Eastern Mennonite University
Three Steps to Complete EMU's Teacher Education Program
Go to STEP 1: Admission to Teacher Education
Go to STEP 2: Admission to Student Teaching
Go to STEP 3: Exit Requirements

For admission to the teacher education program at EMU you must make formal application for admission by November 30 of the sophomore year or junior year for transfer students. These applications are acted upon by the Teacher Education Admissions Committee based on consideration of the following criteria.

STEP 1: ADMISSION TO TEACHER EDUCATION
You must:
 
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    		• be enrolled in or have completed ED 101/102 Exploring Teaching; or its equivalent.
     
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    		• submit an application and an Entry Portfolio prior to Teacher Education Interview.
     
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    • complete the Reading, Writing, and Mathematics sections of the Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) with minimum scores of 178 on the Reading and Math and 176 on the Writing sections or a composite score of 532.
    OR meet the SAT/ACT Qualifying Scores for Praxis I. See Virginia Test Score Requirements | Register for Praxis
     
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    		• pass the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA). This test is designed to assess entry-level academic competency and can be taken in Virginia as identified in registration materials. Register for VCLA
     
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    		• maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better. (2.7 GPA is required for admission to Supervised Teaching)
     
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    		• students must have a C or better in all education courses (courses with an ED/SPED prefix) to be admitted to Student Teaching
     
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    		• complete a teacher education interview.
     
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    		• demonstrate dispositions of personal and professional responsibility, caring about relationships in learning communities, and reflective practice as evidenced by academic, character, and practica teacher recommendations.
     
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    		• have physical and mental health sufficient for the tasks to be performed as indicated by the results of a health examination signed by a physician.
     
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    		• read the Virginia Licensure Regulations for School Personnel.

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    In order to student teach, you must complete an application by November 30 of your junior year. These applications are acted upon by the Teacher Education Admissions Committee based on consideration of the following criteria.

    STEP 2: ADMISSION TO STUDENT TEACHING
    You must:
     
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    		• be admitted to teacher education and remain in good standing
     
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    		• achieve and maintain a minimum cumulative g.p.a. of 2.7
     
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    		• students must have a C or better in all education courses (courses with an ED/SPED prefix)
     
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    		• complete an application for admission to student teaching.
     
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    		• demonstrate dispositions of personal and professional responsibility, caring about relationships in learning communities, and reflective practice as evidenced by academic, character, and practica teacher recommendations.
     
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    		• have physical and mental health sufficient for the tasks to be performed as indicated by the results of a health examination signed by a physician or health official.
     
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    		• write and submit three copies each of an autobiography and a resume. A set will be given to each supervising teacher and one set will be placed in your permanent file.
     
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    		• meet with the Coordinator of Field Experience or the Director of Teacher Education in an individual conference at which time you present the second phase of your Candidacy Portfolio.
     
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    		• Take the Praxis II (Specialty Area Examination) required for Virginia Licensure. Virginia Test Score Requirements | Register for Praxis

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    In addition to meeting the requirements for your academic major, each student who completes the Teacher Education Program must satisfy the following exit requirements.
    STEP 3: EXIT REQUIREMENTS
    You must:
     
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    		• meet the Virginia State cutoff score requirements for the Praxis II (Specialty Area Examination) and the Virginia Reading Assessment (if required) Virginia Test Score Requirements
     
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    		• maintain at least a 2.7 GPA through the final semester and have a C or better in all education courses.
     
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    		• successfully complete student teaching as determined by the supervising teacher in cooperation with the university consultant.
     
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    		• Submit a Capstone Portfolio including a comprehensive record of professional experiences, evidence of passing Praxis I & II, and documented student learning.
     
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    		• Demonstrate proficiency in meeting Virginia Technology Standards for Instructional Personnel.
     
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    		• meet requirements for child abuse and neglect recognition & reporting curriculum guidelines of the Virginia Department of Education in Reflective Teaching Seminar and through: http://www.vcu.edu/vissta/training/va_teachers/.
     
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    		• apply for Virginia State Licensure.