The four checkpoints below outline progressively the requirements of the Teacher Education Program and serve as a guideline for students as they move toward licensure.

Note: Teacher education students returning to Buena Vista University after an absence of two or more years must follow the program/catalog that is in effect at the time of their return.

Checkpoint I:  Admission to the Teacher Education Program

The candidate will submit the Teacher Education Program (TEP) application and the Teacher Education Subcommittee will review the candidate’s file to ensure that the following requirements have been met:

• EDCO 250:  Educational Psychology/Human Development.  Completed with minimum grade of C.
• EDCO 260:  Directed Observation.  Completed with passing grade and positive recommendation from cooperating teacher.
• EDCO 279/280:  Structure and Philosophy of American Education.  Completed with minimum grade of C.
• Successful completion of portfolio artifacts required in EDCO 250, 260 and 279/280.
  *Transfer students see note below.
• Successful Completion of Praxis I Exam. (Reading = 173, Writing = 172, and Math = 171)
• Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.50.
• Two Professional Progress Reports.
• Good Conduct Policy Statement.
• Confidentiality Statement.

Note:  Transfer students whose coursework does not conform to the first three bullets are required to complete the portfolio assignment for EDCO 260, two other EDCO courses with a grade of C or better and the portfolio requirements of those courses. This variation within Checkpoint I does not exempt students from the grade and portfolio requirements for EDCO 250 and 279/280. These requirements must be completed at another time in the Program.  The remaining requirements in Checkpoint I must be completed as outlined.

Elementary majors may take only two methods courses, none with the EDUC 405 field experience attached, prior to formal admission to the Program.  No methods courses may be taken by other education students until they are formally admitted to the Program.

Based on submitted information, the Teacher Education Subcommittee will:

• Fully approve the candidate for the Teacher Education Program.
• Deny the candidate.  Reasons/Rationale for denial will be shared in writing with the candidate. Each candidate will have an opportunity to address deficiencies in a timely manner.  Candidates will be informed of their right to appeal the decision.

Checkpoint II:  Teacher Education Program Progress

In order to advance to the next field experiences, EDCO 290 and EDUC/SEDU/SPED 405/406 the teacher education student must successfully satisfy the following:

• Review of Mandatory Reporters Protocol.
• Universal Precautions Workshop.
• Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5.
• Improvement in areas of concern noted in Checkpoint I, Professional Progress Reports, or other areas as noted since those reports.  Particular attention will be given to dispositions.
• Successful completion of “Unsatisfactory” elements from portfolio assignments.
• Teacher Education Subcommittee endorsement.

Checkpoint III:  Admission to Student Teaching

Student teaching is the culminating experience in the Teacher Education Program. It is designed as an opportunity to apply and generalize skills, theory, and knowledge gained during the teacher preparation program to a real-life educational setting.

The student teacher candidate will submit an application for student teaching after having completed the following:

• All EDCO and Methods course requirements with a minimum grade of  C.
• Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5.
• Minimum grade point average of 2.5 in the major/minor/concentration.
• Successful completion of remaining non-student teaching portfolio artifacts.
• Written biographical summary (to be used by cooperating schools).

  In addition, the applicant will have senior standing and will be in residence (as defined by the university catalog) the semester/term immediately preceding student teaching.

  The Teacher Education Subcommittee will review the candidate’s file.  After review, the Subcommittee will vote to accept or deny the student’s admittance to the Student Teaching Semester. Students denied admittance to the professional semester have the right to an appeal.

Checkpoint IV:  Licensure Requirements

Each semester/term the licensure officer or designated official meets with student teachers to discuss the licensure procedure.  Students are provided information and appropriate forms to apply for licensure.  The basic requirements that must be met in order to be recommended for licensure are as follows:

• Successful completion of Buena Vista University requirements.
• Successful completion of the Teacher Education Program that Buena Vista University has on file with the Iowa Department of Education.
• Minimum grade point average of 2.50 for the total program, the major, the minor, the second major or area of concentration.
• Minimum grade of C in each of the student teaching placements.
• Successful completion of portfolio requirements.
• Fingerprinting/Background Check (10-12 weeks prior to completion of student teaching).
• Successful completion of Praxis II exam by elementary majors per state requirements.
• Teacher Education Subcommittee recommendation.

Graduates are required to meet Buena Vista University's major requirements for their first endorsement area.  Additional endorsement areas may be obtained by completing the Buena Vista University requirements or the Iowa minimum requirements for licensure.  Individuals should consult with their advisor about these options.