Teacher Education Major
Why Study Teacher Education at Ferrum College?
The Teacher Education Program prepares caring and competent professionals as decision makers for the diverse contexts of 21st century classrooms, schools, and communities. Building upon a solid liberal arts foundation, the program assists candidates to develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to become effective and caring teachers in an ever-changing society.
TEACHER EDUCATION EMPHASIS AREAS
Teacher Education is comprised of multiple areas that allow students to focus their study.
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
PK-6 LICENSURE
*Special Education – Add on Endorsement
MIDDLE EDUCATION
6-8 LICENSURE
Select an emphasis in one of the following areas:
SECONDARY EDUCATION
6-12 LICENSURE
NON-DEGREE PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
If you are teaching on a Provisional Teaching License in a preK-12 Virginia public school, you may need to fulfill Professional Studies course requirements.
ADMISSION TO TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM
Students must be officially accepted into the Teacher Education program in order to pursue teacher education licensure. Admission to the program is a formal process wherein the candidate assembles application materials (application, resume, references) for submission in an electronic portfolio format. In order to qualify for program admission, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Positive evaluations from field placements, including dispositional qualities evaluations and teaching evidences surveys from cooperating teachers in internships as well as from Teacher Education faculty;
- Passing scores on the Virginia Communication Literacy Assessment (VCLA); Praxis II components; PRAXIS I Teaching Reading in Virginia (elementary only); CTE industry credentials (Agriculture Education only);
- Clear background check and TB screening;
- Meet overall GPA (2.8) and Major GPA (3.0) standards
The application is reviewed by Teacher Education faculty. Candidates are interviewed by the Director of Teacher Education.
Application to Student Teach
The application to student teach should be submitted with the Admission to the Teacher Education Program Application. Requirements to student teach (enroll in EDU 404 and SPD 405) are as follows:
- Acceptance into the Teacher Education Program
- 2.8 cumulative GPA
- 3.0 EDU and SPD coursework GPA
Acceptance into the Teacher Education program, exemplary coursework and GPA achievement, and successful completion of testing will lead to the ability to apply for licensure in the candidate’s selected content area.
Reciprocity Statement
The curriculum for programs customarily leading to licensure at Ferrum College has been designed to both prepare students for licensure exams and to meet licensure requirements in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The licensure boards of each state are responsible for establishing requirements for licensure/certification for their state. Students who intend to relocate to any state other than Virginia should review the professional licensure disclosures pertaining to their program and consult with the state professional licensing board. Each state licensing boards make the ultimate decision as to whether or not an individual will be eligible to sit for licensure based on the rules and regulations in place at the time the individual submits their application for licensure.
Student Responsibility
Students who intend to relocate to another state following licensure in Virginia should review the specific academic requirements for the program in which they are enrolling. We highly recommend that students contact the applicable licensing board(s) in their state where they intend to obtain licensure before beginning their academic program. Many licensure boards have additional requirements beyond successful degree completion to obtain a license. It is the responsibility of the student completing the licensure program to check with the licensing board for the most current information and requirements. Ferrum College shall not be held liable if the student is unable to qualify for licensure or certification in any jurisdiction or cannot obtain a practicum/internship location. Students should use the Licensure Disclosure Tool to initially determine whether a Virginia license does meet licensure in all states, does not meet licensure in all states, or the program requirements are undetermined because Ferrum College cannot determine whether the program leads to licensure. Again, remember that state laws, regulations, and policies may change at any time. The state professional licensing boards make the ultimate decision as to whether or not an individual will be eligible for licensure based on the rules and regulations in place at the time the individual submits their application for licensure.
View the current accreditation status and approved programs here.
TEACHER EDUCATION FACULTY
Director, MEd in Curriculum & Instruction
Visiting Assistant Professor of Education
Director of Teacher Education Program
