The GATE program is highly selective and intensive, seeking adults who have received degrees from established colleges and universities. The end result for those successful in the GATE program will be a recommendation by Northwestern University to the Illinois State Board of Education for teacher certification. The GATE program requires a year for certification and is comprised of three phases of training. Summer curriculum Between an introductory and closure week is a six-week involvement in a Chicago Public School summer school session during which GATE interns will observe and work in a classroom with master teachers. When the children leave, the master teachers teach the interns, presenting coursework and perspectives on lesson planning and methodology from the perspective of the master practitioner.
Northwestern faculty provide additional instruction.
Each intern is evaluated at the conclusion of the first phase, and successful interns proceed to the second phase. Interns will interact with a mentor teacher chosen by CPS and one from the Golden Apple Foundation. At school year's end, CPS school officials, NU and GA will evaluate the performance of each intern. Successful interns will be recommended by NU to the state for certification. Second summer Interns will receive additional training in their chosen specialty and concluding coursework during the summer following their first year in the classroom.