Think You Want to Be a Teacher? Presented by: The College of Education and Human Development George Mason University SPRING 2010 Please sign in at the door and help yourself to information. Teachers are Nation Builders “The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to him his own.” Benjamin Disraeli Why Do You Want to Become a Teacher? Make a difference Change lives Engage minds Touch the future It’s a good profession Fulfilling Stable Benefits Opportunities for growth What Should You Teach? What age groups are you interested in teaching?

What subject areas are you most interested in? What is the job market like? 2008-09 VA Critical Shortage Areas 1. Bni Purpose And Overview Pdf To Word there. Special Education 2. Mathematics (6-12, Algebra I) 3. Science (Earth Science, Gr.

6-8, Biology) 4. Reading Specialist 5.

Foreign Language (Spanish) 6. Career and Technical Education 7. Library Media 10. Grades 6-8 (All Subjects) Why George Mason University? Nationally accredited (NCATE) programs Wide variety of programs Convenient class times (4:30 and 7:20) Team to assist you Advisor Endorsement Specialist Field Placement Specialist Licensure Specialist Mason’s Teacher Licensure Programs Many of our programs offer an optional master’s degree upon completing licensure coursework. Early Childhood Education (EDSE-SPEC) Elementary Education Secondary Education Secondary Education/CS English as a Sec.

Foreign Language Special Education Early Childhood Education M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction cr Concentration: Early Childhood Ed.

(Pre K- Gr 3) With licensure M.Ed. Special Education – 30 cr Concentration: Early Childhood Special Ed.

(Birth-5yrs) *Optional licensure: add secondary ECSE program (+13 credits) *Contact Julie Kidd to add secondary licensure program. PRIORITY DEADLINE: March 1 (fall); Nov. 1 (spring) Elementary Education (Pre K-6) M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction cr. Concentration: Elementary Ed. With licensure Professional Development Schools Year Long Internship Program (6 academic terms with a fall start) Professional Development Schools Semester Long Internship Program (available on the Fairfax and Loudoun Campuses; 7 academic terms with a summer start) NEW Bridge Year Long Internship Program (5 academic terms with a spring start) STRICT DEADLINE: Feb. 1 summer and fall; Oct.

1 spring Secondary Education (Grades 6-12) M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction Concentration: Secondary Education Subject areas: English, History, Math, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics) Initial licensure (21 cr) with optional master’s (plus 12 cr) Flexible schedule INTERNSHIPS (Concurrent enrollment in EDRD 619) Regular placement (15 weeks with no pay) On-the-job (you obtain a paid position in the school district—they provide you with a provisional license) Professional development school placement (highly selective option providing specially trained teachers who work with GMU faculty in preparing you for teaching). STRICT DEADLINE: March 1 (fall); October 1 (spring) Secondary Ed./Career Switcher (CS) (Grades 6-12) M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction Concentration: Secondary Education Subject areas: English, History, Math, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics) Initial licensure (18 cr) with optional master’s (plus 15 cr) Five years full-time work experience All endorsements completed Passing Praxis I/SAT/ACT, Praxis II, VCLA Students are granted a one year provisional license and seek full-time employment in a local school district. STRICT DEADLINE: March 1 (fall); October 1 (spring) English as a Second Language (PK-12) M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction Concentration: English as a Second Language Initial licensure (30 cr) with optional master’s (plus 9 cr) Six credit hours of a foreign language required for admission INTERNSHIPS Exam: Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) Regular placement (15 weeks with no pay) On-the-job (you obtain a paid position in the school district—they provide you with a provisional license) PRIORITY DEADLINE: March 1 (fall); November 1 (spring) Foreign Language (PK-12) M.Ed.

I chose Mason because I am a huge fan of non-judgmental acceptance and at Mason Premier, loved the vibe I got from both the faculty and the Patriot leaders. Academics: I'm a part of the Majors and Career Exploration LLC at GMU, though I'm thinking about a major in the sciences, with a.

Curriculum and Instruction Concentration: Foreign Language and Latin Languages: Spanish, French, German, Arabic, Chinese (limited availability), Japanese, Russian, and Latin Initial licensure (27 cr) with optional master’s (plus 12 cr) INTERNSHIPS Exams: ACTFL (WPT) and (OPI), VCLA, Praxis II: Spanish, French, or German Internship options are outlined on the program Web site: PRIORITY DEADLINE: March 1 (fall); November 1 (spring) Special Education (PK-12) M.Ed. Special Education cr *Option: add secondary licensure program Teaching Students with Disabilities who Access the General Curriculum K-12 (+9 credits) Students with Disabilities who Access the Adapted Curriculum K-12 (+12 credits) Visual Impairments PK-12 (+14 credits) School District Cohorts: Read “Cohort Outreach Programs” at: Applicants who do not meet the 3.0 GPA requirement are encouraged to provide Praxis I or VCLA test scores with their application.

* Contact Jancy Templeton PRIORITY DEADLINE: March 1 (fall); November 1 (spring) Pre-Admission 1. Choose and research your program 2. Complete endorsement review ONLINE-Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Ed –incl. Career Switcher Foreign language-contact Nanette Rutsch OPTION: ACTFL WPT/OPI plus 6 credits of foreign language 3. Complete testing (SAT/ACT/Praxis I)—CS requires PRAXIS II and VCLA prior to admission Endorsements Endorsements are undergraduate courses in content areas that must be completed prior to internship. For Secondary Ed.

And CS/Secondary Ed., you may fulfill your endorsement requirements via your bachelor’s degree in English, chemistry, physics, math or biology. Must be within 9 credits of completion by the first day of class. Course work in progress MUST be entered in the online endorsement review. Submit transcripts (including GMU) and official CLEP exam scores with cover sheet Contact to see which course work can fulfill endorsement requirements. Allow 4-6 weeks for review to be completed. Send a copy of endorsement review to Admissions.

SAT/ACT Equivalent SAT ACT SAT test taken after April 1,1995 Score=1100 Minimum: 530 Verbal and 530 Math SAT test taken before April 1, 1995 Score=1000 Minimum: 450 Verbal and 510 Math ACT test taken after April 1,1995 Score=24 Minimum: 22 Math and 46 (English + Reading) ACT test taken before April 1, 1995* Score=21 Minimum: 21 Math and 37 (English + Reading) * ACT scores prior to fall 1989 did not include a reading component and cannot be accepted. Praxis I Praxis I consists of reading, writing and math sections Register for the paper-based exam at: Call Prometric at to register for a computer-based Praxis I exam at a local testing center (M-Sat) Required for admission to all of our programs except Special Education (required to add licensure program) A composite score of 532 is required. Report scores to GMU institutional code 5827. Praxis II-Content Knowledge Exam Register for the paper-based exam at: Test codes and sample questions--Praxis Web site. Required for admission to SEC-CS.

Must be passed prior to final internship for: Early Childhood PK-3 Elementary Ed. Foreign Language (Spanish, French and German) Secondary Ed (English, Social Studies, Math, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science and Physics) Note: Elementary Education Praxis II exam or course is an exit requirement for Students with Disabilities who Access the Adapted Curriculum K-12 VCLA/VRA Tests VCLA The Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) must be passed prior to internship application submission for ALL initial teacher licensure programs - (VCLA is an admissions requirement for the Career Switcher program). Passing score=470. Report scores to GMU (code 17) when you register for exam. VRA The Virginia Reading Assessment (VRA) must be passed prior to internship application submission for Early Childhood Education-EPK3, Elementary Education, and Special Education. Passing score=235.

Report scores to GMU when you register for exam. How Do You Apply? Follow 4-step process: Step 1: Select your Program Review program requirements Step 2: Apply online Step 3: Send in sealed documents together—MS4D1 Step 4: Application Status Students accepted for fall are allowed to enroll in summer classes. Solidworks 2005 Torrent Crackdown. Complete Applications Graduate application with fee Official transcripts Goal statement Three letters of recommendation Passing Praxis I test OR SAT/ACT Endorsement review Additional program specific materials, where appropriate (How Do You Get Admitted?

Your application will be evaluated using the following standards: A minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credit hours Praxis I composite score of at least 532 OR SAT/ACT equivalent Strong letters of recommendation Endorsement requirements fulfilled (except ESL,EDSE) Interview and writing sample also required by some programs Steps to Virginia Licensure Bachelor’s degree Content/endorsement requirement course work ACTFL OPI and WPT (in lieu of foreign lang. Endorsements) Praxis I passing scores or SAT/ACT equiv. Scores (admission) Praxis II passing scores Pass Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) Virginia Reading Assessment (VRA) Complete a state-approved program These requirements meet Virginia’s definition of a highly qualified teacher.

FAQ: Licensure/Endorsement Licensure: the initial designation from the state of Virginia Endorsement: Designation on the license noting ages or grade levels and/or subjects, disciplines and disabilities Example: I am licensed to teach secondary education, grades 6-12, math FAQ: Licensure Reciprocity Will my Virginia teacher’s license “transfer” to other states? Because Virginia has some of the highest teacher licensure requirements in the country, many states have agreed to offer “reciprocity.” If you are considering teaching in another state, you will need to contact the Department of Education in that state regarding how to obtain licensure.

Completing a state-approved education program enhances your chances of receiving reciprocity. FAQ: Provisional License What is a provisional license? A three-year, non-renewable license for someone who does not hold a current, valid license.

An applicant must first be hired by a Virginia school division based on the content requirements for the teaching area for which the individual is applying. FAQ: What if You Miss the Deadline? All of our licensure programs except ELED and SEC-CS allow students to take courses as a non-degree student. Questions regarding class registration eligibility should be directed to the program office manager. There are restrictions on how many classes can transfer into degree and certificate programs.

Students should only be in non-degree status for one semester. Tel: Website: FAQ: When Do Classes Meet? Most classes will meet once a week, either at 4:30 pm or 7:20 pm Full time programs offer courses that meet during the day Summer session courses meet 2-3 times a week FAQ: What is the Cost? Spring 2010 In-state tuition: $398/credit hour Out-of-state tuition: $987/credit hour To be classified as an “in-state” student, you must live in Virginia for one year and pay taxes to the state for one year. FAQ: Scholarships? The Virginia Teaching Scholarship Loan Program For students pursuing teaching careers in shortage or critical needs areas For more information, read about the scholarship program on the VDOE Web site: General financial aid information can be found at: The application for assistantships can be found at: FAQ: Communication? Acknowledgment (must provide address) Self managed process Lacking letter Sent once application is processed if incomplete Decision letter Sent via postal mail 2-4 wks after interviews (POM) Intent to enroll: cehd.gmu.edu/admissions/rsvp G number—Mason ID Application Status Graduate applicants are expected to monitor their application status by checking online at: Some applications may be suspended for several days if a previous student record exists requiring additional verification to avoid creating duplicate G numbers.

Applications are pushed through the system at 10 PM nightly. They are processed according to program deadline and date of receipt.

Name Changes Applicants who previously attended GMU must submit the Change of Name form found at: along with acceptable legal documentation outlined on form. Send via mail to: George Mason University CEHD Admissions 4400 University Dr., MS 4D1 Fairfax, VA 22030 Drop off: Robinson A, room 103 Address Changes Address updates must be provided directly to This is critical to ensure decision letters are properly routed. Students have access to Patriot Web once they have been accepted and have indicated their intent to enroll. Privacy and Security Due to privacy regulations, we can only speak with applicants. Written permission must be provided if you need someone to speak on your behalf. Due to security and privacy concerns, social security numbers are being dropped from transcripts.

Former names must be included in your application so we can cross-match documents should a transcript arrive separately. Important Contacts CEHD Admissions: 703 993-2010 cehdgrad@gmu.edu Financial Aid: Non-Degree: College of Education and Human Development George Mason University 4400 University Drive, MS 4D1 Fairfax, VA 22030.

Career Switcher Program Thinking of a Teaching Career? Find yourself at the head of the class through the Virginia Career Switcher Alternative Route to Licensure Program The Career Switcher Alternative Route to Licensure Program is designed to provide an option for career professionals to enter Virginia’s classrooms.

The career switcher program recognizes the life experiences of qualified individuals and provides participants with skills needed to pursue a teaching career in Virginia. Individuals interested in enrolling in a career switcher program must apply for admission directly to a certified program provider. These providers are listed below. Applicants must make certain they have met the prerequisites stated below and have submitted their applications and all other required documents directly to a career switcher program provider. Program Providers Career switcher program providers are responsible for recruiting, screening, and selecting applicants.

Providers must document that individuals accepted into their career switcher programs meet all Board of Education requirements. The following certified career switcher program providers are available in Virginia. Contact a program provider directly to inquire about the application process. • • Offers endorsements in preK-12, secondary, middle education, and elementary education. Please note that ODU is the only Career Switcher Program Provider offering an endorsement in elementary education. • Locations: Norfolk, Hampton, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach • Phone: 757-453-6856 • • Offers endorsements in preK-12, secondary and middle education* *Regent University does not offer an endorsement in elementary education.

• Location: Virginia Beach, Online Program • Phone: 757-352-4479 • • Offers endorsements in preK-12, secondary, and middle education* *Shenandoah University does not offer an endorsement in elementary education. • Locations: Winchester, Leesburg, Fredericksburg • Phone: 540-535-3552 • • Offers endorsements in preK-12, secondary, middle education, and English as a second language* *The Virginia Community College System (Educate Virginia) does not offer an endorsement in elementary education.

• Locations: • Blue Ridge Community College • Central Virginia Community College • J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College • John Tyler Community College • Lord Fairfax Community College • Northern Virginia Community College • Southwest Virginia Community College • Tidewater Community College • Virginia Western Community College • Phone: 804-523-5671 The former Career Switcher Alternative Route to Licensure Programs, listed below, have been discontinued and are no longer accepting candidates.