Curriculum Requirements
Candidates in the Elementary Education Program are involved in a rigorous program of study, which integrates content knowledge, skills, and pedagogy. Candidates are prepared to work in diverse cultural contexts through extensive field experiences and technological foci. The Biology Concentration prepares candidates for integrating a depth of knowledge of biological sciences into the curriculum of school-age children. Candidates are exposed to a variety of concepts in the study of living things. The Elementary Education degree with a concentration in Biology prepares candidates for teaching in public elementary schools and leads to an initial K-6 teaching license in the state of North Carolina.
5. Additional Requirements
Admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP)
The undergraduate division of teacher education follows the University’s policies for admission. During the first two years, the candidate completes the University’s General Education Curriculum (GEC). The candidate is eligible for formal admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP), a state requirement, if the applicant completes:
- All course work in the GEC (or if the applicant is on track to complete all GEC during the semester he/she applies);
- Course work with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5; 2.7 beginning July 2017
- Three English requirements in the General Education Curriculum with a minimum grade of “C” in each course;
- The Praxis Core at a level required by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction (for the SAT/ACT alternatives, please see the program coordinator);
- Formal interview with Teacher Education faculty, typically completed during EDU 2600 ;
- Formal essay, typically completed during EDU 2600 ; and
- TEP application (submitted using the Foliotek system).
Foliotek
Foliotek is a candidate assessment system used by all programs leading to licensure. Candidates should discuss Foliotek with their program coordinator and/or academic advisor. The program coordinator will provide a code and the candidate must register promptly for the account in order to apply to the TEP and submit forms and program evidences in a timely manner. The candidate must maintain the account for the duration of the program.
Field Experience
All EDU courses require field experience hours in public schools and other educational settings. Requirements range from 10-90 hours in Professional Studies and Methods courses to 600+ hours, which comprise the student teaching internship. These hours can be submitted to the Academic Community Service Learning Program Office to fulfill the NCCU community service requirement.
Criminal Background Checks
All candidates in the TEP will be required to successfully clear a Criminal Background Check (CRC). Criminal background checks may be done upon entering the program, at the midpoint assessment, and in applying for licensure. It is the candidate’s responsibility to provide both legal information and a letter of explanation regarding any charges (other than minor traffic violations) on the candidate’s record that may present a potential problem for field experience, student teaching, or licensure. The program coordinator and the coordinator of clinical experiences and licensure will request a meeting with the candidate to discuss the information provided. At least one representative from a local, partnership school district may be contacted to determine whether or not the district(s) will allow the candidate to complete school-based experiences required for licensure. Acceptance, or continuance, in the Teacher Education Program will be based on the nature, recency, and resolution of the charges, as well as whether or not candidates will be able to complete required experiences in public schools.
Student Teaching
Students must participate in Level I Student Teaching during the semester prior to EDU 4108 and 4208. If they successfully complete all Level I requirements, they will proceed to Level II student teaching. The Level II student teaching internship spans the course of 15 weeks and provides an opportunity for the student teacher to gradually assume the responsibilities of a classroom teacher, while working closely with a cooperating teacher. All EDU candidates must successfully complete all course requirements before participating in EDU 4108 and EDU 4208. Candidates must also read the Student Teaching Manual.
Licensure Examinations
Students must take all parts of the Pearson Test for licensure in NC before participating in EDU 4108 and 4208 (Level II student teaching). The Pearson Test includes two General Curriculum subtests (Math and Multi-Subjects) and the Foundation of Reading Development subtest. Preparation and registration materials can be found at http://www.nc.nesinc.com.
Students are encouraged to prepare for and take the General Curriculum subtests as soon as they are admitted to TEP. Students are encouraged to complete EDU 3310, EDU 3400, and EDU 3410 prior to taking the Foundations of Reading Development test.
Program Notes:
Majors Meetings and Professional Development Activities
Candidates are encouraged to attend Majors Meetings and professional development sessions during each academic semester.
Prepare for Praxis Core
Students should determine their Praxis Core status early (i.e., freshman year), and begin preparing for any parts of the test they must take at that time. Students are encouraged to complete all Praxis requirements no later than the second semester of the sophomore year.
Restricted Courses
Courses at EDU 3150 and higher are restricted and require admission to the Teacher Education Program.
NC Elementary Education (K-6) Teacher Licensure Requirements
Candidates must pass all parts of the Pearson Test for Licensure in North Carolina in order to be eligible for licensure in NC.
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