Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 Course Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Special Education - Undergraduate Teacher Licensure K-12


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Also see

Early Childhood Education/Special Education, M.A.T. 
Special Education, B.S. with Teacher Licensure 
Special Education - Comprehensive, M.A.T. 

 


In conjunction with the various majors offered at the University, candidates may obtain teacher licensure in these areas:

  • Special Education (K-12)
  • Elementary Education (1-6)

Upon completion of entrance requirements, the prescribed programs and exit requirements, candidates will be recommended to the state Department of Education for licensure.

Continuation requirements


The School of Education reserves the right to recommend withdrawal of any candidate demonstrating insufficient progress toward professional experiences and interpersonal relationships. Evidence of satisfactory progress may be manifested in the following acquisition of knowledge, skills and dispositions as described in the School of Education Conceptual Framework and Statement of Candidate Dispositions:

  • Critical thinking skills (e.g., the ability to analyze information)
  • Capacity to form interpersonal relationships with colleagues and individuals that are characterized by sensitivity, mutual respect, constructive collaboration and advocacy
  • Responsibility as demonstrated in the timely completion of assignments, commitment to quality performance and professional growth
  • Commitment to the mission and philosophy of the department
  • Achievement of grades of C+ or better in all EDUC, SPEC, and General Education courses
  • Continued minimum cumulative GPA of 2.67
  • Achievement of a grade of B in Tuesday Experience

Application for student teaching


Only candidates who have been accepted into the Teacher Licensure Program  are eligible to apply for student teaching. Candidates who apply for student teaching will be evaluated by department faculty, who will consider:

  • Academic proficiency as indicated by coursework
  • Communication facility as reflected in oral and written expression and listening
  • Social sensitivity and skills as demonstrated by interactions with peers, children and professionals

An application form to student teach may be obtained from the Office of Student Teaching. Completed application forms for fall student teaching are due February 1.

  1. The application form must be accompanied by:
    • The candidate’s official letter of acceptance into the Teacher Licensure program
    • A copy of Teacher Licensure planned program
    • An unofficial transcript with most recent semester’s grades
    • An autobiographical essay of no more than two pages
    • A completed Field Experience document
    • Continuation of a minimum cumulative 2.67 GPA
    • Documentation of having taken Praxis II in Special Education, Elementary Education, and the Foundations of Reading Test
    • A typed information sheet for the cooperating teacher with the following information:
      • Completed courses
      • Previous teaching experience
      • Previous experience with children or adolescents
      • Work experience
  2. Candidates must successfully complete the University of Saint Joseph Writing Portfolio  prior to student teaching
  3. All Alert Forms in a candidate’s file must be resolved prior to student teaching
  4. No other courses, except the Field Study for cross endorsement, may be taken during the semester of this experience. The Field Study for cross endorsement must be taken in the same semester as student teaching.
  5. Attendance is required at all student teaching seminars

Comprehensive exam


During the winter intercession of senior year, candidates will take a written comprehensive exam. You must pass the exam to earn a B.S. in Special Education.

Teacher licensure


Upon completion of entrance requirements, the prescribed programs and exit requirements, candidates for Special Education (K-12) will be recommended to the State Department of Education for initial licensure.

Exit from Teacher Licensure Program


A Licensure Program Completer is a candidate who has completed all the requirements for proposed licensure endorsement area(s), including the successful completion of the Praxis I and Praxis II or ACTFL, and Foundations of Reading Test when required. Therefore, to be recommended to the Connecticut State Department of Education for licensure, applicants must:

  • Complete all program requirements for the major and for licensure, including the state Department of Education requirements for coursework and student teaching
  • Fulfill general education requirements and content with no grade lower than a C+
  • Complete a successful student teaching experience with a grade of B or better
  • Submit successful Praxis II assessment results for each endorsement area and the Foundations of Reading test
  • Show evidence of appropriate educator dispositions
  • Submit application for a teaching license to teacher licensure officer

Supporting coursework (39 credits)


General education coursework including a survey course in United States History (3 credits)

Other opportunities In education


Laboratory schools


The School of Education benefits from two laboratory schools. The Gengras Center, an on campus school for students with significant disabilities, and the School for Young Children, an early childhood school nearby, offer students pre-professional opportunities in working with teachers, children and families.

Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society


Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education has been active at USJ since 2009. The society has a long-standing commitment to “recognizing excellence and fostering mutual cooperative support, and professional growth for educational professionals.” Letters of invitation are sent in March to students eligible for membership informing them of an April orientation meeting and an initiation ceremony in the spring.

Partnerships


The School of Education has partnerships with several school districts and agencies, which provide candidates the opportunity to interact with K-12 students under faculty supervision. Longstanding partnerships include: Bloomfield School District, Connecticut Department of Children and Family Services, and West Hartford Schools. Candidates are provided authentic opportunities to assess, teach and collaborate with others.

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