Tips for Success:
- EDUC 320 and EDUC 321 should be taken in succession during back to back semesters. The VRA (Virginia Reading Assessment) should then be taken following successful completion of both reading courses.
- Praxis II should be taken following the completion of all content courses.
- Study guides for all assessments can be borrowed from the Education Department's Office in Pruden.
Suggested Electives:
The following psychology courses make great electives if you find you have room in your schedule for an extra course.
- Psychology 245 Child Psychology
- Psychology 324 Group Dynamics
- Psychology 341 Cognitive Development
- Psychology 266 Healthy Personality
- Psychology 374 Adolescent Development
Can I be an education major?
No. In the state of Virginia one must declare a subject area major. Prospective elementary, special education and middle school teachers choose the interdivisional major (PIDM) which covers the four core areas - English, mathematics, science, and social studies. Prospective secondary teachers choose a subject area such as English, social studies, science, math, art, music or foreign language. The student will complete the requirements for the major and the professional courses required for teacher licensure.
Who will be my advisor?
All students are assigned a freshman seminar advisor. It is very important to change to an advisor in your major during the first semester. Only those students seeking secondary certification will have two advisors - one from your major and one from the education department. Students seeking elementary or special education certification will have a PIDME or PIDMS advisor. Visit the Blocker 20 for assistance with making this change.
Will I receive credit for course work taken at other colleges?
Transfer credits are evaluated in the Admissions Office and in the Registrar's Office. The Coordinator of the Education Department will evaluate those courses that may be transferred into certification programs and review any previous teaching experience for abbreviated field experiences.
How do I plan for practicum classes?
When scheduling courses, the student should leave a block of time open during the day for this experience. Some students find that they have the best experience when they spend a half day or a full day in the classroom. Primary practicum requires 50 hours in either a preK setting, kindergarten, or first grade. Upper elementary practicum is 50 hours in a 4th or 5th grade classroom. The secondary practicum is 50 hours in either a middle school or a high school.
What can I expect from the student teaching experience?
The student teaching experience lasts for a full semester. During this
time the student moves from observer to teacher. At the end of each experience,
the preservice teacher should be in complete charge of the classroom teaching
all lessons and handling all classroom management. The preservice teacher
is required to write lesson plans, grade papers and record grades, complete
reports (as required), meet with parents, etc. At the end of the semester
the successful preservice teacher is ready to manage a classroom of his/her
own. Preservice teaching is a full time job. It is recommended that student
teachers not hold jobs during this semester. This is a good time to do some
networking and to get to know other teachers and administrators.
How is student teaching graded?
Virginia Wesleyan College requires two placements in the student teaching experience and in each placement the student is given a letter grade. The grade is based on the evaluations from the supervisor, cooperating teacher, the school administrator, and the college seminar instructor.
How can I study for the Praxis?
There are a variety of Praxis study books available in our bookstore. They can also be borrowed from the Education Department. Learning Plus is a computer-based, self-paced tutoring program that evaluates your strengths and weaknesses and provides explanation for problems that you cannot solve correctly. Practice tests are avail bale on Blackboard. Tutoring is available through the Learning Resource Center.
When should I take the Praxis I test?
Take the Praxis I test soon after completing basic college courses in English and math. The Praxis I is a test of basic skills and should be taken when those concepts are fresh in your mind. Students are not admitted to the Education Department until they have passed Praxis I.
When should I take Virginia Communication and Language Assessment (VCLA)?
Take the VCLA soon after completing basic college courses in English. The VCLA is composed of two sub tests: reading and writing. Students must earn a total of at least 470 to pass this test.
When should I take the Virginia Reading Assessment (VRA)?
The VRA should be taken after students have completed EDUC 320 and EDUC 321. These courses provide the material that students need to know to be successful when they take the VRA.
When should I take the Praxis II?
Take the Praxis II test after you have taken the majority of the courses required for your major. Praxis II must be taken before you do your student teaching.
Is my Virginia Certification good in other states?
Virginia has reciprocity with many states. See chart below.
| NASDTEC 2005 – 2010 Agreement as of August 30, 2006 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Alaska | American Samoa | Arizona |
| Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut |
| Delaware | District of Columbia | Florida | Georgia |
| Guam | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois |
| Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky |
| Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts |
| Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri |
| Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire |
| New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina |
| North Dakota | Northern Mariana Islands | Ohio | Oklahoma |
| Ontario | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Puerto Rico |
| Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee |
| Texas | Utah | Vermont | Washington |
| West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming | |