Requirements

Teacher Education Program

Students who have completed at least one course in Education may make formal application to the TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM.

AS AN APPLICANT
In order to become an applicant, students must complete and submit a written application for candidacy into the Teacher Education Program. By submitting an application students also affirm they have not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor or entered a plea of guilty or no contest to a felony or misdemeanor involving abuse, neglect, or sexual misconduct in any criminal, drug or juvenile court. Students must also affirm that they do not have an order or determination currently in effect by a court or any other governmental body which finds them to be any of the following: a mentally ill and dangerous person, mentally incompetent to stand trial, acquitted of criminal charges because of insanity, an incapacitated person in need of a guardian, or unable to manage their property due to mental illness, mental deficiency, chronic use of drugs or intoxication; or is currently an inpatient or resident in a mental health facility due to a determination by a qualified mental health professional. A person with a conviction shall not be allowed to participate in pre-student teaching field, laboratory and classroom experiences or student teach, without approval by the State Board of Education.

After submitting the application, students will be assigned an advisor. Secondary Education and Middle Grades students should also have an advisor in their teaching field or subject areas.

In order to become a candidate, applicants must:

1. Score at the 50th percentile or better, based on national collegiate norms, on a standardized test of mental ability. This test is given in Ed. 105: Human Development and Learning I.
2. Pass the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) at the standards established by the State Board of Education. Current Nebraska standards: Reading, 170, Mathematics 171, Writing 172.
3. Provide the Education Department with a list of all criminal convictions with the exception of traffic convictions.
4. Complete a satisfactory academic record before acceptance as a candidate (computed at the end of 3 semesters):
   1. 2.5 or above grade point average for all college courses.
   2. 2.5 or above grade point average in Education Courses and courses in the endorsement area.
5. Receive "Speech Clearance" from the Communication and Theatre Arts Department.
6. ELEMENTARY, MILDLY/MODERATELY HANDICAPPED, AND MIDDLE GRADES APPLICANTS must demonstrate Mathematics Proficiency by completing a college level mathematics course with a grade of "C" or better in addition to Math 2.
7. Receive recommendation from the Vice President of Student Life and Community.
8. Receive recommendation of the Candidacy Committee. The Candidacy Committee for Secondary Education is composed of the student's advisor from the Education department and an academic advisor from his/her teaching Field or Subject endorsement areas. The Candidacy Committee for Middle Grades is composed of the Education Department advisor and an instructor in each area of specialization. The Candidacy Committee for Elementary Education and Mildly/Moderately Handicapped is composed of the student's advisor, another Education Department instructor, and an academic instructor of the student's choice.
9. During Ed 105L students will be introduced to LiveText. This software must be purchased as a resource for this class. LiveText will become the submission vehicle for Gateway data throughout the student's program.
10. During Education 105 (typically October of sophomore year) each applicant will
    engage in an interview with two Education Department faculty members. During the interview they will review the items listed under Gateway 1 in the Assessment System Guidebook. During this interview, quality and completeness of the listed items and specified interview questions will all be considered. When the student has completed all necessary work and the interview, the faculty members will make a recommendation for or against acceptance into the TEP. The full-time faculty will then vote.

STUDENTS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY LETTER OF THE RESULTS.
Policies and procedures regarding the TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM are determined by the Education Department Committee and shall be administered by the Chair of the Education Department. A student has a right of appeal from decisions of the administrator of the policies to the college Teacher Education Committee. The Teacher Education Committee shall hear the evidence and make the final decision in each case.