1. Spring 2008

2. Becoming a public school teacher in Florida requires two big steps: 1. Completing a teacher education baccalaureate degree or completing another baccalaureate degree and an Educator Preparation Institute 2. Obtaining Teacher Certification from the Florida Department of Education, which includes passing three exams: the General Knowledge, Professional Education, and Subject Area tests. The OWC Teacher Education Bachelor’s Degrees can prepare you to meet these requirements!

3.  Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Elementary Education with Reading and ESOL endorsements  Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Middle Grades Math and Science ◦ Math option ◦ Science option ◦ Math and Science option

4. ◦ Prepare you to become a classroom teacher ◦ Prepare you for the non-teaching duties that surprise many new teachers ◦ Prepare you for Florida’s Teacher Certification Exams (FTCE) ◦ Prepare you for the job search

5. Opportunities to work with local education professionals Extensive coaching and feedback during student teaching Practical experience in all educator responsibilities— paperwork, organization, school duties Seminar to prepare for transition from preservice to work State-of-the-art OWC facilities Teacher Education “workroom” with the same supplies the districts use Review classes for Florida Teacher Certification Exams

8. The best possible preparation for the classroom! Traditional classes taught in the classroom Blended classes, with time in the classroom and time in individual study An extensive variety of field experiences prior to student teaching Simulations and practical experiences in the OWC “Teacher Ed Work Room”

9. Day and night classes Most classes on the Niceville Campus; a few available on the FWB Campus Most classes offered either fall or spring; some available in summer Field experiences will be during the day A part-time or full-time schedule, except the final, student teaching term requires full-time commitment.

10.  An A.A. degree or 60 hours of approved  college credit coursework  The required General Education courses with a GPA of at least 2.5 in these courses  A grade of C or better in each of the three Common Education prerequisites (EDF 1005, EDG 2701, EME 2040)

11.  Passing score on the General Knowledge Test of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam A passing score on (or exemption from) each section of the CLAST will allow students to be provisionally admitted for one semester; the student must complete the general knowledge test to continue in the program after the first semester Agreement to undergo FBI and FDLE background checks, including fingerprinting Students must also meet a foreign language requirement and pass all sections of the CLAST, preferably before admission. Students must, however, meet these requirements prior to graduation.

12. Make an appointment with an OWC advisor who will help you make sure your program of study meets all Teacher Education program requirements.

13. Meet with an advisor to make sure you have the required courses and other prerequisites for the program Apply to the Teacher Education program Take the General Knowledge Test of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam ASAP

14. Take the three prerequisites as soon as possible: EDF 1005, EDG 2701, EME 2040 Apply to the Teacher Education program Take the General Knowledge Test of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam ASAP

15. Apply to the Teacher Education program Take the General Knowledge Test of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam ASAP Review the admissions requirements to be sure you have the other prerequisites

16. There are no application or admission fees to enroll at OWC Current OWC baccalaureate tuition and fees are $74.74 per credit hour (about 67% of the cost at a university); fees may increase slightly based on 2008 legislative action A one-time fee of $75.00 for e-portfolio software account, good for five years Books and supplies will vary with each course; many textbooks will become career-long references for you A $25 fee for the General Knowledge test is paid to the state at the time you register for the exam OWC’s course fees are the lowest in the state!

17. Depending on eligibility, students may receive: Federal Aid (Pell, Stafford loans, etc.) Florida Bright Futures Scholarships Florida Student Assistance Grant OWC Foundation Scholarships Veteran’s Education Benefits Other federal programs such as the TEACH and SMART grants may also be available NOTE: Students should fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible!

18. Do you  like spending time with children?  value and seek to establish a positive, respectful classroom environment?  appreciate individual differences, experiences, cultures and community norms?  aspire to plan effective instruction for tomorrow’s students?  have the courage to make tough decisions about a child’s future?

19. Are you  comfortable working in a collaborative, team- oriented workplace?  eager to complete rigorous and supportive coursework and school-based experiences?  willing to polish your written and oral communication skills ?  ready to learn to use technology effectively?  willing to behave professionally in every way-- adhering to ethical and legal responsibilities and maintaining confidentiality?

20. OWC’s record of student success is second to none! OWC’s Teacher Education faculty members bring offer successful K-12 teaching experience. OWC offers the same access to baccalaureate teacher education as a university, but at lower cost and with individualized attention and student support