Policy
Many students majoring in disciplines in the College of Liberal Arts at the 91社区 prepare themselves to teach in secondary schools (high schools, junior high schools or middle schools). Although these candidates for licensing may take some education courses in their freshman and sophomore years, formal application for admission to the secondary education program (under the direction of the听Teacher Education Department听in the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education) does not occur until they have completed their 45th credit hour.
Application Process
A student may apply for admission to the teacher education program and听听after completion of EDUC 221, 283, 284, successfully completes the Praxis I test, or has an SAT score of 1100 or better or an ACT score of 24 or better, and meets other course and GPA requirements as established for the major. As part of the application process, the student will be interviewed by both the major and minor departments. A student should ask his or her advisor for information on arranging the interview.
Interview Structure
The structure of the interview may vary according to department, but in general, it will be conducted by a committee consisting of two to three faculty members from the major field(s). This committee will interview the student according to the procedures established in the department, review his or her record, and decide on its recommendation.
Interview Outcomes
The committee may decide as follows: (1) to recommend the student unconditionally for admission to the teacher education program; (2) to recommend with specific conditions; (3) to reject the student. The chair of the committee will record the committee鈥檚 decision on the student鈥檚 application form and return the form to the student. One copy of the recommendation will be placed in the student鈥檚 advising folder. The committee will send a copy of the recommendation to the Teacher Education Department and a copy to the student.
Among factors the committee will consider in making its decision are the student鈥檚 academic record, performance in classes, course work completed, ability to organize and present material orally, and general promise. In particular, University regulations require that a student admitted unconditionally to the teacher education program must carry a grade point average of at least 2.75 in his/her major, any supporting area or minor, and overall. A student may appeal the decision of the interview committee to the Dean.
For more information on becoming a licensed teacher through the 91社区, please contact the following: