Teacher Certification Only Program
Dear Perspective Student:
Thank you for your recent inquiry regarding the Certification Only Program at Western Connecticut State University. This program is specifically designed for individuals holding a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution who wish to earn initial teacher certification in Connecticut. While it is a graduate program, the courses offered are at the undergraduate level and lead to initial certification as a teacher, not to a master’s degree in education. Students at WCSU may earn endorsements in the following areas:
- Elementary Education grades PK-6
- Secondary Education grades 7-12 (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English, History/Social Science, Mathematics and Spanish)
- Health Education, grades PK-12
- Music Education, grades PK-12
The teacher preparation curriculum at WCSU has the following five components areas:
- General Studies Coursework (to demonstrate a wide and varied educational background).
- Introductory Education Coursework – (three required courses with a grade of B or better)
ED 206 Introduction to Education (all teacher certification areas)
HPX 215 Health Issues in the Schools (all teacher certification areas)
EPY 203 Child Development in School (Elementary teacher certification) or
EPY 204 Adolescent Development in School (Secondary Health and Music teacher certification) - Academic Major Coursework (coursework in the areas where certification is sought) Also, for music education, a required audition scheduled by the Music Department must be completed and passed by a candidate.
- Professional Semester Coursework (A series of upper level education courses required by the Education Department, with a grade of B or better, in teaching methods, plus a fieldwork experience).
- Student Teaching (fulltime teaching internship in a public school).
The Certification Only Program consists of two stages. During the first stage, the student completes general studies and academic major coursework as needed and takes the introductory education courses. The student then applies for formal admission to the Professional Program. Once admitted, the student can enroll in the professional semester courses and student teaching.
In order to become part of the Certification Only Program, the student must first present evidence of:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a specific academic major.
- A minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.8 on a 4-point scale compiled from all undergraduate courses taken at any and all colleges, universities and community colleges you may have attended.
- For Music Education a required audition must be completed by the Music Department and passed by the candidate.
- Evidence that you have completed 39 semester hours of general studies requirements across six academic areas (Humanities, including foreign language if applicable, mathematics/computer sciences, natural sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and communications, physical education, and a writing intensive course). Students who have deficiencies in general studies must add these requirements to their plan of studies at WestConn.
Admission to the Professional Program requires the following:
- Successful completion of general studies, introductory in education, and academic major coursework where teacher certification is being sought.
- A minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.8 on a 4-point scale as stated above.
- Passing scores on the PRAXIS I examination or a waiver.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- A two-page written essay indicating your reasons for wanting to enroll in a teacher education program and describing any experiences relevant to teaching.
- A personal interview.
Students who are applying for the Professional Program must meet with their academic program advisors to have their application materials reviewed prior to submitting them for consideration by the admissions committee. If, after reviewing this information, you would like to be considered for the WCSU Certification Only Program, please do the following:
- Complete the enclosed transcript evaluation request form.
- Have official copies of all graduate and undergraduate transcripts sent to:
Dr Maryann Rossi, Assistant Dean
Certification Only Program
Western Connecticut State University
School of Professional Studies
181 White Street
Danbury, CT 06810 - Enclose a nonrefundable $75 check or money order for each evaluation you are requesting (e.g., if you are requesting both a secondary and an elementary transcript evaluation, enclose $150).
- Review all of the departmental policies listed below.
The following program admission policies apply to students interested in the Certification Only Program:
- Applications to begin taking introductory education courses at WestConn in the fall semester must be completed (including all forms, fees, and official transcripts) no later than June 1st. Applications to begin taking introductory education courses for the spring semester must be completed no later than October 31st.
- All transcripts must be official. There will be no review of unofficial transcripts. In addition, all transcripts must be received before a transcript evaluation will be completed.
- Foreign transcripts must be translated into English and reviewed by a recognized transcript evaluation agency prior to submission. Please contact my office for further information.
- When requesting transcripts, allow sufficient time for them to be processed and sent to WestConn prior to the stated deadlines.
- It is the applicant’s responsibility to assure that all materials are received in a timely manner.
- Paperwork will remain on file for one year from the date it was received.
- The transcript review requests take 2-4 weeks from the time that all paperwork has been received.
- Once your transcripts have been reviewed, and you have been assigned an academic program advisor, candidates must make an appointment with a program advisor to have their transcripts re-reviewed. Your advisor will work out a program of study with you.
- Once accepted to begin coursework in the Certification Only Program, students must immediately file a graduate admissions application with WestConn’s Graduate Studies Office and pay the graduate admissions fee of $50.
If you have further questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Maryann Rossi at 203-837-8950. Thank you for your interest in our program.
Sincerely,
Maryann Rossi, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean
School of Professional Studies
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