Complete General Education coursework

Checkpoint 1 (Prior to Admission)

• Complete non-professional education coursework
• Submit EPP Application
• Complete 15 hours of Early Field Experience 
• Satisfy Praxis Core
• Complete Criminal Background Check
• EPP Interview & Writing Sample
• Complete Pre-Program Survey 

Checkpoint 2 (During Clinical I)

• Complete professional education coursework
• Achieve Senior I status
• Complete Clinical I 
• Take the Praxis II and/or NC Pearson (required prior to graduation)

Checkpoint 3 (During Clinical II)

• Complete 75 days of Clinical II
• Complete edTPA requirements
• Take the Post Program & Satisfaction Survey 

The Department of Education is committed to providing authentic experiences for all candidates pursuing the teaching profession. Candidates may begin working in public school classrooms as early as the second semester of the first year. During the sophomore and junior years, while completing 30-60 hours, candidates transition into teaching small groups, proctoring exams, administering exams (alongside the lead teacher) and other activities while observing and documenting best practices. During the senior year, candidates begin to team teach, write and implement lesson plans, teach mini lessons, attend staff meetings, become actively involved in school activities and assist with beginning and end of day school processes.

The EPP continues to be conscious of creating a diverse environment inclusive of candidates, content and programs. The EPP recognizes that issues of diversity play major roles in how teachers engage students in the classroom and view the dynamics of diverse settings. Candidates learn how to incorporate specific strategies for addressing learner differences and minimizing personal bias in their usage of these strategies. The introductory course, EDUC 310: Professional Studies II: Special Education and Diverse Learners, emphasizes special education law, identification, placement, procedures and program evaluation accountability. Candidates are required to document how they will meet the needs of all students during each lesson.

Candidates are supported with a university supervisor who provides support and instructs the candidate in theory, practical methods of teaching, observations and evaluations. The university supervisor consults with the cooperating teacher and other professionals to assist with the development of candidates in the field and to offer strategies where improvement may be necessary.

Candidates are also enrolled in a seminar course during student teaching.  This course offers additional support for the candidate in key areas such as classroom management, understanding the teacher evaluation rubric, the use of technology in the classroom and lesson planning amongst other crucial areas for successful teaching.

In addition to partnering with local school districts, the Department of Education works with community colleges in northeastern North Carolina. Halifax Community College, College of the Albemarle and Edgecombe Community College are just a few the university has an established MOU. This partnership extends a four-year degree opportunity for students. Students enter with a 2-year degree, complete coursework for Birth-Kindergarten or Elementary Education and graduate with a 4-year degree. Potential teachers are elated to complete a four-year degree and return to their respective districts to teach. To continue with program improvement, candidates complete pre and post program surveys.