Students are admitted to the Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education with Special Education 6-12 degree in Pre-Candidate status, based on the entrance criteria established by the University and Division of Education and Leadership. After choosing their academic discipline (endorsement), students follow the course of study published in the Shenandoah University Undergraduate Catalog for the year of entrance to the university.
Secondary Education with Special Education 6-12 students must pass the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment test (VCLA) prior to the Candidate Screening interview. Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education students are admitted to candidacy following successful completion of the Candidate Screening.
Application Information
Candidate Screening
Candidate Screening is conducted during the third and fourth semesters of study in the Bachelor of Education curricula, and all students in those programs are required to apply for Teacher Education Candidacy. Faculty will conduct screening interviews for students who apply during the sophomore year to assess whether their academic, personal and professional progress qualifies them for candidacy. Transfer students need to meet with the program advisor to decide on the individual’s best time to apply for candidacy. Students must complete the following requirements:
- complete the Teacher Candidate Education Application, available in the Bachelor of Education Teacher Education Handbook received in the EDU 310 class or from Program Advisors or the Office of Professional Licensure
- demonstrate a consistent level of academic success in all coursework during semesters previous to the application: Submit official transcripts showing a grade point average of at least 3.0 in the education major and an overall grade point average of at least 2.5
- submit two recommendations (academic and non-academic dispositions), one from a professional in education and one from a professional in an academic endorsement field
- meet or exceed minimum passing scores on the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA)
- have completed at least 80% of SHEN-ED course requirements
- completed EDU 310 The Profession of Teaching and PSY 222 Lifespan Development with a “C” or better, including:
- completing the Child Abuse and Neglect Identification Training Module
- completing a criminal background check with no disqualifying offenses
- completing a minimum of 20 hours of practicum, meeting program criteria
The University’s Mathematics, Academic Enrichment, and Writing Centers assist students with preparation for PRAXIS Core exams by providing study materials and help sessions.
The Teacher Education Faculty Advisory Board reviews applications and recommendations for admission into the education program, and later into student teaching. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in the education major and 2.5 overall GPA are required. Additional requirements for the Candidate Screening are detailed in the Bachelor of Education Teacher Education Handbook.
Upon successful completion of the Candidate Screening interview, students will be admitted as candidates to the teacher education licensure program. Students who do not satisfy the Candidate Screening interview requirements will not be admitted into 300- or 400-level education methods courses.
Pre-Student Teaching Candidate Licensure Assessments
All initial licensure teacher education programs at Shenandoah University require:
- PRAXIS Subject Assessment exam must be passed prior to student teaching
- VCLA must be passed before student teaching
Shenandoah University has been entrusted by the Virginia Department of Education and our K-12 School Partners with the responsibility for determining the fitness of an individual to student teach.