Aquinas Academic Programs ::
Teacher Education
Admission Requirements
For initial entry into the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies Program (Teacher Education) at Aquinas, all admission requirements for the College must be fulfilled.
Students must also provide evidence of the following prior to formal program induction:
- Two (2) letters of recommendation: one professional reference and one personal reference;
- An overall GPA of 2.6;
- A completed application form for the Teacher Education Program;
- An additional set of official academic transcripts from each college and/or university attended and submitted to the Teacher Education Office;
- Passing scores on the Praxis I (Pre-Professional Skills test) shown below;
- Computerized and Standard Format
- Math 173
- Reading 174
- Writing 173
- A score of 21 on the ACT or a score of 22 on the Enhanced ACT or a combined Math and Verbal score of 920 on the SAT or a combined Math and Verbal score of 1020 on the recentered SAT is accepted in lieu of Praxis I, if the ACT and SAT were taken in high school;
- Applicants must:
- report any felony convictions;
- be free of substance abuse;
- report any medical or psychological problems that would prohibit a teaching career;
- schedule an interview with the Director of Teacher Education or a person designated by the Director of Teacher Education.
- Background check for both public and/ or Parochial School Systems
Or
Note: Completing the signature page in the Teacher Education Program’s Policy and Procedures Handbook substantiates that the applicant does not have any prior or existing history with regard to felony conviction, substance abuse or medical-psychological problems that would prohibit a teaching profession.
Transfer students applying to the Teacher Education Program must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.6; coursework with a grade point average below a “C” will not be accepted. The Director of Teacher Education or designee will evaluate transcripts. Credits are accepted only from regionally-accredited institutions.
Students who do not pass the Praxis I may not enroll in upper-division EDU classes unless they choose to follow the non-licensure track. Transfer students must pass the Praxis I upon the completion of 65 hours (cumulative credit hours, including transfer credit). Students who at a later date pass the Praxis I tests may request induction by writing the Director of Teacher Education and the Teacher Education faculty that they have met all the criteria.
A post-baccalaureate candidate whose ACT or SAT score is below the cut-off established by the State of Tennessee must take the Praxis I tests. A student may not enroll in an upper-division EDU class until the Praxis I is passed. A student who passes two sections of the Praxis I and is within 2 points of passing the third test may bring an appeal to the TEAC (Teacher Education Advisory Committee).
The TEAC includes the Director of Teacher Education, Director of Field Experience and Licensure and representatives from the professional education community. This Committee is responsible for the overall assessment of candidacy to the Teacher Education Program and the Post-Baccalaureate Elementary Licensure Program. The Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Director of Teacher Education in consultation with the TEAC and faculty reserve the right to make exceptions to the admission requirements. Only in rare cases shall exceptions be granted. Written requests for exceptions to the admission requirements, supported by evidence of extenuating circumstances should be submitted to the Director of Teacher Education for Committee review. An official application for admission must be filed prior to the Committee review. A formal interview with the applicant will be scheduled. The applicant will receive written notice of the action by the Committee.
Students are officially accepted into the Teacher Education Program at the end of their sophomore year or beginning of their junior year. Students who wish to change from one academic program to another must submit to the Vice President for Academic Affairs a copy of the request form: Change of Academic Program. All forms can be obtained in the office of the Director of the Teacher Education Program.
The Office of the Director of Teacher Education is located in St. Dominic Education Center. Additional information concerning the Teacher Education Program is available from this office.
Did you know?
The mission of the Teacher Education Program of Aquinas College is to provide a broad spectrum of liberal arts, sciences and professional educational courses permeated with faith and enriched by Christian principles and values.
Related Links
National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education »