Education Major
Program Director: Associate Professor D. Byrne.
BS Education
The BS in Education will result in either elementary licensure for grades k-6 or secondary education for grades 7-12. The BS in Education requires all students to have an additional major. Those choosing elementary education may major in the majority of content areas that are offered at Norwich University. Those who choose secondary education must major in English, History, Mathematics, Geology, Physics, Chemistry, or Biology.
Successful completion of this major demands a high degree of commitment on the student’s part. In some instances, this may require an extra semester. However, if the double major is started in a student’s freshman year, requirements for both degrees can be completed in four years. All education majors are required to have an overall 3.0 average in both majors before being placed in Student Teaching and before graduation. In addition all education majors are required to take PRAXIS I & PRAXIS II state examinations for licensure. All students are required to take PRAXIS I at the end of their sophomore year or 60 credits. All students are required to take PRAXIS II at the end of their junior year or 90 credits. Both PRAXIS tests are to be passed with results received by the Director of Education Teacher Licensure prior to placement in Student Teaching. Other licensure requirements, such as, the licensure portfolio, are articulated in the Education Teacher Licensure Student Handbook. Education Teacher Licensure has a reciprocity agreement with 47 states of the United States. This allows you to teach in other states with your Vermont Teacher License up to two years. More information on our reciprocity agreement can be found in the Education Teacher Licensure Student Handbook.
The BS in Education Teacher Licensure requires 120 credits for elementary and secondary tracks.
B.S. in Education/Elementary Teacher Licensure Curriculum Map
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ED 101 Foundations of Education I | 1 | ED 201 Foundations of Education III | 1 |
| ED 102 Foundations of Education II | 1 | ED 202 Foundations of Education IV | 1 |
| PY 211 Introduction to Psychology | 3 | PY 220 Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| EN 101 Composition and Literature I | 3 | EN 102 Composition and Literature II | 3 |
| HI Elective (excludes HI 209) | 3 | MA Elective1 | 3-4 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 14 | 14-15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ED 234 Learning and Teaching Strategies | 4 | Literature Course2 | 3 |
| MA Elective1 | 3-4 | Arts & Humanities Course2 | 3 |
| PY 315 Exceptional Child I | 3 | Lab Science | 4 |
| Lab Science | 4 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 17-18 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MA 360 Teaching Mathematics at the Elementary - Middle School Level (or Elective)1 | 3 | ED 360 Language Arts and Teaching Reading in the Elementary School | 4 |
| PY 352 Learning and Memory | 4 | Ethics Course2 | 3 |
| ED 351 Methods of Teaching Science to Elementary Students | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ED 232 Curriculum and Methods of the Elementary School Subjects | 4 | ED 425 Student Teaching | 12 |
| Four Electives | 12 | ||
| 16 | 12 | ||
| Total Credits: 121-123 | |||
| 1 | MA 360 is offered every other fall in even numbered years. MA 107 or equivalent as determined by departmental testing is a prerequisite for MA 360. |
| 2 | Required for all degrees. See Specific Courses which fulfill Degree Requirements in Catalog. |
The B.S. in Education - Secondary requires students to also have another major. For Teacher Licensure Secondary Track the student may major in English, History/Political Science, Mathematics, Geology, Physics, Chemistry, or Biology.
B.S. in Education/Secondary Teacher Licensure Curriculum Map
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ED 101 Foundations of Education I | 1 | ED 201 Foundations of Education III | 1 |
| ED 102 Foundations of Education II | 1 | ED 202 Foundations of Education IV | 1 |
| PY 211 Introduction to Psychology | 3 | PY 220 Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| EN 101 Composition and Literature I | 3 | EN 102 Composition and Literature II | 3 |
| HI Elective (excludes HI 209) | 3 | MA Elective | 3-4 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 14 | 14-15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ED 234 Learning and Teaching Strategies | 4 | EN 202 World Literature II | 3 |
| EN 201 World Literature I | 3 | Arts & Humanities1 | 3 |
| PY 315 Exceptional Child I | 3 | Lab Science | 4 |
| Lab Science | 4 | PY 324 Adolescent Psychology | 3-4 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 17 | 16-17 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PY 352 Learning and Memory | 4 | ED 363 Reading and Writing in the Content Area | 4 |
| Elective | 3 | Ethics1 | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Four Electives | 12 | ED 425 Student Teaching | 12 |
| ED 368 Curriculum & Methods in Secondary Subjects | 4 | ||
| 16 | 12 | ||
| Total Credits: 121-123 | |||
| 1 | Required for all degrees. See Specific Courses which fulfill Degree Requirements in Catalog. |
The “Fifth-Year” Program
For those with degrees in appropriate fields, an opportunity to become a candidate for licensure is provided through a “fifth-year” program. These students are non-matriculating students. Each candidate’s course work and experience are evaluated and a program of study is recommended. Typically, for candidates without education or psychology courses, the program takes 1-1/2 – 2 years to complete. Because of course sequencing, a candidate with some of the required courses must commit to a minimum of one year. Candidates must meet the same requirements for licensure as those students enrolled in the Education Teacher Licensure Major.
The Portfolio
All licensure candidates are required to complete a portfolio. Development of the portfolio begins in during your sophomore year and is reviewed during subsequent courses. Substantial progress toward completion must be demonstrated before the student is admitted to student teaching. This means that Entries 1-4 need to be completed and assessed prior to Student Teaching Placement. After student teaching has been completed with a “B” or better, the portfolio is submitted to a full-time education faculty member and a second reader for review. If approved, the portfolio is presented to the Norwich University Licensure Committee and upon approval, by the committee, the candidate is recommended for licensure for the appropriate subject and/or level. This process is completed during the student teaching semester and before graduation.
Praxis Tests
In order to be recommended for licensure, candidates must achieve a passing score on the Praxis I and II tests. Both Praxis I and II are pre-professional skills tests that Education Teacher Licensure majors are required to take. Students are required to take Praxis I by the end of 60 credits. Students are required to take Praxis II by the end of 90 credits.
All candidates seeking initial Vermont licensure must meet the composite Praxis I test score of 526 (e.g., Reading – 177, Writing – 174, and Mathematics – 175).
Alternative to Praxis: The Vermont State Board of Education adopted the following assessments as alternatives to Praxis I. The results of these assessments will be accepted in lieu of Praxis I if teacher education licensure candidates meet the total and minimum scores presented below. These scores are equivalent to meeting Vermont’s passing scores on the Praxis I Test:
Total Score Verbal/English Math/Quantitative
Graduate Record
Exam (GRE) 1100 500 500
Scholastic Aptitude
Test (SAT) 1100 500 500
American College Test (ACT) 22 22
Description of Courses
Education (ED)
All students are required to pass PRAXIS I & II with test results received by the Director of Education Teacher Licensure prior to placement in Student Teaching.
Minor in Elementary Education
The student will complete the following courses:
| ED 234 | Learning and Teaching Strategies | 4 |
| PY 220 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| PY 315 | Exceptional Child I | 3 |
| And three of the following four courses: | 9-11 | |
| Curriculum and Methods of the Elementary School Subjects | 4 | |
| Methods of Teaching Science to Elementary Students | 3 | |
| Language Arts and Teaching Reading in the Elementary School | 4 | |
| Teaching Mathematics at the Elementary - Middle School Level | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 19-21 | |
Minor in Secondary Education
| ED 234 | Learning and Teaching Strategies | 4 |
| PY 220 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| PY 315 | Exceptional Child I | 3 |
| ED 363 | Reading and Writing in the Content Area | 4 |
| ED 368 | Curriculum & Methods in Secondary Subjects | 4 |
| PY 324 | Adolescent Psychology | 3,4 |
| Total Credits | 21-22 | |
Courses
ED 101. Foundations of Education I. 1 Credit.
This is a one-credit course that is offered during the first semester of the freshman year and introduces teacher education licensure candidates to the teaching profession. Topics include teacher characteristics, demands of the profession, self assessment, the nature of teaching, and an introduction to the development of the professional portfolio. Offered in the Fall.
ED 102. Foundations of Education II. 1 Credit.
Observations of children and adolescents in day care, preschool, and the public schools. 1 lecture hour.
ED 201. Foundations of Education III. 1 Credit.
This course examines the historical and sociological aspects of education including the impact of the family, the community, and economic and cultural influences. Offered in Spring. 1 lecture hour.
ED 202. Foundations of Education IV. 1 Credit.
This course examines the historical and philosophical aspects of education. Offered in Spring. 1 lecture hour.
ED 232. Curriculum and Methods of the Elementary School Subjects. 4 Credits.
An examination of the curriculum and teaching strategies associated with the subjects taught in the elementary school, including mathematics, science, social studies, health, physical education, and the fine arts. Knowledge and research in child growth and development are used as a guide for determining the curriculum materials and procedures that are suitable for children. Students work with children to develop curriculum and teach lessons in the elementary school. Required for elementary teacher licensure candidates. A Practicum of 30 hours will be done during this course. Usually offered in the spring semester.
ED 234. Learning and Teaching Strategies. 4 Credits.
This course includes an overview of the most commonly used strategies in elementary and secondary classrooms. Topics include planning, instructional objectives, media and computer applications, common learning strategies (lecture, discussion, cooperative learning, role playing, questioning, discovery learning) evaluation and assessment of learning. Secondary teacher licensure candidates prepare units and lessons in their fields of study applying specific methods and materials of the subject area. All students participate in microteaching situations. Required for elementary and secondary teacher licensure candidates. Twelve hours of classroom observation are required in this course. Offered in Fall.
ED 351. Methods of Teaching Science to Elementary Students. 3 Credits.
This course examines objectives, methods, and content in elementary science instruction. Emphasis will be on student preparation, teaching and carrying out science activities. These activities will be ready for classroom use. National standards, Vermont Framework, and Vermont Grade Cluster Expectations will be the basis for the content and for the appropriateness of content at different grade levels. This course cannot be used to meet the general education laboratory levels. Prerequisite ED 234. Ten hours of practicum is required and development of portfolio continues. A service-learning component is also offered to all students.
ED 360. Language Arts and Teaching Reading in the Elementary School. 4 Credits.
A study of language development and reading, including an introduction to traditional instructional methodologies of reading and a study of the whole language approach to the language arts. Students will have opportunities to apply theory in various settings. Required for elementary teacher licensure candidates. Prerequisite: ED234. Twelve hours of classroom observation are required in this course. A service Learning component is also attached to this course which will provides students an opportunity to work in the community in the context of literacy. Development of portfolio continues.
ED 363. Reading and Writing in the Content Area. 4 Credits.
A course designed to familiarize content area teachers with the theories and practices of reading and writing in specific disciplines. Students will examine the developmental nature of the reading and writing processes and design discipline-specific materials. Students work as tutors at the secondary and college levels. Required of secondary teacher licensure candidates. Prerequisite: ED 234. A Practicum of 30 hours will be done by Secondary track students during this course. Offered in Spring.
ED 368. Curriculum & Methods in Secondary Subjects. 4 Credits.
An examination of the curriculum and teaching strategies associated with the subjects taught in the secondary school, including English, mathematics, science, and social studies. Students will learn about the general methods for teaching at the Middle/High school level, but will concentrate on their area of content concentration in both their practicum and final project. Knowledge and research in child growth and development is used as a guide for determining the curriculum materials and procedures that are suitable for secondary education students. Students work with adolescents, develop curriculum, and teach lessons in the Middle/High School. Students will keep a reflective journal of all their experiences in the practicum. Required for Teacher Education Licensure secondary track. A Practicum of 30 hours will be required in this course. Offered in the fall. Development of a portfolio continues.
ED 403. Problems in Education. 1-3 Credit.
In this course students are involved in individual investigation, survey, or a project related to education. Offered on Demand.
ED 404. Problems in Education. 1-3 Credit.
In this course students are involved in individual investigation, survey, or a project related to education. Offered on Demand.
ED 425. Student Teaching. 12 Credits.
In this course there is a full-time student teaching assignment. This course may be taken only as a part of the teacher education licensure program. This is a capstone course for teacher education Licensure students. Offered every semester. 14 lecture hours. A service-learning componet is embedded in this course.
ED 432. Curriculum and Methods of the Elementary School. 4 Credits.
An examination of the curriculum and teaching strategies associated with the subjects taught in the elementary school, including mathematics, science, social studies, health, physical education, and the fine arts. Knowledge and research in child growth and development are used as a guide for determining the curriculum materials and procedures that are suitable for children. Students work with children to develop curriculum and teach lessons in the elementary school. Required for elementary teacher licensure candidates. A Practicum of 30 hours will be done during this course. Usually offered in the spring semester.