Education- Western State College of Colorado

Description of the Teacher Education Program 2008-2009

Course lists from previous catalogs are available at the Registration Services Catalog page.

The Teacher Education Program is a licensure program in the State of Colorado that prepares students to function as professionals in a variety of educational settings. The Teacher Education Program offers elementary, secondary, and K-12 endorsement options.

Students pursuing Elementary licensure must major in Interdisciplinary Studies/Liberal Arts.

Students pursuing Secondary licensure may choose from the following majors: Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English, Geology, Politics and Government, History, or Mathematics.

Students pursuing K-12 licensure may choose from the following majors: Art, Exercise and Sport Science, Music, or Spanish.

Admission to the Teacher Education Program. Students seeking admission to the Teacher Education Program for initial teacher licensure in the state of Colorado must meet the following requirements:

Completion of EDUC 000 Education Gateway Course with a satisfactory grade.
Completion of the basic level education course, EDUC 340 Brain Based Learning Motivation and Achievement.
Admission Career Counseling. Prior to, while enrolled in, or after the basic level education course, students must meet with an education faculty member to discuss licensure and career options.
Basic Skills Competency Exam. Each teacher education candidate must pass the Basic Skills Competency Exam (Praxis I) in reading, writing, and mathematics prior to admission to the Teacher Education Program. The student's score must be equivalent to or surpass the determined passing score. Information on test dates, test fees, and location is available on the ETS web site at http://www.ets.org. Students should take this exam upon completion of their general education course work. Students will need to have their Praxis I results sent to Western State College of Colorado, Agency Code: A4946.
Technology Competency-Performance-Based Assessment. Each teacher education candidate must show proficiency in the following skill areas: word processing, spreadsheets, web page design, digital media, and presentation software. Students who do not pass the technology proficiency test will be required to complete technology skill area modules of instruction until proficiency is reached.
Fingerprints. Students must submit the completed fingerprint form or provide documentation verifying that fingerprints are on file with the Colorado Department of Education and have completed the FBI clearance. Students submitting the fingerprint form will be required to pay a processing fee.
Completion of Pre-Program Survey. Students must complete a pre-program survey of their knowledge of, and proficiency in, implementing the state standards for teachers.
Completion of All Course Work within the Academic Major. Students must complete all course work required within the academic major prior to beginning the education courses and their internship or have content and education advisor permission.
A grade of "C-" or above in:
1. all courses required in the academic major. NOTE: for Interdisciplinary Studies/Liberal Arts majors, this includes all courses in the major;
2. all education courses.
GPA. Students must have an overall GPA of 2.75 or above.
State Licensure Exam. Students must pass the appropriate State Licensure Exam(s) for their content area prior to beginning the one year of education course work and internship. Information about the State Licensure Exam can be obtained through the Teacher Education Program or the Colorado Department of Education.
Submission of an Application for the Year-Long Internship, which includes attendance at all planning meetings and seminars.

Elementary Licensure

A student seeking licensure as an elementary teacher (grades K-6) must complete the Interdisciplinary Studies/Liberal Arts academic major, all other college requirements, and the Elementary Licensure requirements. Students pursuing the Elementary Licensure option must meet all of the requirements for admission to the Teacher Education Program.

Students must complete all course work required within the academic major prior to beginning the year of education course work and complementary internship or have documented content and education advisor permission.
The internship experience begins each fall, and students may be placed in more than one K-6 classroom for one full year. Students have in-state or out-of-state placement options. The year-long internship experience begins each August with EDUC 404 Creating Positive Learning Environments, taught five days on the Western campus. After completing this course, students will follow the K-6 school year calendar for the school in which they have accepted placement, not the Western State College of Colorado calendar (i.e., begin the year on the day that new teachers report to work, take K-6 school holidays, participate in K-6 school professional opportunities, end the last day that teachers are required to report for work for the school year, etc). This schedule extends from approximately the first of August through the first part of June.

Master mentor teachers are selected carefully to ensure that Western interns have strong role models. The potential mentor teacher will self-assess his or her knowledge of the standards and standard elements. Students accepting internship placements are expected to successfully complete the year-long internship. Students who do not successfully complete the internship will be withdrawn from the Teacher Education Program and must appeal to the Selection and Retention Committee for readmittance.

The other education courses in the program are offered online throughout the year. The internship is in K-6 classrooms a minimum of 24 hours per week with experienced mentor teachers. During this year-long internship, the intern is applying and extending the pedagogical knowledge that he or she is learning in the Education courses.

To be recommended for elementary licensure, the student intern must perform at “3, Proficiency” level in all relevant standard/standard elements in the elementary (K-6) classroom and earn a score of “3, Proficiency” on each standard element in the licensure electronic work sample. Student interns must demonstrate the ability to apply the standard/standard element in an elementary classroom setting, assess K-6 student learning, and evaluate their own teaching performance. “3, Proficiency” is the level expected of well prepared, first-year teachers.

The Elementary Licensure Program requires 30 credits of education course work:

EDUC 000 Education Gateway Course 0 cr
EDUC 340 Brain-based Learning Motivation and Achievement 3 cr
EDUC 400 Foundations for Literacy: Phonology and Linguistics 3 cr
EDUC 401 Assessment for Prevention and Intervention 3 cr
EDUC 402 Reading Comprehension, Oral and Written Language Development 3 cr
EDUC 404 Creating Positive Learning Environments 3 cr
EDUC 405 Data-driven Instructional Practices 3 cr
EDUC 408 Teaching with the Brain in Mind 3 cr
EDUC 413 Math and Writing 3 cr
EDUC 459 Elementary Student Teaching 1-6 cr

Secondary and K-12 Licensure

A student seeking licensure as a secondary teacher (grades 7-12) or K-12 teacher must complete an appropriate academic major, all other college requirements, and the Secondary/K-12 Licensure requirements. The secondary academic major may be: Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English, Geology, Politics and Government, History, or Mathematics. The K-12 academic major may be: Art, Exercise and Sport Science, Music, or Spanish. Students pursuing the secondary or K-12 Licensure option must meet all of the requirements for admission to the Teacher Education Program.

Students must complete all course work required within the academic major prior to beginning the year of education course work and complementary internship or have content advisor and education advisor permission. For students taking content courses during the year of education course work and complementary internship, the Teacher Education Internship Coordinator is responsible for meeting with content area faculty members to ensure that all requirements and expectations are met during this year. The internship experience begins each fall, and students are placed in more than one K-12 classroom for one full year. Students have in-state or out-of-state placement options. The year-long internship experience begins each August with EDUC 480 Curriculum, Assessment, Technologies, and Pedagogies, a five-day course taught on the Western campus. After completing this course, students follow the K-12 school year calendar for the school in which they have been placed, not the Western State College of Colorado calendar (i.e., begin the year on the day that new teachers report to work, take K-12 school holidays, participate in K-12 school professional opportunities, end the last day that teachers are required to report for work for the school year, etc). This schedule extends from approximately the first of August through the first part of June.

Master mentor teachers are selected carefully to ensure that Western interns have strong role models. The potential mentor teachers self-assess their knowledge of the standards and standard elements. The principal of the host school completes a checklist documenting criteria for selection of mentor teachers before a student is placed at the host school. Upon receiving an internship placement and prior to accepting the placement, a student is expected to arrange for, and have an interview with, the mentor teachers and observe in their classrooms. Students accepting an internship placement will be expected to successfully complete the year-long internship. Students who do not successfully complete the internship will be withdrawn from the Teacher Education Program and must appeal to the Selection and Retention Committee for readmittance.

The other education courses in the program are offered online throughout the year. The internship is in K-12 classrooms and requires a minimum of 24 hours per week with experienced mentor teachers in the same content area in which the intern is seeking licensure. During this year-long internship, the intern is applying and extending the pedagogical knowledge that he or she is learning in the Education courses.
To be recommended for secondary or K-12 licensure in a content area, the student/intern must perform at “3, Proficiency” level in all relevant standard/standard elements in the secondary or K-12 classroom and earn a score of “3, Proficiency” on each standard element in the licensure electronic work sample. The student-intern must demonstrate the ability to apply each standard and standard element in a secondary or K-12 classroom setting, assess secondary or K-12 student learning, and evaluate his/her own teaching performance. “3, Proficiency” is the level expected of well-prepared, first-year teachers.

The Secondary (with the exception of students seeking Secondary English Licensure) and K-12 Licensure Program requires 27 credits of education course work:

EDUC 000 Education Gateway Course 0 cr
EDUC 340 Brain-based Learning Motivation and Achievement 3 cr
EDUC 403 Instruction and Assessment in the Content Area 3 cr
EDUC 404 Creating Positive Learning Environments 3 cr
EDUC 405 Data-driven Instructional Practices 3 cr
EDUC 406 Content Area Literacy 3 cr
EDUC 407 Technology Integration for Student Growth 3 cr
EDUC 408 Teaching with the Brain in Mind 3 cr
Appropriate Student Teaching Course:
EDUC 409 Secondary Student Teaching 1-6 cr
EDUC 410 K-12 Student Teaching 1-6 cr

The Secondary English Licensure Program requires 30 credits of education course work:

EDUC 000 Education Gateway Course 0 cr
EDUC 340 Brain-based Learning Motivation and Achievement 3 cr
EDUC 400 Foundations for Literacy: Phonology and Linguistics 3 cr
EDUC 401 Assessment for Prevention and Intervention 3 cr
EDUC 402 Reading Comprehension, Oral and Written Language Development 3 cr
EDUC 404 Creating Positive Learning Environments 3 cr
EDUC 405 Data-driven Instructional Practices 3 cr
EDUC 407 Technology Integration for Student Growth 3 cr
EDUC 408 Teaching with the Brain in Mind 3 cr
EDUC 409 Secondary Student Teaching 1-6 cr

Added Endorsement

Special Education, Generalist

The program prepares individuals to work with K-12 students who are disabled. It is designed for individuals holding a current teaching license.

Courses focus on a variety of educational methodologies as well as the legal and historical implications related to special education. Students who complete this endorsement program are able to design and implement programs that target the Colorado Special Education Generalist Standards for K-12 Students. Prior to enrolling in the program, students must pass all components of the Elementary Licensure Exam.

Individuals holding a current teaching license must provide the following information as part of admission to the Special Education endorsement program: 1) copy of current teaching license, and 2) official transcripts showing completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher education.

To be recommended for Special Education, Generalist licensure the student intern must: 1) pass the state Generalist Exam; 2) perform at “3, Proficiency” level in all relevant standard/standard elements in the K-12 classroom; and 3) earn a score of “3, Proficiency” on each standard element in the licensure electronic work sample. The student intern must demonstrate the ability to apply each standard and standard element in a field K-12 classroom setting, assess K-12 student learning, and evaluate his or her own teaching performance. “3, Proficiency” is the level expected of well-prepared first-year teachers.

The Special Education Generalist Licensure Program requires 20-27 credits of education course work:

EDUC 400 Foundations for Literacy: Phonology and Linguistics 3 cr
EDUC 401 Assessment for Prevention and Intervention 3 cr
EDUC 402 Reading Comprehension, Oral and Written Language Development 3 cr
EDUC 411 Differentiating Instruction for Learners with Diverse Needs 3 cr
EDUC 412 Affective and Behavioral Needs 3 cr
EDUC 413 Math and Writing 3 cr
EDUC 414 Assessment, Curriculum, Collaboration and Transitions 3 cr
EDUC 415 Special Education Student Teaching 1-6 cr

Licensed teachers adding this endorsement do not have to complete EDUC 415 Special Education Student Teaching, if they have been special education teachers of record for one year.

Student Disposition and Performance Assessment. During the semester in which students are enrolled in EDUC 000 Education Gateway Course, EDUC 340 Brain Based Learning Motivation and Achievement, and the internship, students are evaluated by the Teacher Education faculty and K-12 teacher mentor(s) in terms of their potential for becoming effective teachers. This process of evaluating professional teaching dispositions is used for screening Teacher Education students for support needs and/or continuation in the Teacher Education Program.

Recommendation for Initial Licensure. Students must meet the following requirements during the last semester of their internship year:

successfully complete all responsibilities of an intern;
perform at least at a “3, Proficiency” on each relevant standard element as evaluated by mentor teachers, supervisors of the internship, and/or course professors;
submit a complete work sample to the Teacher Education office for final approval, as stipulated in the work sample requirements handout, and earn a score of no less than “3, Proficiency” on each standard element of the licensure work sample; and
apply for licensure from the Colorado Department of Education within the five years immediately following program completion.

Teacher Education Program Selection and Retention Process. Throughout the Teacher Education Program, students are systematically assessed by the Selection and Retention Committee from the Teacher Education Program with respect to performance, disposition, motivation, and demonstrated potential as a teacher. The Selection and Retention process has three purposes: 1) to act as a screening and counseling review, 2) to resolve a problematic situation, and 3) to provide an opportunity for faculty and students to develop a professional growth plan.

Evidence of unsatisfactory performance, disposition, motivation, or demonstrated potential results in withdrawal from the program. A student who does not pass each education course in the Teacher Education Program with at least a “C-” has one semester (or until the next time the semester course is offered) to remove the “D” or “F” with a grade of “C-” or above; or be withdrawn from the Program. Before admission to the Teacher Education Program, students must complete the prerequisite education course (EDUC 340 Brain Based Learning Motivation and Achievement) with a “C-“or above, and have an overall GPA of 2.75 or above. Anyone who fails two or more courses in the Teacher Education Program is withdrawn from the Program.

In considering transfer credit for required education courses, the Selection and Retention Committee considers the transfer of courses that were taken no more than 10 years prior to admission to the Teacher Education Program based on current state licensure requirements. Copies of official transcripts, course descriptions, and/or course syllabi must be submitted to the Teacher Education Program for a determination of transfer credit.

Selection and Retention Procedures. Students who appeal Program policy and procedures must abide by the selection and retention procedures process. This process involves submitting materials to the Teacher Education Selection and Retention Committee for review. These materials include:

a letter describing admission requirements that have been met, a statement of the problem, and a plan for correcting the problem;
a copy of the student’s transcript(s) and current course schedule; and
additional materials supporting the student’s appeal.

Teach Now Online Teacher Licensure Programs

This online teacher licensure program provides two uniquely different routes for candidates seeking elementary, secondary, K-12, special education, or linguistically diverse education licensure.

Both Teach Now Program routes are 12 months in length and provide on-the-job teacher preparation for second-career professionals. School districts are invited to collaborate with the College in the implementation of these post-baccalaureate teacher licensure program routes.

Route 1: Teach Now Alternative Licensure

This program is designed for candidates who have a full-time teaching position in an accredited Colorado school. The alternative licensure candidate must be teaching in the content area for which he or she is seeking licensure.

Admission. To apply, students must:

hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution;
complete the Teach Now Program application;
complete the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) application, including transcript review for content knowledge;
pass the appropriate state content exam (PLACE or Praxis II);
secure a full-time teaching contract with an accredited Colorado school; and,
attend the Teach Now Program orientation during the summer.

Program Design and Support. Teach Now interns:

complete 24-27 Teach Now undergraduate college credits throughout the school year;
receive ongoing support from a master-level mentor teacher in the content area in which the candidate is seeking licensure; and,
receive support team assistance from a school administrator, mentor teacher and the Teach Now regional coordinator

Cost. Fees remitted by the candidate cover the cost of delivering the training program, providing mentoring and school support, professional development, and 24-27 semester credits. Additional fees for which the candidate is responsible include: Colorado Department of Education (CDE) application fees, transcript evaluation fees, lodging and travel costs, and textbooks associated with the Program.

Route 2: Teach Now Internship

Candidates receive intensive licensure training in K-12 classrooms within their local communities. During the internship, candidates work with master teachers in the same content area in which they are seeking licensure.

Admission. To apply, students must:

hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution;
complete the Teach Now Program application;
undergo transcript review for content knowledge and degree verification;
pass the appropriate state content exam (PLACE or Praxis II);
pass Professional Disposition Screening prior to placement and after first class;
accept internship placements approved by Teach Now Program faculty and local school personnel; and,
attend the Teach Now Program orientation during the summer.

Program Design and Support. Teach Now interns:

co-teach with master teachers equivalent to three full school days per week for the entire school year;
complete 24-27 Teach Now undergraduate semester credits throughout the school year;
receive ongoing support from a master level mentor teacher in the content area in which the candidate is seeking licensure; and,
receive support team assistance from a school administrator, mentor teacher and the Teach Now regional coordinator

Cost. Fees remitted by the candidate cover the cost of delivering the training program, providing mentoring and school support, professional development, and 24-27 semester credits. Additional fees for which the candidate is responsible include: transcript evaluation fees, lodging and travel costs, and textbooks associated with the program.

Teach Now Course Work

The Elementary Licensure Program requires 27 credits of education course work:

EDUC 400 Foundations for Literacy: Phonology and Linguistics 3 cr
EDUC 401 Assessment for Prevention and Intervention 3 cr
EDUC 402 Reading Comprehension, Oral and Written Language Development 3 cr
EDUC 404 Creating Positive Learning Environments 3 cr
EDUC 405 Data-driven Instructional Practices 3 cr
EDUC 408 Teaching with the Brain in Mind 3 cr
EDUC 413 Math and Writing 3 cr
EDUC 459 Elementary Student Teaching 1-6 cr

The Secondary (with the exception of Secondary English Licensure) and K-12 Licensure Program requires 24 credits of education course work:

EDUC 403 Instruction and Assessment in the Content Area 3 cr
EDUC 404 Creating Positive Learning Environments 3 cr
EDUC 405 Data-driven Instructional Practices 3 cr
EDUC 406 Content Area Literacy 3 cr
EDUC 407 Technology Integration for Student Growth 3 cr
EDUC 408 Teaching with the Brain in Mind 3 cr
Appropriate Student Teaching course:
EDUC 409 Secondary Student Teaching 1-6 cr
EDUC 410 K-12 Student Teaching 1-6 cr

The Secondary English Licensure Program requires 27 credits of education course work:

EDUC 400 Foundations for Literacy: Phonology and Linguistics 3 cr
EDUC 401 Assessment for Prevention and Intervention 3 cr
EDUC 402 Reading Comprehension, Oral and Written Language Development 3 cr
EDUC 404 Creating Positive Learning Environments 3 cr
EDUC 405 Data-driven Instructional Practices 3 cr
EDUC 407 Technology Integration for Student Growth 3 cr
EDUC 408 Teaching with the Brain in Mind 3 cr
EDUC 409 Secondary Student Teaching 1-6 cr

The Special Education Generalist Licensure Program requires 27 credits of education course work:

The Linguistically Diverse Education Licensure Program requires 27 credits of education course work:

EDUC 400 Foundations for Literacy: Phonology and Linguistics 3 cr
EDUC 401 Assessment for Prevention and Intervention 3 cr
EDUC 402 Reading Comprehension, Oral and Written Language Development 3 cr
EDUC 404 Creating Positive Learning Environments 3 cr
EDUC 413 Math and Writing 3 cr
EDUC 416 Language Acquisition for Linguistically Diverse Students 3 cr
EDUC 417 Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency in the Content Area 3 cr
EDUC 418 Linguistically Diverse Student Teaching 3 cr

Teach Now Online Teacher Licensure Programs

This program is designed for candidates who have full-time administrative positions in the state of Colorado. The online administrative licensure program can be completed in twelve months and provides on-the-job administrator preparation for second-career professionals. School districts are invited to collaborate with the College in the implementation of this post-baccalaureate program.

Admission. To apply, the student must:

show completion of a teacher or special services provider preparation program, from an accepted institution of higher education, demonstrate eligibility for or hold a valid Colorado teacher or special services provider license, and provide documented evidence of three or more years of full-time successful experience; or
provide documented evidence of three or more years of full-time successful experience as a teacher or special services provider in a non-public elementary or secondary school in this or another state; or
provide documented evidence of three or more years of full-time successful management experience; and
be employed pursuant to the provisions of section 22-32-110.4 by a school district under an individualized alternative principal program, if the program is approved by the state board as provided in this subsection. A school district may employ a person who holds a principal authorization to perform the duties of a principal or a vice principal in a school, as long as the person who holds the authorization is under the supervision of a professional principal licensee. (Note: This experience could be in business and/or in government. The candidate could also have served as a principal or administrator in a non-public school but without having acquired a teaching license or three-years or more of teaching experience.)

The Administrative Licensure Program requires 28 credits of education course work:

EDUC 470 Studies in Leadership 4 cr
EDUC 471 Supervision of Student Conduct 2 cr
EDUC 472 Management, Evaluation, and Personnel Supervision 3 cr
EDUC 473 School Site Safety and Maintenance 2 cr
EDUC 474 Parent and Community Involvement 2 cr
EDUC 475 Planning and Organization 3 cr
EDUC 476 Individualized Instruction 2 cr
EDUC 477 Resource Management 1 cr
EDUC 478 Internship 1-6 cr
EDUC 479 Capstone 3 cr

Western State College of Colorado

Teacher Education