The four-year Elementary Education program builds on the foundational content knowledge students develop in their general education course work, coupled with select upper level interdisciplinary liberal studies courses that facilitate further understanding of the broad content teachers need to know across the Prek-6 grade levels.

The JMU elementary program seeks to foster in its candidates an empathic understanding of the ways that children are affected by social contexts and by the children's own abilities; the knowledge and pedagogical skills to support each child's right to success; and belief in the value of each child. Our candidates are guided in:

• Critically challenging conventional wisdom and common practices to identify hidden assumptions and activities that constrain or privilege some at the expense of others.
• Learning to ask questions and developing an inquiring approach motivated by the desire to understand the world in its myriad complexities.
• Reflecting deeply on and constructing positive relationships with others.
• Expressing knowledge, skills, and attitudes in ways that communicate with others and provide a forum for the creative and academic expression of the profession and the self.
• Developing an appreciation for the global connection of all humanity and our interdependence on the finite, natural resources of the earth.
• Experiencing life among people whose social contexts are unlike the candidates' own to broaden and deepen respect for and sensitivity to various cultures and social contexts.
• Knowing and appreciating the process of human unfolding throughout the cycles of life from conception onward, particularly throughout the period of childhood.
• Valuing the literacies and literate backgrounds of all learners and develop equitable, inclusive instruction that honors diverse learners at all developmental phases.
• Reflecting critically on the ways we embody and enact a sustainable sense of self.
• Building on interdisciplinary connections among content areas to create inclusive, responsive, and effective instruction for all learners.
• Embedded in the curriculum are field-based learning experiences in the schools. Through these experiences, students gain first-hand experiences working with classroom teachers and learners. Students in these courses will spend 1 full day each week in an elementary classroom for field experiences beginning in the sophomore year. During the senior year, students complete two eight-week blocks of student teaching.

This is a 4-year undergraduate major in Elementary Education that leads to PK-6 licensure.

The undergraduate inclusive early childhood education major and licensure program is designed to prepare resilient, culturally responsive educators who are advocates for children and youth in inclusive public education settings.

This major prepares individuals to become special education teachers for student’s grades K-12.

Student majors in special education with a concentration in either general curriculum or adapted curriculum.

General curriculum licensure prepares teacher candidates to work with students with disabilities who are pursuing a standard high school diploma, whereas

Adapted curriculum licensure prepares teacher candidates to work with students with disabilities who are more significantly impacted by their disability and working on a specialized curriculum.

Both licenses may be obtained through specialized advising.

Secondary Educators are passionate about helping their students discover the wonders of learning. They are eager to explore content in deep and meaningful ways with their students in grades 6 through 12, teaching at a higher level of cognitive complexity than typically experienced in middle or elementary school classrooms.

Because the secondary education field is so content-focused, our students major in their content area which gives them a firm foundation from which to build appropriately challenging and integrated lessons that will impact their students for years to come.

The TESOL major enables students to become knowledgeable about the theories of linguistics, research on social and cultural variables that influence language acquisition, the knowledge required to facilitate and assess language instruction in content areas, and laws governing the education of children for whom English is not their native language.

Academic experiences in the TESOL major include coursework and field experiences to assist future educators as they gain knowledge and understanding of theories of language acquisition and cultural competence, models of instruction, policies and laws, and learner characteristics as they relate to the teaching and acquisition of English as a new language. Students completing all requirements for the TESOL major are prepared to serve as teachers of students for whom English is not their native language. Completion of this four-year program leads to eligibility for a Virginia teaching license for PK-12 English as a Second Language.

Students must choose a minor based on interest and consultation with their adviser. A variety of minors can enhance the skills and knowledge of an ESL teacher. The Liberal Studies Minor is included as one of the options to ensure a solid foundation in core content-related courses.

This minor requires certain courses within the General Education curriculum that are designed specifically to fulfill subject area competencies for Virginia teachers. If students choose a minor other than the Liberal Studies minor, they must select from minors that are no more than 18 credit hours.

All teacher education admission requirements are submitted through the Education Support Center, located in Memorial Hall, room 7230. Students must be fully admitted into teacher education before they can register for certain designated undergraduate education courses.

Middle Grades Educators walk alongside adolescents during some of the most formative years of their life. They are eager to connect with their students and help them develop socially and emotionally in grades 6 through 8, collaborating with fellow teachers to create meaningful and integrated learning experiences for their students.

Because the middle grades education field is so student-focused, our educational courses give our students a firm foundation from which to understand their students and to develop relational skills and learning strategies that will positively impact their students for years to come.

Purpose This curriculum prepares students to transfer to any four-year college or university teacher preparation program. Courses in this degree are designed to satisfy some of the endorsement and professional course requirements of a Virginia teaching license. In EDU 200, students will identify the endorsement (content) courses they need to earn a teaching license. Students should meet with a Teacher Education faculty member or Education Field Placement Coordinator and Advising Specialist to select the correct courses for their area of licensure. EDU 200 and EDU 204 both require 20-hour field placements in a K-12 public school. Students will be required to complete a background check before being placed in the schools. Students with criminal records should consult with the Teacher Education Field Placement Coordinator before enrolling in the courses. Students are strongly encouraged to take the VCLA after completing ENG 111, ENG 112, Eng-literature course, and CST 100 or 110.

Purpose This curriculum is designed for students seeking licensure in 6-12 social studies education. This curriculum prepares students to transfer to any four-year college or university teacher preparation program. Courses in this degree are designed to satisfy some of the endorsement and professional course requirements of a Virginia teaching license. In EDU 200, students will identify the endorsement (content) courses they need to earn a teaching license. Students should meet with a Teacher Education faculty member or Education Field Placement Coordinator and Advising Specialist to select the correct courses for their area of licensure. EDU 200 and EDU 204 both require 20-hour field placements in a K-12 public school. Students will be required to complete a background check before being placed in the schools. Students with criminal records should consult with the Teacher Education Field Placement Coordinator before enrolling in the courses. Students are strongly encouraged to take the VCLA after completing ENG 111, ENG 112, Eng-literature course, and CST 100 or CST 110.

Purpose This curriculum is designed for students seeking licensure in K-12 Special Education Adapted Curriculum or K-12 Special Education General Curriculum. This curriculum prepares students to transfer to any four-year college or university teacher preparation program. Courses in this degree are designed to satisfy some of the endorsement and professional course requirements of a Virginia teaching license. In EDU 200, students will identify the endorsement (content) courses they need to earn a teaching license. Students should meet with a Teacher Education faculty member or Education Field Placement Coordinator and Advising Specialist to select the correct courses for their area of licensure. EDU 200 and EDU 204 both require 20-hour field placements in a K-12 public school. Students will be required to complete a background check before being placed in the schools. Students with criminal records should consult with the Teacher Education Field Placement Coordinator before enrolling in the courses. Students are strongly encouraged to take the VCLA after completing ENG 111, ENG 112, Eng-literature course, and CST 100 or 110.

Purpose This curriculum is designed for students seeking licensure in either PreK-3rd Grade or PreK-6th Grade. Upon completion of endorsement courses, students should take the Praxis II: Elementary Education Multiple Subjects. This curriculum prepares students to transfer to any four-year college or university teacher preparation program. Courses in this degree are designed to satisfy some of the endorsement and professional course requirements of a Virginia teaching license. In EDU 200, students will identify the endorsement (content) courses they need to earn a teaching license. Students should meet with a Teacher Education faculty member or Education Field Placement Coordinator and Advising Specialist to select the correct courses for their area of licensure. EDU 200 and EDU 204 both require 20-hour field placements in a K-12 public school. Students will be required to complete a background check before being placed in the schools. Students with criminal records should consult with the Teacher Education Field Placement Coordinator before enrolling in the courses. Students are strongly encouraged to take the VCLA after completing ENG 111, ENG 112, Eng-literature course, and CST 100 or 110.

Purpose The purpose of this certificate is to allow for exploration of teaching as a career while providing the skills necessary for entry-level employment and meet some professional coursework required for provisionally licensed teachers in Virginia. In this certificate, students may receive Credit for Prior Learning for their work experiences. Students who would benefit from the program include career switchers, provisionally licensed educators, and undergraduates seeking to learn more about the field of education. Upon completion, job opportunities include Substitute Teachers and Instructional Assistants. Recommended prerequisites: There are no required prerequisites for this certificate. It is recommended that the student possess a proficiency in high school English, high school algebra and geometry.

The education studies major prepares graduates to be discerning communicators, critical thinkers, and reflective problem-solvers committed to creating supportive and collaborative learning communities that value diversity, equity, and inclusivity, meeting the needs of all learners. It provides a broad overview of the foundation and issues in education, including but not limited to the following:

• Education systems and stakeholders
• Learner development and learning differences
• Instructional planning and curriculum design
• Assessment and evaluation
• Facilitating continuous improvement in education

The education studies program does not result in teacher licensure, so it is not intended for students preparing to teach in public K-12 schools. Instead, it is designed for students interested in education-related careers (i.e., education lawyers, policymakers, corporate trainers, instructional designers, curriculum publishers, school counselors, or higher education professionals).

The education department offers a minor in education which is a sequential program designed to enable qualified students to enter teaching at the middle/secondary levels, exceptional education, or in music. The required education courses must be combined appropriately with specified general education courses and with the requisite courses in the student's major program. The department also offers a major in Elementary Education which leads to teacher licensure in grades pK-6; see Elementary Major section for more information.

The education department offers a state approved and a nationally accredited program. Randolph-Macon College's Teacher Preparation Program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) which certifies that the professional education program has provided evidence that the program adheres to CAEP's quality principles.

All requirements and coursework fulfill current state guidelines for teacher licensure at the time of catalog publication. All students who are taking courses in the Education Department which involve fieldwork must undergo a criminal background check each academic year, which costs $50 and is billable to the student's account.

Teacher Licensure

These following structured programs will enable students to meet the requirements prescribed by the Virginia State Board of Education for the Collegiate Professional License in grades 6-12 (middle/secondary) with an endorsement in the individual student's teaching field (major): Social Science/History, Math, English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Exceptional education, French, Latin, German, Spanish, and Music (choral and instrumental) are grades K-12 endorsements. The Virginia Collegiate Professional License also requires candidates to successfully complete required standardized competency assessments, which include the Praxis Core Math Exam and the Virginia Communication and Literary Assessment (VCLA). Special education candidates must pass the Reading for Virginia Educators (RVE). Secondary candidates must pass their subject specific Praxis exams. Information on these assessments is available in the education department and at the Virginia Department of Education website. All teaching candidates must also be certified in first aid, CPR, and AED by January of their senior year. All teaching candidates must complete dyslexia awareness training, child abuse/neglect training, and behavior intervention training (through the VDOE website).

Advance planning is essential for students who wish to participate in the teacher preparation program. Students preparing to teach should consult with their advisors and the education department faculty during their first year in order to begin planning a course of study which is in accordance with the requirements of the teacher preparation program.

The first course in the education minor is EDUC 220, the prerequisite for all other education courses. By March of their sophomore year, students must have taken the Praxis Core Mathematics Assessment and VCLA. These are required for admission to the Teacher Preparation Program.

Secondary Teaching Endorsement Grades 6 12

Programs for the middle/secondary level are available in the following areas: biology, physics, chemistry, English, French, Spanish, German, history/social science, Latin, and mathematics.

In the college catalog, each department (with secondary endorsements in education) lists the specific course of study that must be followed in conjunction with the education minor. Ideally, EDUC 220 should be taken in the fall of the second year. For admission to the program and for licensure in Virginia, candidates must achieve passing scores on Praxis Core Math exam and the VCLA. For licensure, candidates must pass their subject specific Praxis exam(s).

Exceptional Education: General Curriculum, Grades K-12

Students may choose any major for the Exceptional Education minor program. Starting education programs as early as possible is advisable. In most cases, students who begin taking their education courses in the fall term of their second year have adequate time to complete the program. For admission to the program and licensure in Virginia, candidates must achieve passing scores on the Praxis Core Math exam and the VCLA. For licensure, candidates must pass the Reading for Virginia Educators (RVE).

Music Education Teaching Endorsement, Grades PreK-12

Students majoring in music and planning to minor in education for the purpose of state certification must complete MUSC 355 and MUSC 356. Students should refer to the required coursework for a major in music with teacher certification.

Fieldwork

All education courses include fieldwork in local public school settings. For all fieldwork, including student teaching, students must provide their own transportation. Criminal background checks are required each fall semester.

Restricted Courses - Senior Year

Senior-level courses are restricted to those who have been admitted to the TPP. Student teaching block courses are restricted to those who have been admitted to student teaching.

Students who participate in this program must complete all other degree requirements prior to the final semester of their senior year. Students are not allowed to take any additional coursework during the student teaching semester. Student teaching provides the capstone experience for the education minor and takes place spring semester of the senior year.

Requirements for Application to Teacher Preparation Program

• Submit a complete application by the appropriate deadline
• 2.8 cumulative GPA; major and minor GPAs will also be reviewed to ensure the student is making progress toward the minimum 2.8 GPA required to student teach.
• Completion of at least EDUC 220 with a C- or better (or concurrent enrollment in EDUC 200 in some instances)
• Pass Praxis Core Math Assessment or qualifying SAT/ACT score
• Pass VCLA
• Positive evaluation from the Education Department
• Positive evaluation from faculty member outside of the department
• Records and results from any RMC academic integrity or judicial violation
• Dispositions Self-Assessment
• Recent RMC Lesson Plan
• Diversity Reflection
• Clinical Evaluation from fieldwork

Late and incomplete applications will not be accepted. Ineligibility for the program due to incomplete or late applications is not appealable. Some students may apply during the next application cycle.

Questions about applying to the program? Please contact Dr. April Marchetti, Education Department Chair, at Education@rmc.edu.

Requirements for Application to Student Teach

• Submit a complete application by September 15th, senior year
• Must be an existing member of the Teacher Preparation Program
• 2.8 cumulative, major, and minor GPA
• Completion of all required education courses and affiliated coursework with a C- or better
• Negative TB Test Results
• Positive evaluation from the Education Department
• First Aid, CPR and AED Certification
• SVEA Membership documentation
• Dyslexia Awareness Training Certificate
• Behavior Intervention Support Training Certificate
• Certification of Child Abuse and Neglect Training
• Findings/results of a required background check as well as records from any RMC academic integrity or judicial violation
• Dispositions Self-Assessment
• Recent RMC Lesson Plan
• Diversity Reflection
• Clinical Evaluation from fieldwork

Late and incomplete applications will not be accepted. Ineligibility for student teaching due to incomplete or late applications is not appealable. Such students may apply during the next application cycle.

Application Process

All applications will be reviewed by the Teacher Preparation Committee. Students will receive a decision letter from the Education Department Chair and TPC chair within three weeks of submission.

Students who are not admitted to the TPP during their sophomore year may reapply as juniors. However, students may find it difficult to complete all required coursework for licensure within four years. Please speak with your advisor for more information if this applies to you.

The education department offers a minor in education which is a sequential program designed to enable qualified students to enter teaching at the middle/secondary levels, exceptional education, or in music. The required education courses must be combined appropriately with specified general education courses and with the requisite courses in the student's major program. The department also offers a major in Elementary Education which leads to teacher licensure in grades pK-6; see Elementary Major section for more information.

The education department offers a state approved and a nationally accredited program. Randolph-Macon College's Teacher Preparation Program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) which certifies that the professional education program has provided evidence that the program adheres to CAEP's quality principles.

All requirements and coursework fulfill current state guidelines for teacher licensure at the time of catalog publication. All students who are taking courses in the Education Department which involve fieldwork must undergo a criminal background check each academic year, which costs $50 and is billable to the student's account.

Teacher Licensure

These following structured programs will enable students to meet the requirements prescribed by the Virginia State Board of Education for the Collegiate Professional License in grades 6-12 (middle/secondary) with an endorsement in the individual student's teaching field (major): Social Science/History, Math, English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Exceptional education, French, Latin, German, Spanish, and Music (choral and instrumental) are grades K-12 endorsements. The Virginia Collegiate Professional License also requires candidates to successfully complete required standardized competency assessments, which include the Praxis Core Math Exam and the Virginia Communication and Literary Assessment (VCLA). Special education candidates must pass the Reading for Virginia Educators (RVE). Secondary candidates must pass their subject specific Praxis exams. Information on these assessments is available in the education department and at the Virginia Department of Education website. All teaching candidates must also be certified in first aid, CPR, and AED by January of their senior year. All teaching candidates must complete dyslexia awareness training, child abuse/neglect training, and behavior intervention training (through the VDOE website).

Advance planning is essential for students who wish to participate in the teacher preparation program. Students preparing to teach should consult with their advisors and the education department faculty during their first year in order to begin planning a course of study which is in accordance with the requirements of the teacher preparation program.

The first course in the education minor is EDUC 220, the prerequisite for all other education courses. By March of their sophomore year, students must have taken the Praxis Core Mathematics Assessment and VCLA. These are required for admission to the Teacher Preparation Program.

Secondary Teaching Endorsement Grades 6 12

Programs for the middle/secondary level are available in the following areas: biology, physics, chemistry, English, French, Spanish, German, history/social science, Latin, and mathematics.

In the college catalog, each department (with secondary endorsements in education) lists the specific course of study that must be followed in conjunction with the education minor. Ideally, EDUC 220 should be taken in the fall of the second year. For admission to the program and for licensure in Virginia, candidates must achieve passing scores on Praxis Core Math exam and the VCLA. For licensure, candidates must pass their subject specific Praxis exam(s).

Exceptional Education: General Curriculum, Grades K-12

Students may choose any major for the Exceptional Education minor program. Starting education programs as early as possible is advisable. In most cases, students who begin taking their education courses in the fall term of their second year have adequate time to complete the program. For admission to the program and licensure in Virginia, candidates must achieve passing scores on the Praxis Core Math exam and the VCLA. For licensure, candidates must pass the Reading for Virginia Educators (RVE).

Music Education Teaching Endorsement, Grades PreK-12

Students majoring in music and planning to minor in education for the purpose of state certification must complete MUSC 355 and MUSC 356. Students should refer to the required coursework for a major in music with teacher certification.

Fieldwork

All education courses include fieldwork in local public school settings. For all fieldwork, including student teaching, students must provide their own transportation. Criminal background checks are required each fall semester.

Restricted Courses - Senior Year

Senior-level courses are restricted to those who have been admitted to the TPP. Student teaching block courses are restricted to those who have been admitted to student teaching.

Students who participate in this program must complete all other degree requirements prior to the final semester of their senior year. Students are not allowed to take any additional coursework during the student teaching semester. Student teaching provides the capstone experience for the education minor and takes place spring semester of the senior year.

Requirements for Application to Teacher Preparation Program

• Submit a complete application by the appropriate deadline
• 2.8 cumulative GPA; major and minor GPAs will also be reviewed to ensure the student is making progress toward the minimum 2.8 GPA required to student teach.
• Completion of at least EDUC 220 with a C- or better (or concurrent enrollment in EDUC 200 in some instances)
• Pass Praxis Core Math Assessment or qualifying SAT/ACT score
• Pass VCLA
• Positive evaluation from the Education Department
• Positive evaluation from faculty member outside of the department
• Records and results from any RMC academic integrity or judicial violation
• Dispositions Self-Assessment
• Recent RMC Lesson Plan
• Diversity Reflection
• Clinical Evaluation from fieldwork

Late and incomplete applications will not be accepted. Ineligibility for the program due to incomplete or late applications is not appealable. Some students may apply during the next application cycle.

Questions about applying to the program? Please contact Dr. April Marchetti, Education Department Chair, at Education@rmc.edu.

Requirements for Application to Student Teach

• Submit a complete application by September 15th, senior year
• Must be an existing member of the Teacher Preparation Program
• 2.8 cumulative, major, and minor GPA
• Completion of all required education courses and affiliated coursework with a C- or better
• Negative TB Test Results
• Positive evaluation from the Education Department
• First Aid, CPR and AED Certification
• SVEA Membership documentation
• Dyslexia Awareness Training Certificate
• Behavior Intervention Support Training Certificate
• Certification of Child Abuse and Neglect Training
• Findings/results of a required background check as well as records from any RMC academic integrity or judicial violation
• Dispositions Self-Assessment
• Recent RMC Lesson Plan
• Diversity Reflection
• Clinical Evaluation from fieldwork

Late and incomplete applications will not be accepted. Ineligibility for student teaching due to incomplete or late applications is not appealable. Such students may apply during the next application cycle.

Application Process

All applications will be reviewed by the Teacher Preparation Committee. Students will receive a decision letter from the Education Department Chair and TPC chair within three weeks of submission.

Students who are not admitted to the TPP during their sophomore year may reapply as juniors. However, students may find it difficult to complete all required coursework for licensure within four years. Please speak with your advisor for more information if this applies to you.

The education department offers a minor in education which is a sequential program designed to enable qualified students to enter teaching at the middle/secondary levels, exceptional education, or in music. The required education courses must be combined appropriately with specified general education courses and with the requisite courses in the student's major program. The department also offers a major in Elementary Education which leads to teacher licensure in grades pK-6; see Elementary Major section for more information.

The education department offers a state approved and a nationally accredited program. Randolph-Macon College's Teacher Preparation Program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) which certifies that the professional education program has provided evidence that the program adheres to CAEP's quality principles.

All requirements and coursework fulfill current state guidelines for teacher licensure at the time of catalog publication. All students who are taking courses in the Education Department which involve fieldwork must undergo a criminal background check each academic year, which costs $50 and is billable to the student's account.

Teacher Licensure

These following structured programs will enable students to meet the requirements prescribed by the Virginia State Board of Education for the Collegiate Professional License in grades 6-12 (middle/secondary) with an endorsement in the individual student's teaching field (major): Social Science/History, Math, English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Exceptional education, French, Latin, German, Spanish, and Music (choral and instrumental) are grades K-12 endorsements. The Virginia Collegiate Professional License also requires candidates to successfully complete required standardized competency assessments, which include the Praxis Core Math Exam and the Virginia Communication and Literary Assessment (VCLA). Special education candidates must pass the Reading for Virginia Educators (RVE). Secondary candidates must pass their subject specific Praxis exams. Information on these assessments is available in the education department and at the Virginia Department of Education website. All teaching candidates must also be certified in first aid, CPR, and AED by January of their senior year. All teaching candidates must complete dyslexia awareness training, child abuse/neglect training, and behavior intervention training (through the VDOE website).

Advance planning is essential for students who wish to participate in the teacher preparation program. Students preparing to teach should consult with their advisors and the education department faculty during their first year in order to begin planning a course of study which is in accordance with the requirements of the teacher preparation program.

The first course in the education minor is EDUC 220, the prerequisite for all other education courses. By March of their sophomore year, students must have taken the Praxis Core Mathematics Assessment and VCLA. These are required for admission to the Teacher Preparation Program.

Secondary Teaching Endorsement Grades 6 12

Programs for the middle/secondary level are available in the following areas: biology, physics, chemistry, English, French, Spanish, German, history/social science, Latin, and mathematics.

In the college catalog, each department (with secondary endorsements in education) lists the specific course of study that must be followed in conjunction with the education minor. Ideally, EDUC 220 should be taken in the fall of the second year. For admission to the program and for licensure in Virginia, candidates must achieve passing scores on Praxis Core Math exam and the VCLA. For licensure, candidates must pass their subject specific Praxis exam(s).

Exceptional Education: General Curriculum, Grades K-12

Students may choose any major for the Exceptional Education minor program. Starting education programs as early as possible is advisable. In most cases, students who begin taking their education courses in the fall term of their second year have adequate time to complete the program. For admission to the program and licensure in Virginia, candidates must achieve passing scores on the Praxis Core Math exam and the VCLA. For licensure, candidates must pass the Reading for Virginia Educators (RVE).

Music Education Teaching Endorsement, Grades PreK-12

Students majoring in music and planning to minor in education for the purpose of state certification must complete MUSC 355 and MUSC 356. Students should refer to the required coursework for a major in music with teacher certification.

Fieldwork

All education courses include fieldwork in local public school settings. For all fieldwork, including student teaching, students must provide their own transportation. Criminal background checks are required each fall semester.

Restricted Courses - Senior Year

Senior-level courses are restricted to those who have been admitted to the TPP. Student teaching block courses are restricted to those who have been admitted to student teaching.

Students who participate in this program must complete all other degree requirements prior to the final semester of their senior year. Students are not allowed to take any additional coursework during the student teaching semester. Student teaching provides the capstone experience for the education minor and takes place spring semester of the senior year.

Requirements for Application to Teacher Preparation Program

• Submit a complete application by the appropriate deadline
• 2.8 cumulative GPA; major and minor GPAs will also be reviewed to ensure the student is making progress toward the minimum 2.8 GPA required to student teach.
• Completion of at least EDUC 220 with a C- or better (or concurrent enrollment in EDUC 200 in some instances)
• Pass Praxis Core Math Assessment or qualifying SAT/ACT score
• Pass VCLA
• Positive evaluation from the Education Department
• Positive evaluation from faculty member outside of the department
• Records and results from any RMC academic integrity or judicial violation
• Dispositions Self-Assessment
• Recent RMC Lesson Plan
• Diversity Reflection
• Clinical Evaluation from fieldwork

Late and incomplete applications will not be accepted. Ineligibility for the program due to incomplete or late applications is not appealable. Some students may apply during the next application cycle.

Questions about applying to the program? Please contact Dr. April Marchetti, Education Department Chair, at Education@rmc.edu.

Requirements for Application to Student Teach

• Submit a complete application by September 15th, senior year
• Must be an existing member of the Teacher Preparation Program
• 2.8 cumulative, major, and minor GPA
• Completion of all required education courses and affiliated coursework with a C- or better
• Negative TB Test Results
• Positive evaluation from the Education Department
• First Aid, CPR and AED Certification
• SVEA Membership documentation
• Dyslexia Awareness Training Certificate
• Behavior Intervention Support Training Certificate
• Certification of Child Abuse and Neglect Training
• Findings/results of a required background check as well as records from any RMC academic integrity or judicial violation
• Dispositions Self-Assessment
• Recent RMC Lesson Plan
• Diversity Reflection
• Clinical Evaluation from fieldwork

Late and incomplete applications will not be accepted. Ineligibility for student teaching due to incomplete or late applications is not appealable. Such students may apply during the next application cycle.

Application Process

All applications will be reviewed by the Teacher Preparation Committee. Students will receive a decision letter from the Education Department Chair and TPC chair within three weeks of submission.

Students who are not admitted to the TPP during their sophomore year may reapply as juniors. However, students may find it difficult to complete all required coursework for licensure within four years. Please speak with your advisor for more information if this applies to you.

The education department offers a minor in education which is a sequential program designed to enable qualified students to enter teaching at the middle/secondary levels, exceptional education, or in music. The required education courses must be combined appropriately with specified general education courses and with the requisite courses in the student's major program. The department also offers a major in Elementary Education which leads to teacher licensure in grades pK-6; see Elementary Major section for more information.

The education department offers a state approved and a nationally accredited program. Randolph-Macon College's Teacher Preparation Program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) which certifies that the professional education program has provided evidence that the program adheres to CAEP's quality principles.

All requirements and coursework fulfill current state guidelines for teacher licensure at the time of catalog publication. All students who are taking courses in the Education Department which involve fieldwork must undergo a criminal background check each academic year, which costs $50 and is billable to the student's account.

Teacher Licensure

These following structured programs will enable students to meet the requirements prescribed by the Virginia State Board of Education for the Collegiate Professional License in grades 6-12 (middle/secondary) with an endorsement in the individual student's teaching field (major): Social Science/History, Math, English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Exceptional education, French, Latin, German, Spanish, and Music (choral and instrumental) are grades K-12 endorsements. The Virginia Collegiate Professional License also requires candidates to successfully complete required standardized competency assessments, which include the Praxis Core Math Exam and the Virginia Communication and Literary Assessment (VCLA). Special education candidates must pass the Reading for Virginia Educators (RVE). Secondary candidates must pass their subject specific Praxis exams. Information on these assessments is available in the education department and at the Virginia Department of Education website. All teaching candidates must also be certified in first aid, CPR, and AED by January of their senior year. All teaching candidates must complete dyslexia awareness training, child abuse/neglect training, and behavior intervention training (through the VDOE website).

Advance planning is essential for students who wish to participate in the teacher preparation program. Students preparing to teach should consult with their advisors and the education department faculty during their first year in order to begin planning a course of study which is in accordance with the requirements of the teacher preparation program.

The first course in the education minor is EDUC 220, the prerequisite for all other education courses. By March of their sophomore year, students must have taken the Praxis Core Mathematics Assessment and VCLA. These are required for admission to the Teacher Preparation Program.

Secondary Teaching Endorsement Grades 6 12

Programs for the middle/secondary level are available in the following areas: biology, physics, chemistry, English, French, Spanish, German, history/social science, Latin, and mathematics.

In the college catalog, each department (with secondary endorsements in education) lists the specific course of study that must be followed in conjunction with the education minor. Ideally, EDUC 220 should be taken in the fall of the second year. For admission to the program and for licensure in Virginia, candidates must achieve passing scores on Praxis Core Math exam and the VCLA. For licensure, candidates must pass their subject specific Praxis exam(s).

Exceptional Education: General Curriculum, Grades K-12

Students may choose any major for the Exceptional Education minor program. Starting education programs as early as possible is advisable. In most cases, students who begin taking their education courses in the fall term of their second year have adequate time to complete the program. For admission to the program and licensure in Virginia, candidates must achieve passing scores on the Praxis Core Math exam and the VCLA. For licensure, candidates must pass the Reading for Virginia Educators (RVE).

Music Education Teaching Endorsement, Grades PreK-12

Students majoring in music and planning to minor in education for the purpose of state certification must complete MUSC 355 and MUSC 356. Students should refer to the required coursework for a major in music with teacher certification.

Fieldwork

All education courses include fieldwork in local public school settings. For all fieldwork, including student teaching, students must provide their own transportation. Criminal background checks are required each fall semester.

Restricted Courses - Senior Year

Senior-level courses are restricted to those who have been admitted to the TPP. Student teaching block courses are restricted to those who have been admitted to student teaching.

Students who participate in this program must complete all other degree requirements prior to the final semester of their senior year. Students are not allowed to take any additional coursework during the student teaching semester. Student teaching provides the capstone experience for the education minor and takes place spring semester of the senior year.

Requirements for Application to Teacher Preparation Program

• Submit a complete application by the appropriate deadline
• 2.8 cumulative GPA; major and minor GPAs will also be reviewed to ensure the student is making progress toward the minimum 2.8 GPA required to student teach.
• Completion of at least EDUC 220 with a C- or better (or concurrent enrollment in EDUC 200 in some instances)
• Pass Praxis Core Math Assessment or qualifying SAT/ACT score
• Pass VCLA
• Positive evaluation from the Education Department
• Positive evaluation from faculty member outside of the department
• Records and results from any RMC academic integrity or judicial violation
• Dispositions Self-Assessment
• Recent RMC Lesson Plan
• Diversity Reflection
• Clinical Evaluation from fieldwork

Late and incomplete applications will not be accepted. Ineligibility for the program due to incomplete or late applications is not appealable. Some students may apply during the next application cycle.

Questions about applying to the program? Please contact Dr. April Marchetti, Education Department Chair, at Education@rmc.edu.

Requirements for Application to Student Teach

• Submit a complete application by September 15th, senior year
• Must be an existing member of the Teacher Preparation Program
• 2.8 cumulative, major, and minor GPA
• Completion of all required education courses and affiliated coursework with a C- or better
• Negative TB Test Results
• Positive evaluation from the Education Department
• First Aid, CPR and AED Certification
• SVEA Membership documentation
• Dyslexia Awareness Training Certificate
• Behavior Intervention Support Training Certificate
• Certification of Child Abuse and Neglect Training
• Findings/results of a required background check as well as records from any RMC academic integrity or judicial violation
• Dispositions Self-Assessment
• Recent RMC Lesson Plan
• Diversity Reflection
• Clinical Evaluation from fieldwork

Late and incomplete applications will not be accepted. Ineligibility for student teaching due to incomplete or late applications is not appealable. Such students may apply during the next application cycle.

Application Process

All applications will be reviewed by the Teacher Preparation Committee. Students will receive a decision letter from the Education Department Chair and TPC chair within three weeks of submission.

Students who are not admitted to the TPP during their sophomore year may reapply as juniors. However, students may find it difficult to complete all required coursework for licensure within four years. Please speak with your advisor for more information if this applies to you.

The exceptional education major consists of required education courses and affiliated courses from departments across the College. The sequence of required courses is informed by our state and national accrediting agencies, the VDOE and CAEP. Starting to plan your education program as early as possible is advised. Students should begin education courses in the spring semester of their freshman year or the fall semester of their sophomore year. Application to the program is submitted in spring of the student's sophomore year. For acceptance to the program, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.8, have taken EDUC 220 and EDUC 233, and must have earned passing scores on the Praxis Core Math exam and the VCLA exam. Candidates submit their application to student teach in the fall of their senior year and student teach in the spring semester of their senior year. For licensure in Virginia, candidates must achieve passing scores on the Praxis Teaching Reading: Elementary (5205) assessment. They must also complete a series of online training and become CPR certified. Students who complete this major are eligible to apply for Virginia licensure - Special Education (General Curriculum, K-12).

Students majoring in Elementary Education can minor in Exceptional Education to add the Special Education (General Curriculum, K-12) endorsement. The minor only results in eligibility for special education licensure when completed in conjunction with the Elementary Education major.