Top Illinois Colleges for Elementary Education?

Any recommendations for the best colleges in Illinois for an elementary education degree? I'm focusing on schools that offer a solid program with good teaching practice opportunities.

Sure, there are several high-ranking colleges in Illinois that have excellent elementary education programs.

1. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC): This institution has a top-rated College of Education that is known for its integration of research and practice. The Elementary Education major at UIUC involves myriad of teaching methods and materials in actual classroom situations.

2. Illinois State University: Illinois State benefits from being one of the oldest public universities in the state and has a history of producing high-quality educators. Their Elementary Education program combines classroom learning with real-world teaching experiences.

3. National Louis University: Known for its foundation in providing training for teachers, National Louis has a rich history in education. They have a reputable program that focuses not only on the academic education aspect but also on the personal growth of their students.

4. Northwestern University: Northwestern's School of Education and Social Policy offers an undergraduate degree in Human Development and Psychological Services that can lead to a Master's in Elementary Teaching. While it's not an undergraduate degree specifically in Elementary Education, it's an excellent pathway to become an elementary school teacher, with a high level of training and credentialing.

In general, always remember to consider what fits you personally - from size, location, cultural fit to cost. You will want to make sure that you're not only choosing a program that's of high quality but also one where you will thrive and be happy. Check out each school's net price calculator to get an accurate idea of what you might pay as an individual student. These tools take into account your household income, among other factors, to provide a more accurate estimate of your cost, which can help in making your final decision.