Four Year Programs Leading to B.S. Degrees
Requirements for teachers within Indiana and nationally are changing. Students pursuing degrees focused on teacher education should communicate frequently with their advisors to plan their programs consistent with the most recent requirements.
Vincennes University has been authorized by the Indiana Commission of Higher Education (ICHE) to offer three selected four-year teacher education programs: Special Education, Mild Intervention, Elementary; Secondary Math Education; and Secondary Science Education.
The Special Education, Mild Intervention, Elementary teacher education program is a course of study that leads to dual licensure in Special Education (Mild Intervention) and Elementary Education, Grades K- 6. The Special Education Mild Interventions license includes teaching students with learning, emotional and mild mental exceptionalities. Students must be admitted into the Special Education Mild Intervention, Elementary Teacher program and into Student Teaching.
The Secondary Science program is designed for those planning to complete a bachelor’s degree leading to licensure as secondary teachers of science. Licensure will be available in the following content areas: Chemistry, Earth and Space, Biology, and Physics. Students must be admitted into the Science Education program and into Student Teaching.
The Secondary Mathematics program is designed for those planning to complete a bachelor’s degree leading to licensure as secondary teachers of mathematics. Students must be admitted into the Mathematics Education program and into Student Teaching.
The Vincennes University education programs have been approved by the Indiana Department of Education. In addition, the course work follows general guidelines as set forth by the Administrative Rules of the Indiana State Board of Education (Rules 2002), and the REPA guidelines, prepared by the Indiana Department of Public Instruction. The Department of Public Instruction, Office for Educator Licensing, will ultimately issue the license permitting the holder to be employed as a teacher in the state of Indiana.
During the first two years of the Teacher Education program, students will be listed as an education AS student as they work toward completing General Education requirements, Liberal Education courses, Education core courses, and required placements in an education setting outside of the VU campus which will be set up by the education coordinator. Students must pass the Core Academic Skills Assessment (CASA), attain an overall GPA of 2.75 or higher and attain a GPA of 2.75 or higher on education core classes, and have a comprehensive background and CPS check on file before being admitted to the Teacher Education program and the BS program. A comprehensive background and CPS check is required at the student’s expense prior to interacting with children in any capacity as a VU student. Formal admission to the Teacher Education program commences once the Gateway One requirements are met.
The following provides a description of the Special Education, Mathematics, and Science Gateways:
Gateway One: Admission to Teacher Education
- Submission of an application to the Teacher Education Program
- Passing scores (Indiana) on CASA
- Successful interview with education faculty if materials and/or dispositional rating forms need clarification of qualification
- Overall GPA of 2.75 or higher
- GPA of 2.75 or higher in education core classes: EDUC 200 , EDUC 242 , EDUC 290 , EDUC 291 , EDUC 292 with no grade lower than a “C” and no Incomplete grade (“I”) in any education coursework
- For the Secondary Science program, GPA of 2.75 or higher in Semester I through IV General Science Core and Concentration courses with no grade lower than a “C” and no Incomplete grade (“I”) in any General Science Core or Concentration courses
- For the Secondary Mathematics program, GPA of 2.75 or higher in Semester I through IV Major Program Requirement courses with no grade lower than a “C” and no Incomplete grade (“I”) in any Major Program Requirement courses
- Satisfactory assessment of initial portfolio by education faculty members (EDUC 290 )
- Satisfactory updated criminal history and CPS reports based on the current guidelines as determined by the state of Indiana
- Satisfactory performance evaluations from field experiences (EDUC 290 )
- Satisfactory rating on dispositional evaluations from faculty and staff at Vincennes University and the schools in which a student observes
Gateway Two: Admission to Student Teaching
- Overall GPA of 2.75 or higher
- GPA of 2.75 or higher on education coursework with no grade lower than a “C” and no incomplete grade (“I”) in any education course. Students earning a D or F in a course have one opportunity to retake the course. If they do not earn a C in the course the second time they enroll in it, they will not continue in the program.
- For the Secondary Science program, GPA of 2.75 or higher in General Science Core and Concentration courses with no grade lower than a “C” and no Incomplete grade (“I”) in any General Science Core or Concentration courses
- For the Secondary Mathematics program, GPA of 2.75 or higher in Major Program Requirement courses with no grade lower than a “C” and no Incomplete grade (“I”) in any Major Program Requirement courses
- Continued satisfactory ratings on dispositional evaluations from faculty and staff
- Satisfactory updated criminal history and CPS reports based on the current guidelines as determined by the state of Indiana
- Completed Placement Form
- Completed Student Autobiography
Note: Students must attend a mandatory student teacher preparation meeting after admission to student teaching.
Gateway Three: Program Completion
- Passing final evaluation from the Cooperating Teacher and the University Supervisor in Elementary Education Student Teaching
- Passing final evaluation from the Cooperating Teacher and the University Supervisor in Special Education Student Teaching
- Satisfactory completion of Teacher Education Portfolio
Following a successful student teaching experience* and receiving passing scores on the pedagogy and content tests required by the state of Indiana, the teacher candidate may apply for an Indiana teaching license through the Department of Public Instruction, Office of Educator Licensing at the Indiana Department of Education. State requirements change frequently. In licensing our teacher candidates, Vincennes University does not determine whether the teacher candidate receives a teaching license from the state of Indiana. The state of Indiana will determine whether a candidate receives a license. A candidate must complete all requirements for a bachelor’s degree before the state will grant permission to apply for a teaching license.
Note: EDUC 477 , EDUC 492 , and EDUC 495 (student-teaching courses) are offered on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis only.
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