Advising for Teacher Certification and Education Studies

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Teachers are in demand across the U.S., and there is no better preparation for this rewarding career than a Lawrence education.  See below for an introduction to teacher certification and the minor in education studies.  Interested students are encouraged to take Psychology of Learning (EDST 180) early in their Lawrence career.  This course includes a practicum in a school setting, which will help you refine your interests in education as a possible career.  The course also satisfies the social science distribution requirement for your Lawrence degree.  For additional advice, contact Stewart Purkey, Director of Teacher Education, or any member of the Education Department.

TEACHER CERTIFICATION

Lawrence offers teacher certification in the following areas:

Elementary (preK-6) Secondary (5-12) All Levels (preK-12)
General Elementary

English

Social Studies

Math

Science

Computer Science

Art

Music - through the Conservatory

Theater

World Languages

English as a Second Language (ESL)
     

For elementary, students can major in any subject (college or conservatory).  For secondary or all-levels certification, students major in their certification area and can add an additional area through a second major or minor.  To add ESL certification, a student must complete the Teaching ESL minor in the Linguistics program.

To be certified, students must complete the following:

Courses - each with 20-hour practicum

Education Studies courses - open to all students (fulfill the social science GER):
  • EDST 180: Psychology of Learning – open to first-year students
  • EDST 350: Ethnicity, Cultural Diversity, and Education - requires sophomore standing
  • EDST 412: Foundations of Literacy in a Diverse Society - required for elementary; elective for others
  • EDST 440: Sociology of Education - requires sophomore standing
Education courses - for teacher certification (open to others by approval):
  • EDUC 430 (College) / 431 (Conservatory): Educating All Learners – prereq: EDST 180
  • EDUC 555 / 560 / 563 / 565 / 585 or MUEP: Teaching Methods – by subject area; taken in spring prior to student teaching

GPA & Tests

  • For program admission & certification for licensure:  2.75+ composite GPA
  • Before student teaching (elementary):
    • 3.00+ GPA in teacher education courses or qualifying score on Praxis II elementary education: content knowledge test
    • Qualifying score on Foundations of Reading Test (FoRT)
  • Before student teaching (secondary or all-levels):
    • 3.00+ GPA in major or qualifying score on Praxis II or ACTFL subject test
  • During student teaching: passing score on the edTPA (teacher performance assessment)

Student Teaching

  • Elementary: fall-semester apprenticeship (18 weeks) in an Appleton school, including methods instruction
  • Secondary & All-levels: one semester (18 weeks) in Fox Cities, Chicago, or international

For more information, click Teacher Certification in the navigation menu.  Students interested in certification in music should view the Conservatory of Music's music education website.

EDUCATION STUDIES

Students interested in work or graduate study in education-related fields (education policy, law, or administration; counseling, school psychology, or special education; library, museum, or arts programs) should consider the minor in education studies.  The minor requires five education studies courses plus an academic internship, independent study, or developmental psychology course.

For more information, click Education Studies in the navigation menu.

Elementary Certification

There is no finer preparation for elementary teaching than a strong liberal arts education. Click below to read about Lawrence's newest teacher certification area and the innovative apprenticeship through which you can become a skilled elementary classroom teacher.

Elementary Education (PDF)