Frequently Asked Questions
Undergraduate Teacher Preparation
Undergraduate Teacher Preparation
- How will my credits from another institution transfer?
Adams State College has articulation agreements with many of the four-year institutions in the state for general education transfer courses.
Teacher Education may require additional coursework for completion of approved programs upon evaluation of the transcript from another institution. - How do I apply to the Undergraduate Education Program?
The admission process takes an entire semester and includes three phases:
-an application,
-writing assessment,
-and interview.
Successful completion of all three phases allows the student access to register for upper level education courses beginning the following semester.
See Admission Requirements - Who is my advisor?
Teacher Education students pursuing the Interdisciplinary Studies Degree (Elementary License) have an advisor in Teacher Education.
Students pursuing secondary or K-12 licensure have an advisor in Teacher Education and an advisor in the specific content area. - When should I attempt the PLACE/Praxis II exam?
Students must pass the PLACE or Praxis II content area exam before student teaching semester; scores must be received by teacher education no later than the 7th week of the Fall or Spring semester prior to student teaching or you will not be placed for student teaching.
A schedule of test dates and information can be found on the following web pages:
PLACE: www.place.nesinc.com
Praxis II: www.ets.org/praxis - Where can I student teach?
Students are placed within the San Luis Valley. Requests for exception are reviewed by the Department of Teacher Education.
- How do I get licensed? How do I renew my license?
Students completing a program in Education apply for initial licensure through the CDE. The Initial License is valid for three years and is renewable one time.
Once the initial license is obtained, candidates successfully complete an approved Induction Program during the first year of teaching, which makes the candidate eligible to apply for a Professional License through the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). The Professional License is valid for five years and is renewable.
Applications for Initial and Professional License and renewal forms can be obtained by visiting the CDE website at www.cde.state.co.us.
- How do I add an endorsement to my license?
The Colorado Department of Education currently requires the following for an added endorsement:
-24 credit hours in the desired content area (see www.cde.state.co.us for appropriate courses)
-successful completion of the PLACE or Praxis II content exam
Teacher Preparation for Graduates
Teacher Preparation for Graduates
- What is the quickest way for me to get licensed if I already have a BA or Masters Degree?
If you are seeking secondary or K-12 licensure, you may pursue a program in Licensure Only in your content area. Candidates must have completed an emphasis/minor in a teachable content area.
It is possible to apply for Licensure Only for Elementary Education, although the program is nearly as lengthy as the full degree program, and most candidates choose to pursue the entire BA.
- What if my major is not in one of the content areas?
In order to meet the designation as a highly qualified teacher, as defined by NCLB-2002, candidates must take a prescribed 24-credit course sequence in a content teaching area:
- English
- Math
- Social Studies
- Science
- Business
- Spanish
**This must be done prior to acceptance into the Graduate Teacher Education Department.** - I live outside the San Luis Valley; can I complete the Masters Plus Program online?
No, all course work is taught on campus only. All course work and practicum hours must be completed on campus and/or in the local schools of the San Luis Valley.
- Will the Masters Plus Program lead to teacher licensure?
Yes, candidates may apply for initial licensure after all program requirements have been met.
- Can I obtain elementary/K-12 licensure through the Masters Plus Program?
The Masters Plus Degree Program provides the candidate with secondary teaching licensure only. Elementary/K-12 licensure may be obtained through our Undergraduate Teacher Education Office but will not result in a master's degree.
- What is the the Masters Plus internship?
The internship is designed to give the candidate teaching experience in their chosen content field and is completed in the last semester.
- Where can I complete my teaching internship?
Internships are completed in the San Luis Valley. Placements are conducted through the Field Services Office.
