Education Department

Office: Briggs Hall 117, M-F 7:30-11:30 a.m., (920) 832-6714
Mail: 711 E. Boldt Way SPC 22, Appleton, WI 54911

For much of its history, Lawrence has prepared students to become licensed teachers in public and private schools. Lawrence's liberal arts approach to teacher education blends in-depth knowledge in a specific academic major, broad knowledge across the liberal arts and sciences, and the professional knowledge necessary to become a skilled and reflective practitioner. The department also introduces students to the study of education as an academic discipline, preparing students to pursue graduate study in education-related fields (educational psychology, education policy, foundations of education, certification in elementary or special education, etc.).

Follow the links on the sidebar to learn more about teacher certification and education studies at Lawrence. Students who wish to be certified to teach music should also consult the Music Education section of the Conservatory of Music website. Requirements for each certification area are described in the university course catalog.

Important Deadlines (2011-12)

For any student seeking teacher certification:

  • Apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program as soon as you have completed one education course and passed the Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Test.

The Praxis I paper test is offered at Lawrence on April 28. The computer-based version is offered elsewhere at other times as shown on the ETS Praxis website.

Admission interviews are conducted during fall and winter terms. Pick up an application and Teacher Certification Handbook from Carol Marx in the Education Department office (Briggs 117) M-F before 11:30 a.m.

For anyone planning to student teach next year (2012-13):

Fall Term:

  • Apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program if you have not already done so (see above).

You must be admitted before you can enroll in a methods course or be placed for student teaching.

Winter Term:

  • Take the Praxis II Subject Assessment.

Praxis II is offered at Lawrence on January 14. If you miss this date, you will need to take the test elsewhere on March 10. If you are applying for overseas student teaching, you should take the test earlier, in November.

The department must receive your official score report from ETS before we will place you for student teaching.

  • Notify the department chair of any student teaching placement preferences.

Students are placed in the Fox Cities, Chicago, or overseas (9 weeks locally / 9 weeks abroad).

Applications to student teach in Chicago or overseas (whether for the fall or spring) are due January 10.

Spring Term:

  • Take the appropriate methods course(s).
  • Submit a Pre-Student Teaching Portfolio by June 30.

Be sure to read the teacher certification information on this website, noting especially the requirements and timeline. Contact the chair of the Education Department (or Music Education Department) to review your study plans or ask questions after reading the content on this site.

For anyone student teaching this year (2011-12):

Fall Semester:

  • Submit your Final Teaching Portfolio by February 28.

Spring Semester:

  • Submit your Final Teaching Portfolio by June 30.

You cannot be certified for licensure until your Final Teaching Portfolio is approved and all other requirements have been met (see requirements and licensure Q&A).

All student teachers (fall or spring): If your Final Teaching Portfolio is not approved by August 31, you will be required to complete an additional 9 weeks of student teaching and submit a new portfolio to be eligible for certification through Lawrence.