As a highly respected educator preparation program, The Office of Professional Licensure (OPL) has a competitive and selective admissions process. Given the enormity of responsibilities placed upon educators, multiple considerations—including both quantitative and qualitative factors—are considered in the holistic admissions process. Admission to teacher education is the first Gateway of the student teacher program.
Candidates wishing to pursue teacher licensure through a student teacher pathway must first apply for admission to the teacher education program. This application process is explained in detail here.
Applicants complete the Teacher Education Application: demographic data, essay questions, and ProCADS self-assessment
Applicants complete Risk Management Procedures: Background Check VECHHS and fingerprinting, Verification of professional responsibilities of being a mandatory reporter and professional liability insurance
Applicant GPA and prerequisite coursework are verified
Qualified applicants are reviewed by a Board of Admissions. Applicants may be contacted by the Board of Admissions for an interview
Admissions boards report the Admissions decisions, Projected Licensure Area, Projected Student Teaching Date
Applicants must complete multiple steps in the admissions process, including completion of the teacher education information form, completion of a ProCADs self-assessment and Essay Questions, completion of risk management procedures including a background check, review of GPA and prerequisite coursework, and participation in an Admissions Board Review/Interview. If the applicant is recommended for admission, projected licensure areas and a projected student teaching date will be assigned.
Following admission to a teacher education program, OPL and the appropriate academic department provide candidates with multiple, embedded, and increasing opportunities throughout the program, in both coursework and clinical experiences, to grow the skills and dispositions necessary for 21st-century teaching and learning.
Progression through the program is closely monitored and checked at each Gateway.