2008-2009 Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2008-2009 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Teacher Education Program (TEP)


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The Teacher Education Program (TEP) leads to initial licensure in elementary teaching or in secondary teaching in the fields of English, foreign language (Spanish), mathematics, science, or social studies.

Students who wish to enter the TEP should request information from the COE office or from the Education Advisor in the Student Success Center during the freshman year, if possible. Undergraduate students planning on either elementary or secondary education licensure must complete an undergraduate degree in the College of LAS as well as the TEP requirements. Students with undergraduate degrees from an accredited institution must meet similar requirements.

Students who have obtained their bachelor’s degree may apply to the TEP, either to the post-baccalaureate study or the TEP/Master’s program (MA in Curriculum and Instruction).

Before applying to enter the program, students must attend a group-advising meeting for a full explanation of the nature of the program and the admission process.

TEP Program Description

Central features of the TEP are the integration of education courses with field experiences. The program requires students to have experiences with diverse populations and in diverse settings. In addition to the requirements for an undergraduate bachelor’s degree, TEP students complete education studies consisting of an Introductory Level (First Tier) and Professional Level (Second Tier).

The professional year preparation portion of the program is full-time (fall and spring), consisting of 27 credit hours. Students participate in the professional year as a cohort group; they begin the professional year with one course in the summer, continuing in the fall, and completing the program the following spring semester. The 35-38 credit-hour professional year requirement consists of course work (foundations of education, educational psychology, curriculum, and methods) and field experiences (observations, co-teaching, and student teaching) that take place in Professional Development Schools (PDS).

TEP Students complete field experiences and student teaching in an assigned Professional Development School (PDS); these are regular elementary, middle, or high schools that are selected to work in partnership with the University to prepare teachers for licensure. Each PDS supports the development of student teachers through co-teaching, research and inquiry, and professional development for in-service teachers.

Additional course work may be required to meet all of the program requirements.

All courses taken for completion of TEP and licensure must be completed with a grade of B- or better, and the stated level of achievement must be met on all levels of performance demonstration assessments.

TEP Admission Requirements

Admission to the TEP is a selective process. Students are admitted twice a year, in November and April.

TEP Required Tests

PRAXIS II or PLACE Content Test must be taken no later than the June test date prior to beginning TEP.

All students admitted to the TEP at UCCS, whether undergraduate or graduate, must take the Academic Profile Test before beginning the Professional Year (Second Tier).

Additional testing requirements may need to be met. It is essential to keep in contact with the COE and the Student Success Center to learn what these requirements may be. Test dates are available in the COE.

TEP Transfer Credit

A maximum of 10 credit hours of education credit may be transferred to the TEP. The TEP Director will determine transfer of education credit.

Undergraduate TEP Admission

The undergraduate TEP program has an admission process beyond the admission requirements of the university.

Interested students should attend an undergraduate group advising session before applying.

Undergraduate students apply to the TEP at two levels:

  • First Tier Introductory level
  • Second Tier Professional level

First Tier Prerequisites/Requirements:


  • Appropriate content courses for major
  • GPA 2.5 or better in all course work
  • Appropriate level SAT or ACT scores

Completion of the Following Core Courses Before Applying to the First Tier:


  • Upper-division status or consent of TEP Director

Second Tier Prerequisites/Requirements


  • Additional experience with children or youth
  • Additional reference (a minimum of one, a maximum of three)
  • Completion of or enrollment in core courses (T ED 452 and SPED 3001) from First Tier
  • Current GPA: 2.5 or better in all college course work

First Tier Application Process


  • Application deadlines: October 1 for spring admission; February 1 for summer admission; and May 1 for fall admission.
  • References: Two references from teacher(s) with whom applicant worked in T ED 301 or early school experience.
  • Background check with CDE

Post-Baccalaureate and Graduate TEP Admission


Students who wish to enroll in the TEP and have already earned their bachelor’s degree may apply either to the Post- Baccalaureate program or to the TEP/Master’s degree program.

PROCESS

  • Attend Group Advising Session
  • Individual transcript review during advising appointment
  • Application
  • Interview

DEADLINES

  • Fall: Deadline to apply—October 1; acceptance—November 15
  • Spring: Deadline to apply—February 1; acceptance—April 1

TEP PREREQUISITES/REQUIREMENTS

  • Appropriate courses for major and level in order to meet content requirements for licensure. A checklist will be completed by the appropriate TEP content advisor.

POST-BACCALAUREATE & GRADUATE SELECTION CRITERIA

  • Academic degree completed or nearly completed
  • GPA of 2.75 or better
  • Experience with children and youth (45 hours)
  • Recommendations (TEP—minimum of three, maximum of five) and graduate school references (minimum of two)
  • Career Goals Statement (describing motivation, interest, decision, and personal qualities)
  • Must complete GRE or MAT
  • Timeline submitted for completion of prerequisites (TEP checklist)
  • Completion of, enrollment in, or timeline for completion for all core courses: T ED 300/500-3 Contemporary American Education SPED 3001/5001-3 Introduction to Special Education T ED 452/552-3 Educational Psychology T ED 480/580 ESL for Educators
  • Background check (CDE Educator Licensing)

Post-Baccalaureate & Graduate Required Tests


Completion of the PRAXIS II or PLACE Content Test with satisfactory scores. Applicants should plan to take the PRAXIS II or PLACE Content Test on the test dates in fall or spring prior to applying to the program. If PRAXIS II or PLACE Content Test has not been taken by application date, the candidate must furnish a copy of the confirmation of Registration for the test.

PRAXIS II or PLACE Content Test must be passed prior to student teaching.

All students admitted to the TEP at UCCS, whether undergraduate or graduate, must take the Academic Profile Test before beginning the Professional Year (Second Tier).

TEP Course Requirements for Elementary Education, Undergraduate Students


The specific course requirements for elementary education students fall into three categories: (1) general education, subject specialization, and professional courses.

General Education


Area Requirements: Students should see the LAS undergraduate requirements list for the roster of courses that will fulfill the area requirements for the 12 credit hours in each of the three areas of general education: Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences (including a laboratory experience).

Mathematics: two courses in mathematics, MATH 301 and 302, are required. Students must receive a grade of at least a B- in each course.

English Language: All students must complete English 131—Rhetoric and Writing I and English 141—Rhetoric and Writing II.

Subject Specialization for Elementary Education Students


To ensure that they have adequate background in the subjects they will teach in elementary school, undergraduate students interested in elementary education must complete a major in an academic subject area. Approved majors for elementary teachers are English, geography, history, biology, and Spanish. Students must meet LAS requirements. The LAS adviser will assist students in this process. Completion of a major does not meet all the teaching field requirements. Students must see the subject field advising sheets for the specific certification field requirements.

Professional Courses for Elementary Education Students


Second Tier Application Process


  • Application Deadlines: fall—October 1, acceptance— November 1; spring—February 1, acceptance—April 1.
  • Career Goals Statement (describing motivation, interest, decision, and personal qualities)
  • Interview with COE team

TEP Course Requirements for Elementary Education, Graduate (Master’s Track) Students


Second Tier Required Course Work


The Second Tier Professional Year has a set sequence of required courses over three semesters, from June to May: 27 credit hours for Secondary; 31 credit hours for Elementary.

TEP Course Requirements for Secondary Education, Undergraduate Students


The specific course requirements for undergraduate secondary education students fall into three categories: (1) general education, (2) subject specialization, and (3) professional courses.

General Education


Area Requirements: Students should see the LAS undergraduate requirements list for the roster of courses that will fulfill the area requirements for the 12 credit hours in each of the three areas of general education: Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences (including a laboratory experience).

Quantitative: 3 credit hours

English Language: All students must complete English 131— Rhetoric and Writing I and English 141—Rhetoric and Writing II.

Subject Specialization for Undergraduate Secondary Education Students


Secondary students must complete a major in their field. This may be in an individual discipline (e.g. English, history, biology, physics, chemistry, Spanish, or mathematics).

Individual requirements for licensure in particular subject areas are available with either LAS or COE advisers. Completion of a major does not necessarily meet all the teaching field requirements. Students must see the subject field advising sheets for the specific certification field requirements.

Required Undergraduate Secondary Teacher Education Courses


Lisensure Only


(This course must be taken in addition to the above listed requirements)

TEP Course Requirements for Secondary Education, Graduate (Master’s Track) Students


Required Core Courses

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