Requirements for Acceptance to Graduate Teacher Licensure Programs
Adults who hold a conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.67 (3.0 for REACH to Teach) are eligible to apply to the teacher licensure program.
- Mail official transcripts of undergraduate degree conferral from a regionally accredited institutional plus the official transcripts from any other undergraduate work and any prior graduate work to the Licensure Office. (A second set of transcripts showing the bachelor’s degree conferral will be needed for the School of Graduate and Professional Studies.)
- Call the Licensure Office at 860.231.5330 to schedule an appointment with the Licensure Officer. The purpose of this meeting is to:
- review each candidate’s previous program of study (undergraduate and graduate)
- complete a planned program of study for a licensure program
- determine a timeline for acceptance into the teacher licensure program and student teaching
- Submit an application and appropriate fee to the School of Graduate and Professional Studies with an official transcript showing a bachelor’s degree conferral from a regionally accredited institution.
- Complete the following items prior to the completion of two professional education courses with grades of B or better.
- Evidence of successful completion of the PRAXIS I test. Applicants are eligible for a waiver for the PRAXIS I test with a combined score of 1,000 or more on the SAT, if neither the math nor the verbal subtest scores below 400 points from any test administration on or prior to March 31, 1995; or a combined score of 1,100 or more with no less than 450 on either the math or verbal subtest from test administrations on or after April 1, 1995.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the candidate’s suitability as a prospective teacher or to work with children and families accompanied by the School of Graduate and Professional Studies cover form available on the USJ website. Note: recommendations must be obtained from individuals who are not family members, personal friends, or members of the School of Education at the University of Saint Joseph.
- An essay that describes reasons for wanting to enroll in the program and emphasizes experiences relevant to teaching. The essay should highlight people, places and experiences with children and adolescents who have affected this decision. The grading rubric for the essay is available from the Licensure Office.
- A successful interview with a School of Education faculty team. The interview is scheduled through the Licensure Office.
- An immunization record using the School of Graduate and Professional Studies form available on the USJ website.
- A signed planned program of study for teacher licensure with the Licensure Officer.
Requirements for Continuation in a Teacher Licensure Program
Throughout the teacher licensure sequence, the School of Education reserves the right to recommend withdrawal of any student demonstrating insufficient progress toward professional experiences and interpersonal relationships. Evidence of satisfactory progress may be manifested in the following acquisition of knowledge and skills as defined in the School of Education’s 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 which are characterized by sensitivity, mutual respect, constructive collaboration and advocacy.
- Responsibility as demonstrated in timely completion of assignments and commitment to quality performance and professional growth.
- Commitment to the mission and philosophy of the School of Education.
- Achievement of B or better in all classes. Candidates who do not earn a B may retake the course one time.
All candidates for teacher licensure must subscribe to TaskStream—a student portfolio system, and post all required documents on TaskStream for data management.
Requirements for Application to Student Teaching
All coursework on the candidate’s planned program must be completed successfully prior to 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 to student teach may be obtained from the Office of Student Teaching and Clinical Experiences and must be submitted by February 1 for fall placements and September 15 for spring placements.
1. All applications and required forms may be found on the School of Education, Student Teaching website and must include:
- A copy of the candidate’s official letter of acceptance into the Teacher Licensure program
- A copy of the candidate’s Teacher Licensure Planned Program
- An unofficial transcript with the most recent semester’s grades, showing completion of all required teacher licensure coursework with a B or better.
- A typed Student Information Form showing completed courses with grades, previous work, teaching, and child-related experiences.
- A typed autobiographical essay related to the School of Education Conceptual Framework and no longer than two pages.
- A typed Field Experience Form
- A copy of Praxis II registration confirmation showing that the required licensure exams will be taken before student teaching begins. The Foundations of Reading test may be taken after the student teaching experience.
- Proof of fingerprinting at a regional educational service center (CREC, EASTCONN, ACES, etc.)
2. Candidates must resolve all alert forms prior to student teaching.
3. Candidates may not take any other courses while student teaching.
4. Candidates must attend all student teaching seminars.
5. Candidates must attend an exit interview.
6. Candidates must report Praxis II, including sub-scores/ACTFL, and Foundations of Reading exam scores to the Licensure Office.
Requirements to Exit from the Teacher Licensure Program
A “Licensure Program Completer” is a person who has met all the requirements of a state-approved teacher preparation program. Program completers include all those who are documented as having met such requirements. Documentation may take the form of a degree, institutional certificate, program credential, transcript or other written proof of having met the program’s requirements. In applying this definition, the fact that an individual has or has not been recommended to the state for initial certification or licensure may not be used as a criterion for determining who is a program completer.
To be recommended to the Connecticut State Department of Education for licensure applicants must:
- attain a B or better in all classes, including student teaching
- complete all planned program requirements for licensure, including general education requirements and/or content requirements
- complete a successful student teaching experience
- submit successful Praxis II Assessment Results, or for World Language candidates, a rating of “Intermediate High” on ACTFL examination, and successful Foundations of Reading test scores, if required.
- show evidence of appropriate educator dispositions
