STUDENT HANDBOOK FOR TEACHER EDUCATION

Teacher Education Program Timetable, Progress and Approval Procedures

Students seeking teacher certification through William Jewell College must complete the Teacher Education Program.  In order to be admitted to and pursue a Teacher Education Program at Jewell prospective students must do a series of tasks in a timely manner.  The timeline that follows identifies the tasks and requirements and then each item is either illustrated or linked to other pages.

1.  FIRST YEAR:

           Declaration of Intent.  A student seeking teacher certification should make a declaration of intent as soon as possible, usually in the first year. This step is completed by filling out the "Declaration of Intent" form, available in the hall by the Education office - 110 Marston and online, and submitting it along with a copy of an official ACT score report to the Education Office.  It is important for prospective teacher education students to obtain early advising in the Department of Education through this process.  Nevertheless, there is an admission process to teacher education which should be completed during the student’s sophomore year (see below). Do  not be confused, a Declaration of Intent is not an application for admission to a teacher education program.

         C-BASE - Students should register to take the C-BASE achievement test in the Department of Education office, 110 Marston or online.  Passing the CBASE test is one requirement for admission to teacher education and this should be taken during the first year or no later than Fall of the Sophomore year.

2.  SOPHOMORE YEAR:

            Application for Admission to Teacher Education Programs.  Students are admitted to a program on the basis of a formal application and completion of the criteria outlined in the Student Handbook for Teacher Education available in hard copy and online. Students are not permitted to take 300-level education courses until admitted to the Teacher Education Program. Ordinarily students apply for admission to teacher education during the second semester of their second year of college. Failure to be admitted prior to the beginning of the third year of college can delay graduation. Admission to Teacher Education Programs will be valid for a period of five years, beginning on the date of official acceptance.  Students who fail to complete all requirements for certification within the five year period must re-apply for admission under the policies and regulations that are in force at the time of the new application.

3.  JUNIOR YEAR:

            Application for Student Teaching.  Students must be accepted into a teacher education program before applying to student teach.  Students planning to student teach during the Fall semester must apply for student teaching by the third Friday in January of the preceding Spring semester.  Students planning to student teach during the Spring semester must apply for student teaching by the second Friday of September in the preceding Fall semester. Only those students meeting the requirements and accepted for student teaching will be permitted to enroll in the student teaching courses. A non-refundable $50 deposit is required at the time of application, along with three copies of your professional resume and a “working” copy of your most recent transcript.

         The student teaching application process also includes a FBI/Highway Patrol Background Check.  There is a non-refundable fee.  More information will be sent to applicants.

         NOTE: An Education Major Resume Workshop is facilitated by the Office of Career Services prior to each student teaching application deadline. For more information regarding resume workshops or assistance with your professional resume call the Office of Career Services, ext. 5238 or visit their website.

4.  SENIOR YEAR:

            Placement File - Interfolio -- William Jewell College has adopted Interfolio credential services.  This online Fee-for-Service Agency establishes a credential file for the student.  The student works directly with Interfolio to establish the credential file.  Please consult the Department of Education secretary regarding procedures for use of Interfolio.  Please consult Interfolio directly about current fees and charges for this service. has adopted Interfolio credential services.  This online Fee-for-Service Agency establishes a credential file for the student.  The student works directly with Interfolio to establish the credential file.  Please consult the Department of Education secretary regarding procedures for use of Interfolio.  Please consult Interfolio directly about current fees and charges for this service.

         PRAXIS II Specialty Area Tests  Students must register to take the Praxis II Specialty Area Test and receive a qualifying score to be recommended for certification. Registration procedures as well as information regarding dates and location of testing are available in the Department of Education office, 110 Marston.  Secondary education students should take the PRAXIS II exam during the spring or summer of the Junior year (prior to fall of Senior year) and before application to student teaching.  Elementary education students take the PRAXIS II exam following completion of their final methods courses either the summer between the Junior and Senior year or the fall of Senior year.  SEE list of qualifying PRAXIS scores earlier in this Handbook (certification section)..

         Application for Missouri Teaching Certificate.  The student must complete an official application form for the appropriate Missouri teaching certificate during the student teaching semester.  After it has been confirmed that the student has completed all degree and certification requirements, the application form is signed by the Certification Officer of the College and sent along with official transcripts from each college attended by the student to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for review and issuance of the appropriate teaching certificate.  IT IS THE STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATION AND TURN IN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS FROM ALL OTHER COLLEGES TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OFFICE. If a transcript from another college is already on file with William Jewell College , you do not have to send it again, but it is your responsibility to check if the transcript is on file in the Office of the Registrar. Also, you must request the Registrar to send a copy of your final William Jewell College transcript to the Department of Education. Mailbox 1072, for certification. The teaching certificate is mailed directly to the student from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

         Students desiring certification in another state should complete all requirements for a Missouri teaching certificate and apply directly to the department of education in the other state after graduation.  Similarities in Missouri 's requirements and those of other states usually allow certification to teach in other states with relative ease.