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Frequently asked Questions

Licensure and Master of Arts in Education - Elementary K-8 Teaching

Q:  Why St. Thomas?

A:  We offer flexible, part-time options for working adults who wish to earn licensure. Our programs are rigorous and grounded in a strong ethical belief that teaching is one of the most important things you can do with your life. We are respectful of adult learning needs. We have a long and proud tradition of preparing successful, life-impacting educators.

Q:  What elementary licenses does St. Thomas offer?

A:  At this time, St. Thomas offers:
 

Elementary Education with a Specialty

With this license, you can teach all subjects in grades K-6 and specialty subject(s) in grades 5-8:

• Elementary with Communication Arts and Literature
• Elementary with Mathematics
• Elementary with Science
• Elementary with Social Studies
• Elementary with World Languages and Cultures (K-8)

Q:  Are classes offered on the Minneapolis or St. Paul campus?

A:  All education classes are offered on the Minneapolis campus.

Q:  Can all the credits for my licensure apply to a Master of Arts in Teaching?

A:  Yes, if you are accepted into the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Program. Most people apply directly to the MAT program when they begin their work at St. Thomas.

Q:  If I come to St. Thomas, what other graduate options do I have?

A:  In addition to the basic licensing and Master of Arts in Teaching programs, UST offers graduate programs in Curriculum and Instruction, Special Education, Leadership, Policy and Administration, and Organization Learning and Development.  There are approximately 35 different graduate programs in education at UST.

Q:  Are your graduate classes offered during the day or evening?  Are there weekend classes?

A:  With a few exceptions, courses are offered in the evening. The major exception is student teaching, which takes place during the day, when K-12 classes are in session. During the fall and spring semesters, there are typically two course sessions per day, one at 4:45-7:00 p.m. and one at 7:15-9:30 p.m. A three-credit course typically meets one night a week during one of those time blocks for fifteen week semester. Some weekend classes are scheduled.  In the summer, we offer both day and evening classes. Because the summer sessions are short, classes meet more frequently.

Q:  How long will it take for me to complete my graduate program?

A:  You can set the pace. It depends on the program and how many courses you choose to take and how many outside courses/experiences you need. You can choose a slow or accelerated pace, to meet your lifestyle. Typically it takes four to five terms for K-12/5-12, and five to six terms for K-8, including student teaching. There is a seven year limit to complete a program. While we offer courses during three terms a year, student teaching is not available in the summer. During the TEGR501 course, we will help you plan out your entire program to ensure that we have space in the courses you need when you need them.

Q:  Should I go through the graduate or undergraduate program for my license?

A:  If you have a Bachelor’s degree, you will go through the graduate program. This will cost you less money and time, and will allow you to apply credits earned for licensure to a Master’s degree. (You don’t have to pursue your Master’s degree immediately, but if you chose to come back and finish, you will have already completed the bulk of the work.)

Q:  What if my grade point average is below 2.75?

A:  It will be necessary to take the Miller Analogies test.

Q:  What if my records are in a narrative format?

A:  This will be handled by the department admissions group.

Q:  Once my application file is complete, how long will it be before I am notified of acceptance?  What is the process of applying and registering to a graduate program?

A:  Typically, it takes two weeks for you to be notified. Your will register for courses online. You will need a PIN number to register.  Directions on how to receive a PIN number will be included in registration materials sent to you. You do not have to send everything in at once for your application file. We will begin a file for you as we receive elements of your application.

Q:  What are my options if I didn’t apply to the graduate school by the deadline for a particular term?

A:  Get all your materials in and wait until the deadline for the following semester, or you may take up to 6 credits (two classes, typically) as a non-degree student, on a space available basis.

Q:  Who do I contact if I want to know more?

A:  Contact the Teacher Education office at( 651) 962-4420. Kathy Neary, Department Assistant, holds Graduate Information Sessions frequently. Most of your questions will be answered in one of these sessions. Or call our Academic and Advising Services Coordinator, Phyllis Dykhuizen at (651) 962-4837.

Q:  Do you have any fellowships or teaching assistant positions each semester?

A:  We are able to offer a limited number of research and assistant positions each semester. Application information is mailed to students as funds become available.

Q:  I’ve been hearing about the “new” state licensures.  What does that mean for me?

A:  It means you will be able to teach in a wider range of grade levels than under the “old” licenses and you will be prepared to teach a standards-based curriculum. Since the “new” licenses compare your background against a set of state standards, you will be demonstrating your competency through electronic and paper portfolios. While an analysis of your transcript will provide strong indication of your academic preparation for teaching in your selected field(s), follow-up negotiations with content specialists during the TEGR501 Circles of Advocates for Standards Assessment can help you demonstrate your competencies in comparison to the standards in your field.

Q:  I’ve been out of school for a number of years.  Will I feel out of place?

A:  The average age of the graduate students in our program is about 35. While some students join us right after college, many come back in their forties and fifties. Because the courses are sequenced, you will find that many of your classmates will share a number of classes with you. We encourage peer advocacy and in your TEGR501 course we will help you find colleagues with similar backgrounds to work with you.

Q:  What tests to I need to take to be licensed?

A:  You will need to take the Pre-Professional Skills Test (basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics) for the state. For St. Thomas, you will also need the Miller Analogies Test if your GPA is below 2.75. The semester before student teaching, the Praxis II Content and Pedagogy exams are taken.