School of EducationUndergraduate

AdmissionsTeacher Education

ProgramsApplication deadline

for ALL materials:September 19, 2012*

*11:59 PM

So you want to be a teacher…

• About our program

• What is expected and why

• Attitudes/dispositions

• Elementary/UEC Cadres

• Options – Special Education, Gifted and Talented, ESL

You can only apply toONE program.

OUR TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAMS

Programs available:

• Unified Early Childhood (Birth – Grade 3)

• Elementary (K - Grade 6)

• Middle (Grades 5 – 8)– English– Mathematics– Science

• Secondary (Grades 6 - 12)– English– History/Government

• Foreign Language (PK – Grade 12)

Why are there enrollment limits?

• We are a relatively small teacher education program by design

• 2/3 of the students in the School of Education are graduate students - Masters & Doctoral

• Only 1/3 are undergraduate and many of these are in HSES programs

Enrollment caps:

• Unified Early Childhood

• Elementary

• Middle English

• Secondary English

• Secondary History/Government

Who, What & How

THE ADMISSION PROCESS

Who:

• Admission decisions are made by the Teacher Education faculty

• GPA is weighted

• Other factors considered– Answers to essay questions– Letters of support

What is needed:

• Cumulative GPA = 2.75

• GPA for Admission Requirements = 2.75– Includes English, Communication Studies, Biology or Physical

Science, Math, Behavioral Science, Social Science and Arts/Humanities

• Minimum PPST (Praxis I) scores– Math = 172– Reading = 173– Writing = 172

• Three letters of support

• Written responses to the four essay questions

Important to understand:

• Meeting the minimum requirements does NOT guarantee admission into the Teacher Education program.

– Your essays and letters of recommendation are significant

How:

• CollegeNet Applyweb

– This is the same application system used by the University.

– The link will be found on the SOE website.

– There is no fee to apply to the SOE.

Application process:

• You can only apply to ONE program.

• You can make changes to your application until you submit – just make sure to save them.

• You will need to submit your application by the deadline – it is not automatic and it cannot be undone.

• Tiffany Edmonds will be your primary contact (soeadmissions@ku.edu).

Reference letter process:

• Electronic letters of reference cannot be turned in until you submit your application. Plan on submitting your application by September 9th to allow your references time.

• Once submitted, your reference will automatically receive an email from Applyweb with instructions.

• Please make your references aware of this process.

• You will be able to check the status and send reminders through the CollegeNet site.

• Letters should focus on your performance and potential as a teacher/leader, youth/child related experiences – choose a variety of people.

• May also discuss your employment, volunteer work, and/or education-related experiences.

• Relay the importance of the letters to your references – provide them with suggestions.

• It is not rude to send them a reminder.

Reference letter tips:

Be Specific and Thoughtful As You Write

Each Essay.The Essays Are VERY

Important.

ESSAY QUESTIONS

Essay Tips

• Answer each essay (A-D) in no more than 1, single-spaced Word processed page per response. This allows you ~3,800 characters/650 words.

• Do not use bold or italics – they will not transfer.

• Edit carefully. Spell check is not sufficient.

• Have a friend who knows you well read each essay. Ask if it gives a good picture of you.

• When complete, your text will then be pasted into the CollegeNet application text box. Be sure your entire response fits.

Question A:

• Write a description of yourself addressing the following topics:a. Why you want to become a teacher;

b. Why you have chosen the level (Unified Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, Secondary) and subject area (Middle/Secondary applicants only) for which you are applying; and

c. Include the qualities you possess that you believe are important for an effective teacher.

Question B:

• Describe experiences you have had working with children and adolescents. Include specific information about these experiences including the length of time you were involved in the activities and your role and responsibilities. Describe the skills and qualities you believe you developed from these experiences that will benefit you as a teacher.

Question C:

• Individual diversity is part of every classroom. Differences among groups of people and individuals can be based on ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, gender, exceptionalities, language, religion, sexual orientation and geographical area. How do you think diversity relates to learning and teaching? How might you address diversity when you are a teacher?

Question D:

• Article with structured student response– Item 4a: High School “The Engaged Classroom”– Item 4b: Middle School “Profiles in Caring”– Item 4c: Elementary “Bullying Among Children”– Item 4d: UEC “Play as Curriculum”

• On the application website, the link is provided to find the article and questions

- http://soe.ku.edu/teacher-education-admissions

• Read the article and respond to the questions in your 1 page narrative.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Should I apply now?

• I am enrolled in or have completed admissions requirements.

• I have at least the minimum required GPA.

• I have taken the PPST (Praxis I).

• I have been to the Advising Center for pre-education advising.

Your application is complete when:

• Three letters of recommendation have been received.

• PPST (Praxis I) scores have been submitted.

• Transcripts if applicable.

• This is your responsibility to complete before the deadline.

Notification:

• Students will be notified by letter (US Postal Service) no later than October 25th.

• Make sure the address you list on your application is correct and include apartment number.

• You will be notified in time to enroll for spring 2013.

• We cannot give out information over the phone.

SOE scholarships:

• Don’t forget to apply for scholarships.

• Applications will be on the School’s website early December.

• Deadline March 5, 2013 at 5 PM.

School of EducationUndergraduate

AdmissionsTeacher Education

ProgramsApplication deadline

for ALL materials:September 19, 2012*

*11:59 PM