Undergraduate Admission to Teacher Education

Teacher Education spans a period of pre-entry to formal educational training to graduation. Acceptance into the university does not mean that one has been accepted into the Teacher Education Program. A student must formally apply for admission to the Orlean Bullard Beeson School of Education and Professional Studies just as pre-law or pre-medical students must apply to his/her respective professional schools. An application form and other needed forms will be provided in the EDUC 221, 222, and 223 block of courses. A student may also acquire an application form in the Certification Office located in the OBB building, Room 322
A student must fulfill the following requirements in order to be considered by the Admissions Council:

• A request for admission form when the decision is made to enter the Teacher Education Program- this is distributed as part of EDUC 221, 222 and 223 block of courses.
• Successful completion of EDUC 221, 222, and 223.
• Passing score on the Alabama Prospective Teacher Testing Program (APTTP) administered by ACT.
• Completion of 60 credits of coursework with a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in each of the following areas
  1. Cumulative
  2. Major
  3. Professional
• Completion of an interview with a faculty member.
• A letter of recommendation from either the head of one's major
• A letter of recommendation from either the head of one's major department or from a professor in this major area with an endorsement by the head of the department.
• Formal application for admission.
• Demonstration of satisfactory potential for teaching, including evidence of emotional stability and a satisfactory record as to conduct, character, and mental health, to the effect that the applicant has no personal qualities prejudicial to satisfactory performance as a teacher.

Acceptance is contingent upon the recommendation of the Screening and Admissions Committee that meets twice yearly: mid-July and mid-October. Before admission, a student may take only 18 credits of specified education courses. These include the following courses: EDUC 221, EDUC 222, EDUC 223, EDUC 213, EDUC 311, ESSM 202, ESSM 231, ESSM 321, MUSC 3300, and ART 206. Admission to any education course other than these courses prior to formal admission to OBBSEPS requires written permission by the Department Head and Dean. Applicants will be notified in writing of the decision of the committee. Transfer students follow the same admission plan.

Retention in Teacher Education Programs:

• Once admitted to Teacher Education, students are expected to continue to meet the requirements of the program. Failure to maintain a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in the major courses, the professional courses, and overall, places the student on probation. No grade below a "C" in any course is permitted - in case of a lower grade, the course must be repeated.
• Any student who, in the opinion of the Screening and Admissions Committee, is judged to have developed characteristics, academic or otherwise, deemed undesirable for the profession may be dropped from the program after appropriate review.
• Students must complete their program within four years of being admitted to Teacher Education or must reapply for admission to the program.

Completion of Teacher Education Program:

Students who successfully complete a prescribed program at the baccalaureate level in Teacher Education will be eligible for the Alabama Class B teacher's certificate in their area(s) of specialization. Completion of the program is contingent upon the following:

• Achieving a 3.0 GPA (4.0 scale) on all work attempted in both professional education and in the area or areas of specialization
• Satisfactory performance as a teacher during the professional semester
• Completing and orally presenting a professional portfolio
• Receiving a passing score on the appropriate PRAXIS examination prior to the end of the professional semester

Checklist of Teacher Education Requirements

• Make appointment with advisement counselor in the Orlean Bullard Beeson School of Education and Professional Studies for initial information concerning admission to the program and coursework in your chosen specialty area. Begin taking general education requirements.
• During the sophomore year, enroll in EDUC 221, 222, and 223. During this time you will receive the Undergraduate Teacher Education Handbook and serve as a student aide in a local school system as assigned by the Office of Clinical Experience.
• Fill out the application form for admittance to the Teacher Education Program. This opportunity will be provided while you are taking EDUC 221 and 222.
• While enrolled in EDUC 221, 222, and 223, schedule an appointment for an interview with an assigned faculty member.
• Complete the above foundational level professional courses that are permitted before being admitted to teacher education, as advised by the School of Education advisement counselor.
• Maintain a 3.0 overall GPA in University general studies, 3.0 in professional studies, and 3.0 in each major or specialization area.
• Register for, take, and pass the Alabama Prospective Teacher Testing Program (APTTP) Exam. Your score must be sent to Samford University and the Alabama State Department of Education.
• Have credentials for formal admission to the Teacher Education Program reviewed by the Certification Officer, who will present your profile to the Admissions Council in mid-July or mid- October when you have completed all basic requirements. A letter will be sent to you informing you of your admission status.
• Upon formal admittance to the Teacher Education Program, continue to enroll in professional courses, complete all general studies requirements, and complete specialization area or major requirements. All EDUC prefix courses will require observation in the local schools as part of the required coursework. The Office of Clinical Experience and the course professor will coordinate your clinical experiences. Students are responsible for maintaining a record of this observation experience in the Office of Clinical Experience. Forms will be provided to you for this purpose each semester.
• Observe an opening day of school. If assistance is needed, please contact the Office of Clinical Experience.
• Maintain a 3.0 GPA in your area of specialization and/or areas of major studies (secondary education students) and general studies.
• Fill out an application for student teaching one year prior to your actual student teaching. Assistance is available from major area advisors or specialization area advisors. Submit the completed application to the Office of Clinical Experience.
• Register for, take, and pass the appropriate Praxis exam. Your scores must be sent to Samford University and the Alabama State Department of education.
• Attend the mandatory general orientation and evaluation sessions at the beginning and end of the professional semester conducted by the Director of Clinical Experience.
• Successfully complete fifteen full weeks of student teaching in the field to which you are assigned by the Office of Clinical Experience. During this time, each student must attend a minimum of six seminars with the University Supervisor for student teaching. Also, each student will compile a professional portfolio and make an oral presentation.
• Apply for certification in the area(s) of teaching specialization with the Certification Officer upon completion of, and graduation from Samford University. A passing score on the Praxis or MFAT examination (as determined by your major) is required before an application for certification may be completed.

Teacher Education Sequence:

Phase One

1. Has an interest to explore Teacher Education
2. Entering students and transfer students meet Certification Officer
3. Enroll in EDUC 221, 222, and 223 (45 hours in schools)

Do you still want to teach? If so, continue the sequence. If not, choose another major.

Phase Two

1. Select desired program
2. Apply for the Teacher Education Program with the Certification Officer/Advisement Counselor
3. Successfully complete EDUC 221, 222, and 223
4. Complete the faculty interview
5. Was your clinical experience successful? If not, meet with your advisor.

Do you still want to teach? If so, continue the sequence. If not, choose another major.

Phase Three

1. Take and pass the Alabama Prospective Teacher Testing Program (APTTP) Exam
2. Successfully complete 60 + credits with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (if GPA is lower than this requirement, see advisor)
3. Obtain recommendation from two professors or instructors in the Teacher Education Program
4. Were you admitted into the Teacher Education Program? If so, continue the sequence. If not, complete the following steps:
5. Meet with Certification Officer/Academic Counselor to determine what is needed
6. Complete requirements

Phase Four

1. Receive acceptance letter from Certification Officer/Academic Counselor
2. Begin appropriate courses
3. Complete required courses and clinical experience

Phase Five

1. Meet with Certification Officer/Academic Counselor to make sure all coursework is complete and you have a GPA of 3.0 in the following areas: Cumulative, Professional Studies, and Major Field
2. Meet with the Director of Clinical Experience to make sure all requirements in this area are complete.
3. Take Praxis. If you have not taken Praxis, sign up to take this test.

Phase Six

1. Complete and submit student teaching application to Clinical Experience Office
2. Receive letter from Clinical Experience Director
3. Review records check with the Certification Officer/Advisement Counselor
4. Attend senior seminars
5. Attend student teacher orientation
6. Complete student teaching experience
7. Apply for certification
8. Apply for graduation in the student records office
9. Complete portfolio and oral presentation

Phase Six

1. Graduate
2. Obtain verification letters and degree statement from Certification Officer/Advisement Counselor