Teacher Education

Department Chair – To be announced

Professor - Stephen A. Roderick

Associate Professors - Cheryl Clay, Joe Lounge, and

Gene Taylor

Assistant Professors - Maggie Cason and Jennifer Trujillo

Visiting Instructors – Troy Webb, Toi Creech and Susan Martinez

Fort Lewis College offers a Teacher Education Program designed to enable students to qualify for a Colorado teaching license.  The program makes it possible to complete both a bachelors degree and qualify for a teaching license within four academic years.  The program requires 800 hours of field experience.  It is essential that each student consult with a Teacher Education Advisor and a Major Advisor regarding the Teacher Education Program, approved majors, and requirements necessary for licensure.

 

The FLC Teacher Education Department (TED) endeavors to attract individuals with a high potential for successfully completing teacher preparation courses and fieldwork. Each faculty member serves as the contact person for curriculum advising.

TEACHER LICENSING PROGRAMS OFFERED AT FORT LEWIS COLLEGE INCLUDE:

 

Early Childhood Education:  Students seeking teacher licensing at the early childhood level (Preschool-3rd grade) shall complete a baccalaureate degree and the early childhood licensing sequence.  The major required for the baccalaureate degree is Interdisciplinary Studies.   Consult an Early Childhood Program advisor for details (Cheryl Clay).  The student must pass the Early Childhood PRAXIS II content exam and Academic Profile exam prior to student teaching.

 

Elementary Education (Middle Childhood): Students seeking teacher licensing at the elementary level (K-6) shall complete a baccalaureate degree and the elementary education licensing sequence.  The major required for the baccalaureate degree is Interdisciplinary Studies.  Consult a middle childhood education advisor for details (Maggie Cason, Susan Martinez, or Jennifer Trujillo).  The student must pass the Elementary PRAXIS II content exam and Academic Profile exam prior to student teaching.

 

Secondary Education (Young Adult):  Students seeking licensing at the young adult level (grades 7-12) shall complete an approved baccalaureate degree, the secondary professional sequence, and Colorado Department of Education endorsement standards.  Approved majors for Secondary license include:  English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, History, Humanities and Spanish.  Consult a secondary education advisor for details (Joe Lounge or Gene Taylor).  The student must pass the PRAXIS II content exam and Academic Profile exam prior to student teaching.

 

K-12 Education:  Students may seek licensing for grades K-12 in Art, Music, and Physical Education.  Students shall complete a baccalaureate degree, the K-12 licensing program, and the Colorado Department of Education Endorsement Standards. Majors approved for each of the K-12 licenses include:  Art, Music Education, and Exercise Science.  Contact any education advisor or major advisor for details.  The student must pass the PRAXIS II content exam and Academic Profile exam prior to student teaching.

 

ADD-ON ENDORSEMENTS INCLUDE:

 

Linguistically Diverse: Bilingual:  Students seeking licensure at any level can add on a Linguistically Diverse: Bilingual endorsement.  The student must pass a language competency exam in Spanish, Navajo, or another southwestern language in addition to the required bilingual courses.  The student must pass the Bilingual PRAXIS content exam in addition to the required bilingual coursework for licensure. Contact the Bilingual/ESL faculty for more details (Jennifer Trujillo).

 

Linguistically Diverse: ESL.  Students seeking licensure at any level can add on an Linguistically Diverse: ESL endorsement.  Although no second-language competence is required, some facility in a non-English language is recommended. The ESL PRAXIS Content Exam must be passed in addition to the required ESL coursework for licensure.  Contact the Bilingual/ESL faculty for more details (Jennifer Trujillo).

 

Early Childhood:  Students may add on Early Childhood Endorsement to a middle childhood (elementary) license by completing the requirements for Middle Childhood Licensing and a minimum number of additional hours.  The Early Childhood PRAXIS II Content Exam must be passed for licensure.  Consult an Early Childhood Program advisor for details (Cheryl Clay).

 

ADMISSION TO THE TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM

Undergraduates

 

To be admitted to the Teacher Education Program, the undergraduate student must:

  • have “active FLC student” status
  • submit a completed Teacher Education application
  • submit an FLC transcript showing
  • at least 30 credit hours completed
  • an APPROVED major
  • demonstrate potential for academic success with ONE of the following
  • a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75
  • presentation of a PERC (Performance Evaluation Review Committee) petition including 1) 3 letters of reference, 2) evidence of rising academic performance and 3) specific academic goals.  Acceptance of an application portfolio is at the discretion of the Teacher Education faculty.  Note, a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 is required before a student will be placed in student teaching.
  • document submission of fingerprints for a Colorado Department of Education background investigation (e.g. database entry for fingerprint card submission or copy of substitute teaching license)
  • complete Ed 200R Introduction to Education in America with B- or better
  • demonstrate proficiency in basic skills with ONE of the following three options
    • B- or better in Comp 150, 126 or 250 and a course designated as fulfilling a Q requirement.
    • A score of 441, or greater, on the ETS Academic Profile
    • Passing scores on the Praxis I PPST writing and mathematics tests; 174 on writing and 175 on mathematics.

Post-baccalaureate (unclassified) students

To be admitted to the Teacher Education Program, the post-baccalaureate student must:

  • have been admitted to Fort Lewis College and be in an “active student” status at the time of application
  • submit a completed Teacher Education application
  • submit a transcript from the degree granting institution identifying the degree awarded
  • demonstrate potential for academic success with ONE of the following

o        a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75

o        presentation of a PERC petition including 1) 3 letters of reference, 2) evidence of rising academic performance and 3) specific academic goals.  Acceptance of an application portfolio is at the discretion of the Teacher Education faculty.  Note, a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 is required before a student will be placed in student teaching.

  • document submission of fingerprints for a Colorado Department of Education background investigation (e.g. database entry for fingerprint card submission or copy of substitute teaching license)
  • document content area preparation with a signed “broad-base” transcript analysis for Early Childhood or Elementary or a signed endorsement sheet for secondary. Students must compete an additional course, or courses, in areas identified as deficient.
  • document having passed the PRAXIS II content exam.

 

FIELD-BASED STUDY

 

Field-based training (field experience) includes a variety of experiences in authentic, supervised, public school settings.  Students attend college courses that include direct instruction of methods, practices, and procedures in their content.  These courses include specific assignments for field study associated with predetermined learning standards.  Students and professors work in area schools to complete specific assignments that address a variety of standards including Colorado K-12 Model Content Standards, CDE Performance-Based Standards for Colorado Teachers, and Section 8 in rules for the Administration of the Educators Licensing Act of 1991.  All students are required to submit fingerprints to the Colorado Department of Education before participating in field-based study.  Students may be withdrawn from field study at the discretion of the Teacher Education Program faculty.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO STUDENT TEACHING

 

To be admitted to Student Teaching the student must:

 

  • have senior or post-baccalaureate standing.
  • pass the PRAXIS II content exam before being placed for student teaching.
  • have completed 100% of the major or required endorsement courses for post baccalaureate students or an approved petition for an exception.
  • achieve a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 in the licensing program and cumulative. 
  • complete 100% of education and auxiliary courses with no grade lower than a C-.  Courses include those listed under “Departmental Requirements” and “Auxiliary Requirements.”
  • have an approved student teaching application on file, submitted no later than the second Friday of the fall term for winter student teaching, or no later than the second Friday of the winter term for fall student teaching.
  • have approved PERC (Performance Evaluation Review Committee) petition(s) on file, if needed.   Students not meeting the department criteria must petition for a  review by the Performance Evaluation Review Committee and may have possible stipulations in order to be allowed to student teach.  Not all PERC requests are granted.
  • be willing to move or commute to an area outside of Durango; some student teachers are placed outside of the city of Durango.  
  • be recommended by the Teacher Education faculty.

 

Note: A $250 fee is required to teach out-of-area (greater than 70 miles from Durango).

COMPLETION OF TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM

 

In addition to the required courses in the professional sequence, a successful summative portfolio presentation must be completed before a student is considered to have completed student teaching. The portfolio represents verification of proficiency on each of the forty-five elements of the Performance Standards for Colorado Teachers.

 

SUMMATIVE PORTFOLIO

 

A summative portfolio developed by the student teacher must be presented during the student teaching term.  A portfolio includes examples of the candidate’s best work and illustrates the teaching skills acquired.  Students are advised to keep samples of work completed during the professional education classes as well as during student teaching for possible inclusion in their portfolio.  A current collection of portfolio assessment rubrics, detailing the expected content and format of the portfolio presentation, is included in the student teacher handbook.  The portfolio panel consists of members of FLC faculty and staff, K-12 educators, and community members.  The student teacher is responsible for choosing one panelist for the portfolio review.

 

RECOMMENDATION FOR LICENSURE

 

Upon successful completion of the Teacher Licensing Program, students will be recommended for a Colorado teaching license. Students wishing to apply to another state are advised to contact the appropriate Department of Education for information about specific requirements.  Colorado requirements include:

 

  • Successful completion of Bachelor’s Degree with a major in the endorsement area (or in an officially approved equivalent of the major).
  • Successful completion of the Teacher Licensing Program.
  • Passing the required PRAXIS II Exam(s).
  • Submission of a completed application for Provisional License to The Colorado Department of Education.

 

EARLY CHILDHOOD LICENSING PROGRAM (Preschool-3rd grade)

 

Specific Departmental Requirements:

 

** Courses marked with double asterisks may also be counted toward TS1 or Q requirements.

 

The following two courses may be taken prior to admission to the Teacher Licensing Program.

 

**Ed 200R Introduction to Education in America                    4

**Ed 210S  Culture of Childhood and Youth                           4

 

The following courses require admission to the Teacher Licensing Program:

 

Ed 353     Growth and Development of the Young Child         3                              OR

Psyc 354  Child Psychology                                                     4

Ed 421     Individualized Instruction in a Pluralistic Society     6

Ed 423     Language Arts, Music, Art and Movement              4

Ed 427     Language Arts Methods                                          4

Ed 453     Cognitive Skills                                                         4

Ed 456     Early Childhood Administration                                                3

Note:  Ed 456 should be taken the semester prior to student teaching.

Ed 492     Kindergarten/Primary School Setting, Lab

Experience                                                      15

 

Program CORE credits                                                       47-48

 

Auxiliary Requirements:

Psyc 254  Life Span Human Development                               4

 

Program Total                                                                      51-52

 

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION LICENSING PROGRAM (Middle Childhood) Grades K-6

 

Specific Departmental Requirements:

The following two courses may be taken prior to admission to the Teacher Licensing Program. 

 

**Ed 200R  Introduction to Education in America                   4

**Ed 210S  Culture of Childhood and Youth                           4

 

The following courses require admission to the Teacher Licensing Program:

 

Ed 421     Individualized Instruction in a Pluralistic Society     6

Ed 423     Language Arts, Music, Art and Movement              4

Ed 425     Science and Technology Methods for

Elementary School Teaching                                   4

Ed 426     Mathematics and Social Studies Methods

for Elementary School Teaching                              4

Ed 427     Language Arts Methods                                          4

Ed 494     Laboratory Experience and Seminar

in the Elementary School                                         15

 

Program CORE credits                                                       45

 

Auxiliary Requirements:

Psyc 254  Life Span Human Development                               4

 

Program Total                                                                     49

 

SECONDARY LICENSING PROGRAM (Grades 7-12)

 

Specific Departmental Requirements:

 

The following two courses may be taken prior to admission to the Teacher Licensing Program.

 

**Ed 200R  Introduction to Education in America                   4

**Ed 210S  Culture of Childhood and Youth                           4

 

The following courses require admission to the Teacher Licensing Program.

 

Ed 421     Individualized Instruction in a Pluralistic Society     6

Ed 424     Language and Math Literacy in the

Secondary School                                                    4

Ed 495     Laboratory Experience and Seminar

in the Secondary School                                          15

 

Program Total                                                                     33

 

Qualification for a license requires an approved major.  Additional courses in the endorsement or subject area may be required to meet the Colorado Department of Education endorsement standards.

K-12 LICENSING PROGRAM

Art or Physical Education

 

Specific Departmental Requirements:

The following two courses may be taken prior to admission to the Teacher Licensing Program.

 

**Ed 200R  Introduction to Education in America                   4

**Ed 210S  Culture of Childhood and Youth                           4

 

The following courses require admission to the Teacher Licensing Program.

 

Ed 421     Individualized Instruction in a Pluralistic Society     6

Ed 424     Language and Math Literacy in the

Secondary School                                                    4

Ed 494     Laboratory Experience and Seminar in the

Elementary School                                                   7

Ed 495     Laboratory Experience and Seminar in the

Secondary School                                                    8

               

Program CORE credits                                                       33

 

Auxiliary Requirements:

Psyc 254  Life Span Human Development                               4

 

Program Total                                                                     37

 

K-12 LICENSING PROGRAM

Music Education

 

Specific Departmental Requirements:

 

The following two courses may be taken prior to admission to the Teacher Licensing Program.

 

**Ed 200R  Introduction to Education in America                   4

Ed 210S   Culture of Childhood and Youth                              4

 

The following courses require admission to the Teacher Licensing Program.

               

Ed 421     Individualized Instruction in a

Pluralistic Society                                                     6

Ed 494     Laboratory Experience and Seminar

in the Elementary School                                         7

Ed 495     Laboratory Experience and Seminar

in the Secondary School                                          8

               

Program CORE credits                                                       29

 

Auxiliary Requirements:

Mu 314    Methods and Principles of Teaching

Vocal Music                                                              3

Mu 315    Methods and Principles of Teaching

Instrumental Music                                                  3

Mu 316    Music in the Elementary School                               3

               

Program Total                                                                     38

 

Additional courses in Music are also required to meet the Colorado Department of Education standards.  Specific Endorsement sheets are available at 244 or 246 Education Business Hall.

 

ADD-ON ENDORSEMENTS:

 

EARLY CHILDHOOD ADD-ON ENDORSEMENT

 

Students who complete the Middle Childhood Program (elementary) must complete the following courses to add an Early Childhood Endorsement.

 

Specific Departmental Requirements:

Ed 353     Growth and Development of the

Young Child                                                             3

Ed 453     Cognitive Skills                                                         4

Ed 456     Early Childhood Administration                                                3

Ed 492     Seminar in the Kindergarten/Primary (K-3) School

Setting, Lab Experience                                          15

 

Additional coursework required in special topics

in Early Childhood literacy and creative art                            2

 

Endorsement Total                                                            27

 

LINGUISTICALLY DIVERSE ENDORSEMENTS: BILINGUAL OR ESL

(Available to all students seeking licensure.)

 

Core Requirements:

**Ed 210S  Culture of Childhood and Youth                           4

Ed 421     Individualized Instruction in a Pluralistic Society     6

Ed 333     Southwest Language Immersion for

Teachers                                                                 3

Ed 335     Educational Linguistics                                             3

                                OR

Eng 462   Linguistics                                                                4

 

Cultural Emphasis:  Culturally based art,

literature, or social science courses                                        9

 

ESL students must also take:

Ed 334  Methods of Teaching English as a Second Language 3

                                AND

Pass the ESL PRAXIS exam

 

Bilingual students must also take:

Ed 332     Materials and Methods of Bilingual Education         3

AND

Pass the Bilingual PREXIS exam and pass a language proficiency test.

 

ESL and Bilingual students must complete 30 hours of documented field experience with linguistically different children.

 

Endorsement Total                                                            28-32