Sunday, November 22, 2009

Frequently Asked Questions:

Licensure

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Licensure Only

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Student Teaching

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Licensure

How do I apply for my license?

The Reich College of Education Field Experiences and Licensure Office submits your paperwork to NCDPI (North Carolina Department of Public Instruction) once your program is complete. There are several forms that must be turned in to the Field Experiences and Licensure Office in addition to the $55.00 fee to NCDPI and any required Praxis II scores.

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What forms and other information do I need to submit?

If you are receiving your initial license, you will need to turn in the Application for a North Carolina License (Form A). If you are applying for a Master’s level license or are adding an area of certification to an existing license, you’ll need to turn in the Verification By Institution: Completion of Approved Education Program form (Form V). We will also need your Praxis II scores if they are not on file at ASU, along with the license fee.

If this is your first license and you did your undergraduate work at a university other than ASU, you will also have to submit an official copy of your transcripts.

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How much is the fee?

The license fee is currently $55.00. You will need to submit a check or money order made out to NCDPI along with your other paperwork. If you are submitting your paperwork more than three months before you will complete your program, please use a money order as DPI will refuse “stale” checks.

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Where do I get the forms?

Undergraduate and graduate students will receive a licensure packet along with their graduation packets. There will be instructions in the packets regarding where to submit paperwork.

Licensure-only students need to contact the Office of Field Experiences and Licensure for the appropriate forms.

Off-campus satellite program students may contact the Office of Field Experiences and Licensure for the necessary forms.

The NCDPI has forms available on its website as well. These forms can be accessed at:

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How long does it take to get my license?

It takes approximately six to eight weeks to process the license. Please keep in mind that paperwork cannot be submitted until the degree has been conferred.

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How do I contact the Office of Field Experiences and Licensure?

  • For Elementary Education, Middle Grades, Special Education, Health Education and Business Education, contact Karen Rhymer at 828-262-2696 or by email at rhymerkm@appstate.edu.
  • For secondary subjects and K-12 special subjects such as PE, Music and Art, contact Jean Edwards at 828-262-6891 or by email at edwardsjk@appstate.edu.
  • You may contact Dr. Roma Angel, Assistant Dean of Field Experiences and Licensure, at 828-262-2109, 828-262-2252, or by email at angelrb@appstate.edu.

Reich College of Education
Office of Field Experiences and Licensure
ASU Box 32038
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC 28608

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Licensure Only  

How do I apply for the licensure-only program?

If you hold a four-year degree from an accredited university you may apply to the Reich College of Education as a non-degree student for licensure only. You will need to submit a licensure only admission application requesting a transcript evaluation which indicates the subject and grade level of licensure you would like to pursue. You will need to enclose transcripts from all colleges you have attended showing the degree and date conferred. You may submit a copy of your official transcripts as long as it is legible and is degree-dated.

The Office of Field Experiences and Licensure will review the transcripts and then forward them to the appropriate academic department. When the evaluation is complete, a copy of the evaluation and a letter which outlines the admission process will be sent to you. The evaluation will not be considered official until the original copy (retained in the Field Experiences and Licensure Office) has been signed by the applicant and the Assistant Dean.

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How long does it take to complete the program?

The length of time that it takes to compete the program depends on the number of courses required for licensure and whether the student will be attending part-time or full-time. This will vary by individual.

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Are classes offered at night or on weekends?

Classes are not offered on the weekend, but many are offered at night and during the summer. You will need to check the schedule of classes for details on when specific classes are offered. You can reach an online schedule of classes at: www.registrar.appstate.edu/schedules/index.html or call the registrar’s office at 828-262-2050 for a schedule.

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Can I take classes on other campuses?

For information on classes which are offered through Appalachian’s satellite program, you may contact the Office of Extension and Distance Education at 828-262-3113, or see their web page.

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How long does the evaluation take?

It takes four to six weeks to complete the transcript evaluation.

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Where should I send my letter of intent and my transcripts?

For Elementary Education, Middle Grades, Special Education, Health Education and Business Education, send your transcripts and letter of intent to Karen Rhymer. For secondary subjects and K-12 special subjects such as PE, Music and Art, send them to Jean Edwards. The address is:

Reich College of Education
Office of Field Experiences and Licensure
ASU Box 32038
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC 28608

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When should I apply for the program?

Applications for fall semester must be received by July 1, for spring semester by November 1, for the first summer session by April 1, and for the second summer session by May 1.

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What kind of license will I be issued through this program?

The non-degree, licensure-only program results in an “A” level license. This is the equivalent of the license earned by completing an undergraduate program in teacher education.

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Student Teaching

How do I apply for student teaching?

You may apply online through the Reich College of Education’s website. The address for the online application is: www.teachers.appstate.edu/stapplication/. When the application is submitted, the Field Experiences Office will receive notification that it has been completed, and will send you an email confirmation with information on placement meetings for the semester in which you plan to student teach.

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When should I apply?

Applications are due one year in advance. For fall semester the application is due by November 15 of the preceding fall semester. For spring semester, it’s due by April 15 of the preceding spring semester.

A general meeting for all prospective student teachers is held each fall. If you plan to student teach during the following year (the next fall or following spring semester) you must attend this meeting. Guidelines and procedures for student teaching will be given at this meeting.

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What happens to my application?

The school system, personnel director, principal, cooperating teacher, and university supervisor will review applications to determine your placements. It is imperative that applications are neat and professional, with proper grammar and spelling. Unacceptable applications will be returned.

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What are the prerequisite courses that must be met before student teaching?

All majors must complete CI/SPE 2800, FDN 3800, PSY 3000 and CI/FDN/RE 3850 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher and be fully admitted one semester (excluding summer) prior to student teaching. Individual departments have specific prerequisites as well, including methods courses. For a detailed list of Department of Education requirements you may check the undergraduate catalog under the Reich College of Education. This information is also online at: www.registrar.appstate.edu/catalogs/ (the undergraduate catalog) and: www.teachers.appstate.edu/stapplication/ (the student teaching application page). Prerequisites are also on the checksheets for your area. You must also have cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on all coursework taken at Appalachian.

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Can I request a specific school system or area for my student teaching assignment?

You must attend the placement meeting held during the semester prior to the semester in which you plan to student teach. When you submit your application you will be sent information about when and where the meeting will be held. After this meeting you will sign up for an interview with the field supervisor who covers the county where you prefer to be assigned.

You may NOT arrange for your placement independently of the field supervisor.

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Can I be placed out-of-area? 

Out-of-area placements are only considered for extreme hardship (i.e., catastrophic illness of a family member) or a unique teaching experience that is not available in the region that Appalachian serves. To request an out-of-area placement, you must submit a written request one year in advance to Dr. Roma Angel, Assistant Dean of the Reich College of Education. The request form is available in Room 220, Edwin Duncan.

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How do I contact the Office of Field Experiences?

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