1. Think You Want to Be a Teacher? Presented by: The College of Education and Human Development George Mason University SPRING 2009 Please sign in at the door and help yourself to information.

2. Teachers are Nation Builders “A teacher affects eternity; they can never tell where their influence stops.” ~Henry Adams

3. Why would you want to become a teacher?  Make a Difference  Change Lives  Engage Minds  Touch the future (Intel)  It’s a good profession Fulfilling Stable Benefits Opportunities for growth

4. Definitions  Licensure: the initial designation from the state of Virginia  Endorsement: Designation on the license noting ages or grade levels and/or subjects, disciplines and disabilities Example: I am licensed to teach secondary education, grades 6-12, math

5. Steps to Licensure In Virginia  Bachelor’s Degree  Content/endorsement requirement course work  Praxis I passing scores or SAT/ACT equivalent scores (admission requirement)  Complete a state-approved program  Praxis II passing scores (Elementary, Secondary, Foreign Language)  Pass Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA)  Virginia Reading Assessment (VRA) (Special Ed, Reading specialists, Elementary, UTEEM, EPK-3)  ACTFL OPI and WPT (Foreign Language) These requirements meet Virginia’s definition of a highly qualified teacher.

6. Licensure FAQ’s  Will my Virginia teacher’s license “transfer” to other states?  Because Virginia has some of the highest teacher licensure requirements in the country, many states have agreed to offer “reciprocity.” Virginia has reciprocity with most states. If you are considering teaching in another state, you will need to contact the department of education in that state regarding how to obtain licensure.

7. Licensure FAQ’s  What is a Provisional License?  A three-year, non- renewable license for someone who does not hold a current, valid license.  An applicant must first be hired by a Virginia school division based on the content requirements for the teaching area for which the individual is applying.

8. Critical Shortage Areas in Virginia  The Virginia Department of Education has identified several critical shortage teaching areas.  2007-2008 shortage areas vary by geographical areas, i.e. specific to divisions or rural/urban areas.  Special Education  Elementary Education  Mathematics  Middle Grades 6-8  Career and Technical Education  Foreign Language  Health and PE  English  ESL  Counselor

9. Mason’s Teacher Licensure Programs The Graduate School of Education offers a variety of teacher licensure programs. Many also offer an optional master’s degree upon completing licensure coursework.  Early Childhood Education (PK-3)  ECE PK-3, ECE UTEEM, EC Special Education  Elementary Education (PK-6)  Secondary Education (6-12)  Special Education  ESL (PK-12)  Foreign Language (PK-12)  Secondary Education/Career Switcher program (6-12)  English, History, Math, Sciences (Biology, Earth Science, Physics)

10. What should I do before applying?  Research program information on the GSE website: gse.gmu.edu  Note that GSE programs have varying application deadlines for fall and spring  Complete online endorsement review - http://cehd.gmu.edu/teacher/endorse/. Submit unofficial transcripts to the Licensure Specialist for evaluation of content endorsement requirements and for information regarding CLEP exams. http://cehd.gmu.edu/teacher/endorse/ Email: endorse@gmu.eduendorse@gmu.edu  Foreign Language endorsements are handled by Nanette Rutsch - nrutsch@gmu.edu

11. How do I apply?  A complete application includes:  Graduate application  Official transcripts  Goal statement  Three letters of recommendation  Passing Praxis I test scores or SAT/ACT equivalent  Endorsement review  Additional program specific materials, where appropriate (http://gse.gmu.edu/programs/)http://gse.gmu.edu/programs/

12. How do I get admitted?  Your application will be evaluated using the following standards:  A minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credit hours  Praxis I composite score of at least 532 OR SAT/ACT equivalent  Strong letters of recommendation  Endorsement requirements fulfilled  Interview and writing sample also required by some programs

13. Praxis Tests  Praxis I consists of reading, writing and math sections  A composite score of 532 or SAT/ACT equivalent is required  Praxis II tests content knowledge (i.e., math, history, Spanish)  Both tests must be passed in order to be placed in your final internship

14. Praxis Tests  The test is administered by the Educational Testing Service www.ets.org/praxiswww.ets.org/praxis  Register for the Praxis I and II exams at the website above OR  Call Prometric at 1-800-853-6773 to register for a test at a local testing center  Sample questions can be seen at the Praxis Web site.

15. SAT Praxis I Equivalent Scores  SAT test taken after April 1,1995 Score=1100 Minimum 530 Verbal and 530 Math  SAT test taken before April 1, 1995 Score=1000 Minimum 450 Verbal and 510 Math

16. ACT Praxis I Equivalent Scores  ACT test taken after April 1,1995 Score=24 Minimum 22 (Math)/ 46 (English plus Reading)  ACT test taken before April 1, 1995 Score=21 Minimum 21 (Math)/ 37 (English plus Reading) ** ACT scores prior to Fall 1989 will not be accepted as the Reading score was not included before this time.

17. VCLA/VRA Tests VCLA  The Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) must be passed prior to internship application submission for all initial teacher licensure programs - http://www.va.nesinc.com/. (VCLA is an admissions requirement for the Career Switcher program)http://www.va.nesinc.com/  A total test score of at least 470 is passing for the VCLA. VRA  The Virginia Reading Assessment (VRA) must be passed prior to internship application submission for Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Special Education - http://www.va.nesinc.com/. http://www.va.nesinc.com/  A test score of at least 235 is passing for the VRA.

18. What if I miss the application deadline?  For some of our programs, you may begin taking courses as a non-degree student.  There are restrictions on how many classes can transfer into degree/certificate programs. Students should only be in non-degree status for one semester before beginning as a graduate student. Tel: 703.993.2400 Website: http://admissions.gmu.edu/nondegree/

19. When do classes meet?  Most classes will meet once a week, either at 4:30 pm or 7:20 pm  Full time programs offer courses that meet during the day  Summer session courses meet 2-3 times a week

20. What is the cost? Fall 2008/Spring 2009  In-state tuition: $371/credit hour  Out-of-state tuition: $929.50/credit hour To be classified as an “in-state” student, you must live in Virginia for one year and pay taxes to the state for one year.

21. Are there any scholarships available?  The Virginia Teaching Scholarship Loan Program For students pursuing teaching careers in shortage or critical needs areas For more information, read about the scholarship program on the VDOE website: http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/newvdoe/teached.html http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/newvdoe/teached.html  General financial aid information can be found at: http://financialaid.gmu.edu/

22. Important Contacts  GSE Admissions: 703 993 2010 gseadmit@gmu.edu  Financial Aid: 703 993 2353  Non-Degree: 703 993 2400 College of Education and Human Development 4400 University Drive, MS 4D1 Fairfax, VA 22030