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Return to: School of Education
Program Objectives
Students who complete one of the programs are expected to develop and demonstrate a variety of knowledge, skills and attitudes considered by the faculty to be essential characteristics of an effective, liberally-educated teacher. For instance, students are expected to develop and demonstrate knowledge of the disciplines and subject matter related to school curriculum; the developmental characteristics of children; cultural and individual differences among children; principles of learning; principles of curriculum and instructional theory; principles of measurement and evaluation; principles of classroom management and discipline; the use of media and computers in education; the role of the school in society; federal, state and local policies and procedures; and support services, professional organizations and resources relevant to education. With respect to skills, students are expected to develop and demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively; to assess the characteristics and learning of students; to develop and implement an instructional plan appropriate for K-12 children; to organize and manage a classroom; and to interact effectively with students, parents and other professionals. Lastly, as they progress through the program, students are expected to develop and demonstrate respect for individual differences; respect for principles of fairness and justice; commitment to teaching and professional growth as evidenced by responsibility and enthusiasm; a positive self-concept; willingness and ability to collaborate professionally; and willingness and ability to consider alternatives judiciously.
Student Advisement
Students are urged to take full advantage of the advisement services in the School of Education. During their freshman and sophomore years, they are encouraged to talk with education faculty about potential careers in teaching. Upon admission to an education program, individual students are assigned academic advisors in the School of Education. Before registering for education courses, students should meet with their advisors to discuss academic, personal and professional goals; to review both the academic regulations of William & Mary and the specific course requirements for teacher licensure; and to plan a program of studies in education. Advisors work with the students throughout their programs.
Field Experience and Continuation Policy
To be eligible to student teach, teacher candidates must successfully complete all education program courses with a grade of C- or above. Earning a D, F or I in any of the education program courses will prevent students from participating in student teaching. A student with extenuating circumstances may petition to the Associate Dean for Academic Programs for special approval to participate in field experiences. Prior to the beginning of their first field experience, it is the student’s responsibility to show verification of a current tubercular examination or risk assessment. In addition, students must complete a background check as indicated by the school division in which they are placed. Additional policies and procedures that govern students in the teacher preparation programs during their field experiences are included in the Handbook for Teacher Candidate Clinical Experiences, which is available on the Office of Teacher Education website.
Transportation
All field experiences take place in K-12 classroom settings. Students are placed in schools within a 60 mile radius of the School of Education, which could be up to a 45 minute drive from campus. Students are responsible for getting to practicum and student teaching placements. Taking public transportation is an option, but not always practical, and will only work if placed in the Williamsburg-James City County school division.
Licensure Testing
Students are required to achieve passing scores on assessments prescribed by the Virginia Board of Education, both for program completion and for licensure. In order to apply for licensure, the Virginia Board of Education requires that paper copies of official score reports be submitted; therefore, these reports will need to be provided to the Office of Teacher Education along with other licensure paperwork. Registration information for all tests and additional information about applying for licensure are available on the Office of Teacher Education website.
(Note: Virginia’s mandated licensure assessments are graduation requirements.)
LiveText
There is an additional, one-time LiveText Fee (not included in the tuition and fees). LiveText is a web-based document creation and storage system that provides School of Education students the ability to store, maintain, and publish a professional career portfolio that can be accessed for up to five years after graduation.
Program Completion
To complete a program in education, students must successfully complete all of the designated licensure assessments, endorsement courses and education courses, including student teaching. The students’ university supervisor and cooperating teacher are each required to verify and evaluate the students’ performance during a full-time student teaching experience with pupils in a state-accredited K-12 school. After verification by the Office of Teacher Education that the students have successfully completed all course and program requirements, that office assists students in obtaining the appropriate teaching license in Virginia.
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