Requirements

Adding teacher certification is similar to adding a minor to your degree. This page provides a quick overview of teacher certification requirements: courses, tests, practicums, student teaching, and portfolios. Details can be found in the topics under "Teacher Certification" in the navigation menu.

Program Standards

Teacher education begins with the program standards that you will have to meet to be certified for licensure. As you work toward meeting these standards, you must demonstrate that you are mentally and physically able to carry out the duties and responsibilities of a classroom teacher. To view the list of standards, click "Program Standards" in the navigation menu.

Courses

Major in certification area

To be certified to teach in the public schools, you must complete a degree with a major in your certification area. Students who want to be certified in a second area must add a second major or minor to their degree. Specific requirements for each certification area can be found in the Education section of the university catalog.

General education requirements

Teacher certification has general education requirements that differ slightly from Lawrence's GERs. Specifically, you must take a math course, a course in both life science and physical science, and a course in non-Western history or culture. To find out more, click "Courses" in the navigation menu.

Teacher education courses

Before you may student teach, you must complete four teacher education courses (EDST 180, 350, 440; EDUC 430/431) plus the teaching methods course(s) for your certification area(s). An additional course (EDUC or MUEP 660) is completed during the student teaching semester. To find out more, click "Courses" in the navigation menu.

GPA

You must have a major GPA of 2.75 to be admitted to the Teacher Education Program and a cumulative GPA of 2.75 to be certified for licensure. Students with concerns about their major GPA should contact the chair of the Education Department.

Tests

Academic Skills Test

Before you can be admitted to the Teacher Education Program, you must attain qualifying scores on an academic skills test (Praxis I PPST, Praxis Core, ACT, SAT, or GRE) taken within the last five years.

Subject Area Test

Before you can student teach, you must pass a subject area test (Praxis II or ACTFL) in each of your certification areas. To find out more, click "Tests" in the navigation menu.

Practicums

Course Practicums

Before you can student teach, you must complete a minimum of 100 practicum hours in school classes related to your subject area. Each teacher education course includes a 20-hour practicum; together these provide sufficient hours to meet the requirement. To find out how to set up a practicum and earn practicum credit, click "Practicums" in the navigation menu.

Other Experience with Children/Youth

You should also seek other experience working with children or youth, such as through tutoring, coaching, teaching music lessons, volunteering in an after-school program, working at a summer camp, etc. To learn about opportunities, click "Resources" in the navigation menu.

Student Teaching

To be certified to teach, you must complete one semester (18 weeks) of student teaching in your certification area. Student teaching is usually done in the fall (August to January) of the senior year or after graduation (13th term), although student teaching in the spring (January to June) is also possible. You may student teach near Lawrence, in Chicago, or internationally. To find out more, click "Student Teaching" in the navigation menu.

Portfolios

Pre-Student Teaching Portfolio

Before you may student teach, you must submit a Pre-Student Teaching Portfolio for review by the department. This portfolio documents your progress toward meeting the program standards. It includes evidence of content knowledge (transcript and test scores), pedagogical ability (lesson plans and assessments from education courses), and professional conduct (practicum evaluations). To find out more, click "Portfolios" in the navigation menu.

Final Teaching Portfolio (& edTPA)

Upon completion of student teaching, you must submit a Final Teaching Portfolio that provides sufficient evidence that you meet the program standards for certification for licensure. This portfolio includes a teaching video and lesson plans, assignments, assessments, and student work from your student teaching experience. Effective September 2014, the bulk of the portfolio will consist of the edTPA, a teacher performance assessment completed during student teaching. To find out more, click "Portfolios" in the navigation menu.