Special Education - Undergraduate Teacher Licensure K-12

Supporting coursework (39 credits)

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

Required courses and Plan of Study

Required courses for Special Education licensure

Required Courses for Cross-endorsement in Elementary Education (Grades K-6)

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

Requirements for Application to 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, candidate knowledge will be assessed in a written comprehensive examination. Successful completion of the examination is a requirement for conferral of the B.S. in Special Education.

Teacher Licensure

Upon completion of entrance requirements, the prescribed programs and exit requirements, candidates for Special Education (K-12) with cross-endorsement in Elementary Education (1-6) will be recommended to the State Department of Education for 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 Connecticut 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 (or for World Language candidates a rating of “intermediate high” on ACTFL assessment) for each endorsement area and the Foundations of Reading test for Elementary and N-3 candidates
• Show evidence of appropriate educator dispositions
• Submit application for a teaching license to teacher licensure officer.

Other Opportunities in Education

International Honor Society  
Laboratory Schools  
Cross Endorsement  
Internships