FAQ's About:
The Graduate Teacher Licensure Program
- Is the licensing program a Master's program?
No. However, after completing the licensing program, you may apply to the M.Ed. program. Eighteen (18) of the graduate education credits you take for licensing may count towards the credit requirements for your Master's degree, with the exception of the student teaching credits. You will select a concentration beyond the licensing program for your Master's degree and discuss concentration requirements with the designated advisor.
- How long does the program take?
Most students in our program are part-time, and the typical completion time is about two years; however, there are some programs, such as Secondary Licensure, that you can complete within 16 months. To finish more quickly, you can attend full time and finish within three semesters (which is required). The program is designed to take into account individual needs and differences, and to maintain some flexibility. Requirements can vary according to an individual’s undergraduate records and personal need. Many students are required to take additional liberal arts and/or content area courses in order to be recommended for licensure.
- Do I need to take the GRE’s (Graduate Record Exam) for admission?
No.
- What kind of undergraduate degree do I need?
You need a Liberal Arts and Science Major. This is a State requirement.
- Do I have to take the writing assessment? Even if I'm a publisher/journalist/novelist/reviewer/writing instructor?
Yes. The writing assessment is built into GED 516 The Decision to Teach and GED 558 Introduction to Educational Research. Saint Michael’s Graduate Education Program firmly believes that all licensure and Master’s Candidates should have good writing skills. By building the writing assessment into required course work, we are able to identify those who need more experience with writing.
- What is "candidacy" and why do I need it?
Most graduate programs have a two-tiered system of admitting individuals, which consists of admission, and then candidacy. We require that you apply for candidacy before you have exceeded 12 credits. Those students working towards licensure must have passed PRAXIS I and the writing assessment before applying for candidacy. Candidacy ensures a review of progress and gives both the student and the advisor an opportunity to plan a coherent and challenging Master's program. We encourage you to take candidacy seriously and to use it as an opportunity to reflect upon the direction and substance of your graduate program.
- What do I need to be accepted for student teaching?
• All courses toward licensure must be completed prior to student teaching.
• Admission to candidacy (see #6). This requires a completed M.Ed. plan, writing assessment, and evidence of satisfactory completion of PRAXIS I.
• Evidence of satisfactory completion of Praxis II if required by your endorsement area.
• Completion of the Student Teaching Application. (Taking the courses does not guarantee that you will be deemed ready to student teach. Sometimes other course work and/or experience are required.)
• A meeting with your advisor to be certain that you have completed all steps and are ready to obtain a placement.
• A portfolio with required components to date.
- What is a portfolio, and do I have to think about it now?
Your portfolio is a physical compilation of your work from your courses. You will want to keep all your work in a large 3-ring binder. It is important to begin work on the portfolio as soon as you begin the program. Many components are drawn from your licensing courses. The earlier you begin the portfolio, the easier it will be to complete. We urge you not to wait until you are beginning student teaching to begin the compilation! The St. Michael's Graduate Portfolio Process Guide is available at the Graduate Education office.
- Who is my advisor?
Advisors for the different licensure areas are listed below. Please call upon them for the questions you may have about your program, or contact Karen Abbott, 802.654.2649, kabbott@smcvt.edu to find out who your advisor is.
- Is there a sequence of courses towards licensure?
Ideally, students begin their program with GED 516 The Decision to Teach and perhaps another course, and progress through the other licensure courses as listed under each licensure area. However, the sequence may work out differently, especially if additional undergraduate courses are required. You should meet with your advisor to plan your sequence of courses, and to determine the potential semester for student teaching (practicum). It is very important to plan your course of study with your advisor.
- When are the courses offered?
Courses are offered at night in the fall and spring and mostly during the day in the summer. The offerings shown under each licensure requirement in this book are subject to changes. It is best to work with your advisor and to check up-to-date listings on our web site at www.smcvt.edu/graduate.
Dr. Anne Judson, 802.654.2611, ajudson@smcvt.edu
Graduate Education Director; Educational Technology Specialist; ESL Licensure
Karen Donovan, 802.654.2826, kdonovan@smcvt.edu
Licensure Coordinator; Special Education
Dr. Jonathan Silverman, 802.654.2306, jsilverman@smcvt.edu
Art; Theatre Arts
Dr. Kristin Gehsmann, 802.654.2412, kgehsmann@smcvt.edu
Reading
Dr. Aostre Johnson, 802.654.2436, ajohnson@smcvt.edu
Curriculum
Dr. Claudine Prairie Bedell, 802.654.2741, cbedell@smcvt.edu
Middle and Secondary Licensure
Dr. Brian O'Regan, 802.654-2362, boregan@smcvt.edu
School Leadership
Karen Abbott, 802.654.2649, kabbott@smcvt.edu
Administrative Assistant for Graduate Education