Students apply for admission to the Professional Semester (student teaching semester) during the junior year.  All students are expected to file a formal application for admission to the Professional Semester by November 1 of the academic year prior to the one in which the Professional Semester will occur.  To be considered for admission, students must:

• be admitted to the Teacher Education Program (normally occurs during the sophomore year).
• continue to maintain all academic and character standards as stated in the Teacher Education Program handbook and which were required for admission to the Teacher Education Program
• provide transcripts and evidence of successful completion (grade of "C-" or higher or faculty endorsement, as noted) of the following prerequisite courses:

a. EDUC 120 The Teaching Profession (1)

b. EDUC 201 Education and American Society (3)

c. EDUC 203 Educational Psychology (3)

d. Upper Level Field Experiences (300/400 level field experiences required for teacher certification ) as reported by course instructor or college supervisor.

• be required and endorsed for enrollment in the Professional Semester by their academic departments (i.e., the departments in which the academic majors are housed).

Acceptance in the Professional Semester may be revoked if, at any time, students do not maintain the minimum acceptable level of performance for all admission criteria, including performance in all Professional Semester courses.

Applications are made through the office of the Director of Teacher Education, following the process outlined in the application materials. Applications must be processed electronically and printed on a laser printer. No hand-written applications will be accepted. The application process for admission to the Professional Semester follows:

Submitted and/or secured by the student applicant as instructed on the application form:

1. Completed application for Admission to the Professional Semester
2. Prior admission to the Teacher Education Program OR concurrent applications for both the Program and Professional Semester
3. Self-reporting of continued satisfactory clearances on Act 34 and Act 33/151 and FBI background check. Falsification of this statement will lead to immediate withdrawal from the Professional Semester, as would any violation which might occur during the Professional Semester.

Secured by the Director of Teacher Education on behalf of the Teacher Education Committee:

1. Admitted status or concurrent application for admission to the Teacher Education Program
2. Applicant's most recent transcript which must reflect attainment of all academic requirements including:
   For all: 3.0 GPA (cumulative, in major, and in EDU courses), and successful completion (C- or better) of the following prerequisite courses: EDU 120, 201, 203,
   For ECE: Successful completion (C- or better) of ECE 212, 362,363,365, and EDU 301 & 303.
   For ElEd: Successful completion (C- or better) of the following courses: EDU 301, 302, 303,& 304.
   For Music Majors: Verification by the Music Department of piano proficiency level
3. Rating and recommendation from the student's major department based on the categories listed here:
   

   Performance Ratings: S=SatisfactoryN=Needs Improvement U=Unsatisfactory
   S N U	Promptly & regularly attends classes, scheduled meetings, etc.	S N U	Reads, writes, speaks, & listens effectively
   S N U	Meets established deadlines	S N U	Acts on feedback
   S N U	Engages in class activities	S N U	Demonstrates content knowledge
   S N U	Interacts appropriately with peers	S N U	Assumes responsibility
   S N U	Interacts appropriately with instructors	S N U	Demonstrates self-motivation & initiative
   S N U	Follows directions

4. Endorsement for Professional Semester enrollment by the student's junior/senior field experience instructor (EDU 318, 320, 336, HPE 312, 422, MUS 321, 401, 411, ART 355, 356) as documented by the course instructor and reported to the DTE. Any concern/issue identified by the field experience instructor will be reported to the Chair of the Teacher Education Committee who, in consultation with the Chair of the stduent's academic department, would review the case and determine an appropriate course of action.

The Director of Teacher Education will notify applicants, in writing, of their approval or denial for enrollment in the Professional Semester. The student's advisor and department chair will also receive notification.

Denial of admission to the Professional Semester means that the student may re-apply only when he/she meets the minimum criteria for acceptance.

Students may not enroll in any course offered during the Professional Semester unless first admitted to the Professional Semester. During the Professional Semester, students are not permitted to be enrolled in any classes other than those required for the Professional Semester. Any requests for an exception to this policy should be addressed, in writing, to the Chair of the Teacher Education Committee.

Students will be removed from the Professional Semester if at any time performances and/or behaviors fall below the minimum acceptance levels for all admission criteria.