1. Stillman Teacher Education Program (STEP): Pre-Entry Interest Brief and Requirements

2. Why Consider Becoming a Teacher?
Introduction
Teaching is a special calling. It is not a job well suited for everyone. In fact, many new teachers leave within the first 3-5 years of teaching. However, there are many rewards that come with this serious career. Teaching is a challenging job with many unique frustrations, but the rewards of teaching are numerable.

3. CONCEPTUAL
EFFECTIVE
PROFESSIONAL
EDUCATOR
FRAMEWORK
MODEL

4. Teacher Education
Candidates-- must learn how to:
Inquire
Synthesize
Implement
Reflect
Collaborate
5 Assessment Outcomes

5. Teacher Candidates Learning Outcomes
As reflected in the unit’s conceptual framework and upon the completion of the Teacher Education Program, teacher candidates will be able to:
Outcome 1: Question and analyze concepts, theories, structures, and models in the teaching field while acquiring the requisite knowledge, skills, and dispositions to help all students learn.
Outcome 2: Identify, organize, and integrate knowledge, skills, and resources for scholarly growth and for planning meaningful learning experiences to facilitate learning for all students.
Outcome 3: Translate instructional plans into active and meaningful learning for all students.
Outcome 4: Engage in reflection to refine and improve his or her practice.
Outcome 5: Participate with the community of educators, students, and stakeholders to support and enrich the educational process for all students.

6. Faculty Advising
Seek academic advising for correct courses and testing information
Decide on a major
Ask for a copy of program sheet
Attend academic advising session each month
Maintain a GPA of 2.75
Be prepared to acquire the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to become a teacher candidate

7. STEP Professional Dispositions
Responsible
Committed
Ethical

8. Finger Printing
Alabama law requires that you be fingerprinted prior to certification and check for crimes against children.
ALSDE Cogent for additional information

9. Admission to STEP
Obtain a passing score on the Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program (AECTP). Applicants for initial certification must meet the requirements of the Alabama Prospective Teacher Testing Program.
Successfully complete the Stillman College general education requirements with a maximum of 47 of these hours successfully completed prior to application for admission.
Maintain an overall grade point average of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale in all coursework.
Submit the formal application for admission to STEP, including two letters of recommendation, and a writing sample.
Complete successfully EDU 232 Foundations of Education.

10. Admission STEPS
Pass Praxis II exams in the content specific major area
Conduct a satisfactory interview with the Teacher Education Screening and Admissions Committee. The interview will include information on the applicant’s personality, interests, and aptitudes consistent with the STEP model for successful teaching. Acceptance to STEP is contingent upon recommendation of this committee.
Students will be notified as soon as possible of the results of the interview.
Complete a signed document verifying ABI and FBI criminal background checks.
Demonstrate satisfactory potential for teaching, including evidence of emotional stability and a satisfactory record as to conduct, character, and mental health, to the effect that the applicant has no apparent personal qualities prejudicial to satisfactory performance as a teacher.

11. Admission to Class B programs
Admission to the institution does not qualify an individual for admission to a teacher education program.
An applicant will be notified in writing whether his or her application for admission to a specific teacher education program has been accepted.
The college or university shall have clearly defined criteria for admitting candidates to a teacher education program which include the following: A criminal history background check.
A formal written application for admission to professional studies.

12. Class B Requirements
A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 overall in accordance with college policy, 2.75 in professional studies listed on the approved checklist for the program, and 2.75 in the teaching field listed on the approved checklist for the program.
Remedial courses may not be used to meet approved program requirements. Satisfactory interviews designed to provide information on whether the applicant's dispositions and interests are consistent with the requirements for successful teaching.
Experiences in the schools are designed to assist the candidate in making a wise career choice.

13. Class B Requirements
A candidate may not enroll in more than five professional studies courses before meeting all criteria for admission to a teacher education program.
Courses listed as teaching field courses on the State- approved checklist are exempt from the five-course limit.
Prior to program admission, the candidate may repeat any of the five courses in which she or he received a grade of C or below.

14. Requirements for Class B Certification
An official transcript from a regionally accredited institution documenting an earned bachelor’s degree.
Satisfactory completion of a State-approved program with a minimum GPA of 2.75 overall, 2.75 in the teaching field, and 2.75 in professional studies with no grade below a C in professional studies courses.
Successful completion of an internship shall be required.
Passing scores on a comprehensive assessment(s) documenting mastery of the curriculum of professional studies and the teaching field, which may include, but may not be limited to, an oral examination.

15. Emergency Phone Numbers
If at any time, problematic issues surface, please contact the College Supervisor or the Education Service Unit:
Dr. Marcia Millet
Dr. Phyllis Williams
Education Unit –