Education

Program Director: Associate Professor Diane Byrne; Assistant Professor Sharon Goodvin

The BS in Education is designed to lead to recommendation for licensure for students who complete the program.  The BS in Education requires all students to have a double major. Those choosing elementary education may major in mathematics or any of the Liberal arts and science areas that are offered at Norwich University. Those who choose secondary education must major in Mathematics.

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 GPA of 3.0 in both majors before being placed in Student Teaching and before graduation. In addition, all education majors are required to take the PRAXIS Core Academic Skills for Educators test & the PRAXIS II Content Tests.  All students are required to take the PRAXIS Core Academic Skills for Educators test before the end of their sophomore year or 60 credits. All students are required to take the PRAXIS II Content Tests in the spring of their junior year before their completion of 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 50 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. Students are encouraged to do a semester of study abroad. Opportunities are also available to do service learning education projects abroad and in inner city schools.

The BS in Education Teacher Licensure requires 120 credits for Education Elementary track  and  Education Secondary track Mathematics

Goals:

• To expose students to the full range of ideas in Education.
• To provide students the opportunity to experience the process of becoming a teacher .
• To prepare students for lifelong career development.

Outcomes:

• To demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the content of Education including major concepts of teaching and learning, theoretical constructs, and historical foundations.
• To write reflectively regarding one's development as a teacher.
• To demonstrate growth in teaching skills, strategies, and dispositions.
• Completion of Professional Portfolio.

Careers for this Major:

• Preparation for Overseas schools for military dependents
• Test Preparation Companies
• Tutoring and Learning Centers
• Graduate study in Special Service Fields, such as English as a Second Language
• Curriculum Supervision
• Administration, such as a Principal or Superintendent

B.S. in Education/Elementary Teacher Licensure - Curriculum Map

Must maintain an overall 3.0 average in the Education major as well as in the second major.

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 Major.

The Portfolio

All licensure candidates are required to complete a portfolio. Development of the portfolio begins in your sophomore year and is continued in 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. The development of your portfolio and its process is discussed in further detail in your Portfolio Handbook.

Praxis Tests

In order to be recommended for licensure, candidates must achieve a passing score on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators and the PRAXIS II Content Tests.  These tests are discussed in detail with Education students during their individual advising times.

All students are required to pass PRAXIS I Core Academic Skills for Educators test and the Praxis II Content tests prior to placement in ED 425 Student Teaching.

B.S. in Secondary Teacher Licensure - Curriculum Map

Students must also major in Mathematics with the Secondary Education major.|
Must maintain an overall 3.0 average in the Education major as well as in the Mathematics major.

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 Major.

The Portfolio

All licensure candidates are required to complete a portfolio. Development of the portfolio begins in your sophomore year and is continued in 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. The development of your portfolio and its process is discussed in further detail in your Portfolio Handbook.

Praxis Tests

In order to be recommended for licensure, candidates must achieve a passing score on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators and the PRAXIS II Content Tests.  These tests are discussed in detail with Education students during their individual advising times.

All students are required to pass PRAXIS I Core Academic Skills for Educators test and the Praxis II Content tests prior to placement in ED 425 Student Teaching.

Elementary Education Minor

ED 234	Learning and Teaching Strategies	4
PY 220	Developmental Psychology	3
ED 315	Special Needs Child	3
And three of the following four courses:		9-11
ED 432	Curriculum and Methods of the Elementary School	4
ED 351	Methods of Teaching Science to Elementary Students	3
ED 360	Language Arts and Teaching Reading in the Elementary School	4
MA 360	Teaching Mathematics at the Elementary - Middle School Level	3
Total Credits		19-21

Secondary Education Minor

ED 234	Learning and Teaching Strategies	4
PY 220	Developmental Psychology	3
ED 315	Special Needs Child	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