“Elementary School Teachers”

Child Development Major — Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Education
(Grades Preschool-5)

I. Requirements for Admission to Teacher Education Program with Certification Preparation

1. A minimum of 30 credit hours of college coursework with a cumulative grade
   point average of 2.5 or above in professional studies and major courses.
2. A passing score on the appropriate GACE test or exemption based on one of the following:

a. 1000 SAT Score
b. 43 ACT Score
c. 1030 GRE Score

3. Submission of an application.
4. Essay (typed, double-spaced)
5. Three recommendations (two from faculty members in the Education Department)
6. Interview in the Education Department
7. Current Transcript
8. Criminal History/Arrest Record Verification.

NOTE: Students who take courses in the Spelman College Education Department and plan to seek teacher certification must be admitted to the Spelman Education Department. Students must apply for admission to the department after completing the second required department course and before completing of the third required department course. Students who have not been admitted to the Education Department will not be permitted to enroll in any junior or senior level Education courses, nor will these students be allowed to student teach.

II. Student Teaching Experience
Student teaching is the culminating activity that provides an opportunity for the student to use knowledge, skills, and experiences acquired in the teacher preparation program. This twelve-week clinical experience is significant in facilitating learning and enhancing the development of all children and preparing teacher-leaders.

III. Admission to Student Teaching requires the following:

1. Admission to Teacher Education Preparation Program
2. Submission of Student Teaching Application
3. Overall GPA of 2.5 or above
4. GPA of 2.5 or above in professional studies courses and major courses
5. Completion of all course requirements
6. Criminal History/Arrest Record Verification
7. Liability Insurance

IV. Field Experiences

Most courses in the Education Department have a field experience component. The accompanying field experience component for designated courses may include a variety of activities. Students must have on file a Criminal History/Arrest Record Verification form before engaging in any field experience activities. Any information identified as an infraction on the Criminal History/Arrest Record Verification may result in the following:

1. The student will not be permitted/allowed to participate in field experience activities, which are requirements for successful completion of designated courses in the Education Department.

2. The student will not be admitted to the Education Department.

V. Certification Requirements

To be recommended for certification, the student must have completed the following:

1. Coursework for an approved Teacher Preparation Program (includes an appropriate major) with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5.
2. Undergraduate degree.
3. Appropriate PRAXIS II Test or GACE with passing scores. (Not required for graduation.)

VI. Graduation Requirements

1. Admission to Teacher Education Preparation Program
2. Completion of coursework for the Child Development major with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher.