges of each group. Whether supporting instructional improvement, certification preparation, or leadership development, we are committed to creating meaningful learning experiences that are relevant and immediately applicable.

 

Our department also prioritizes cultivating a professional community where educators at all stages of their careers can come together to share insights, explore common challenges, and reflect on their practice. We strive to create a welcoming and intellectually engaging space that supports personal and professional growth through flexible, practitioner-focused learning environments.

 

Our faculty members are selected based on their academic credentials, teaching expertise, and practical experience in the field of education. Each instructor holds advanced degrees and brings deep, real-world knowledge of instructional practice, policy, and leadership. Their varied backgrounds enhance the richness of our course offerings and ensure that our programs remain responsive to current trends, research, and needs within the education sector. Through their guidance, our learners are empowered to advance in their professional journeys and contribute meaningfully to their educational communities.

 

Careers in the field of Education

Elementary School Teacher

Academic Coach

High School Teacher

School Counselor

College Professor

Career Counselor

Researcher

Art Teacher

Biology Teacher

ESL Teacher

Bilingual Education Teacher

Mathematics Teacher

History Teacher

Physical Education Teacher

Music Teacher

School Principal

Curriculum Coordinator

Literacy Coach/Interventionist

Special Education Teacher

Assistant School Principal

Endorsements

PEL Subsequent Endorsements Did You Know

Watch the video to learn what a teaching endorsement is and the qualifications needed to earn a teaching endorsement.

 

For more information regarding earning an endorsement at Truman College, contact Dr. Evelyn Murdock, Director of Teacher Licensure & Professional Development at (773) 907-4455 or via email at trcendorsements@ccc.edu

 

 

The Elementary-Secondary Education Department provides approved coursework that can be used to obtain supplemental teaching endorsements. The ESE Department offers endorsements in the following areas:

Bilingual Educator Endorsement, Basic Certificate

English as a Second Language, Basic Certificate

Learning Behavior Specialist 1, Basic Certificate

 

Degrees Offered

Associate in Arts,  Elementary Education (teaching 3rd grade – 8th grade)

Associate in Science, Biology Education (teaching 9th grade – 12th grade)

Associate in Science, Chemistry Education (teaching 9th grade – 12th grade)

Associate in Arts, English Education (teaching 9th grade – 12th grade)

Associate in Arts, French Education (teaching 9th grade – 12th grade)

Associate in Science, General Science Education (teaching 3rd grade – 8th grade)

Associate in Science, Mathematics Education (teaching 3rd grade – 8th grade)

Associate in Arts, Physical Education (teaching K-12th grade)

Associate in Arts, Social Science Education (teaching 9th grade – 12th grade)

Associate in Arts, Spanish Education (teaching 9th grade – 12th grade)

Associate in Arts, Special Education (teaching 9th grade- 12th grade)

Faculty and Staff

NAME

TITLE

​​​PHONE

​EMAIL

​OFFICE

Gail Gordon-Allen

Acting Department Chair

(773) 907-4707

GGordon-Allen@ccc.ede

 

McKeon Building

Suite 162

Hollie Ware-Jaye

Co-Department Chair

(773) 907-4707

hwarejaye@ccc.edu

McKeon Building

Suite 162

Slaney Palmer

Slaney Palmer

 Faculty Member

About me

(773) 907-4494

SPalmer27@ccc.edu

 

Main Building

Room 2842

Arelys Alcozer

Arelys Alcozer

 Instructor

About me

(773) 907-4707

AAlcozer1@ccc.edu

 

Main Building

Room L928

 Lorelei Carver, Ph.D.

Instructor

About me

(773) 907-4707

LCarver3@ccc.edu

 

Main Building

Room L928

Dr. Melissa Feiger

Dr. Melissa Feiger 

 Instructor

About me

(773) 907-4707

MFeiger@ccc.edu

 

Main Building

Room L928

Jezail Jackson

Jezail Jackson

Instructor

About me

(773) 907-4707

JJackson661@ccc.edu

 

Main Building

Room L928