Teacher Preparation Program Chronology

With careful planning, most students can complete all degree requirements and the Teacher Preparation Program in four years. In some cases, students may choose to return for the student teaching semester after graduation. Students who do this should note that while they will be recommended for licensure upon completion of the program, they cannot earn a minor if the full program is not completed BEFORE graduation.

Year One

Students interested in becoming licensed to teach should contact the Department of Education during their first year at the University and arrange to meet with a faculty advisor. Students may begin courses in the education sequence. If necessary, students should arrange to take the Praxis I exam before the end of their first year.

Year Two

Students must submit a formal application to the program and return the completed forms to the Department of Education no later than October 15 of the fall semester or March 15 of the spring semester. Students declare education as a minor only after they have been officially accepted into the program. Students continue with courses in the education sequence appropriate to the minor they have declared.

Year Three

Students continue with courses in the education sequence appropriate to the minor they have declared. During the spring semester of this year, students apply for the student teaching experience that will occur during the fall semester of the fourth year. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.70, and a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 in education, to be eligible for student teaching.

Year Four

Students complete the semester-long student teaching experience and accompanying seminar. Students must take and submit passing scores on all required exams for their licensure area. Students should consult their faculty advisor in the Department of Education for information about this requirement. Students must also complete a Career Development Center placement file and licensure application forms. (The Department of Education will forward applications and recommendations for licensure only for those students who complete the student teaching experience through the University of Richmond.)