Education

Education

WPU offers multiple programs of study leading to North Carolina Licensure in Education: • Elementary Education (K-6): This program prepares students to teach in an elementary setting • Dual Licensure in Elementary Education (K-6) and Special Education (K-12): This unique program prepares students for careers in both elementary education and special education general curriculum. • Middle School English/Language Arts (6-9) (TUG only) • Middle School Social Studies (6-9) (TUG only) • Middle School Science (6-9) (TUG only) • Licensure-Only Programs (SPS Only) o Elementary Education (K-6) o Dual Licensure in Elementary Education (K-6) and Special Education general curriculum (K-12) o Special Education: Adapted Curriculum (K-12) • Residency Licensure (SPS only) o Elementary Education (K‐6) o Special Education: General Curriculum (K‐12) o Special Education: Adapted Curriculum (K‐12)

Education Program Admission Requirements for BA Students

Students must apply to the Education Program prior to enrolling in 400-level courses.

Assessment Level 1 – Prior to applying to the Education Program

Testing Requirements Pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam: Reading (156) Writing (162) Math (150) or Cumulative score (468) Please see the Department Chair for possible exemptions based on the student’s SAT or ACT score.

GPA Requirements Achieve and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher in college coursework at the time of program entry. If a student drops below a 2.7 GPA once admitted to the program, they must officially exit the program until their GPA is once again above a 2.7.

Course Grade Requirements

Professional Behavior Assessment

Application Earn a C or better in all Education coursework including all content courses taken in the Middle School Program. This does not include ENG 312, PSY 221, & PSY 310. Candidates must retake all EDU courses in which they have earned below a C.

Candidates must exhibit professional behaviors. This will be assessed in 300 and 400 level courses. Students who do not adequately demonstrate professional behaviors may not be placed in schools. Candidates will submit a formal application to the Education Department prior to taking 400 level courses.

Criminal Records Teacher candidates must submit a criminal record background check before first practicum placement.

Additional Courses for Elementary and Dual Licensure majors PSY 221: Lifespan Development OR PSY 310: Child and Adolescent Development

Middle School Licensure PSY 310: Child and Adolescent Development

All EDU Majors ENG 312: Advanced Topics in Writing (EDU section)

Assessment Level 2 – Prior to Student Teaching

Criminal Records Teacher candidates must renew their criminal records check prior to student teaching.

Health Form Teacher candidates must submit a health form the semester prior to student teaching. Deadline is June 1st for fall student teaching and November 1st for spring student teaching.

Professional Behavior Assessment Candidates must exhibit professional behaviors. This will be assessed in 300 and 400 level courses. Students who do not adequately demonstrate professional behaviors may not be placed in schools.

Exam Requirements Teacher candidates must successfully pass and report scores to WPU by June 1st for Fall Student Teaching and November 1st for Spring Student Teaching Elementary: • Elementary Education: Praxis Content Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics CKT Subtest #7813 • Pearson Foundations of Reading Dual Licensure: • Elementary Education: Praxis Content Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics CKT Subtest #7814 • Pearson Foundations of Reading • Praxis 2: Special Education: Core Knowledge and Mild to Moderate Applications #5543 Middle School Licensure: • Praxis 2: Middle School Science #5440 • Praxis 2: Middle School Social Studies #5089 • Praxis 2: Middle School English/LA #5047