Frequently Asked Questions
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Undergraduate
- How will my credits from another institution transfer?
Adams State College has articulation agreements with many of the four-year institutions in the state for general education transfer courses. Our Teacher Education Faculty may require additional coursework deemed necessary for completion of approved programs upon evaluation of the transcript from another institution. Students may request consideration for additional previous coursework to transfer by providing the Teacher Education advisor with course descriptions and syllabi for the course(s) in question.
It is possible to apply for Licensure Only for Elementary Education, although the program is nearly as lengthy as the full degree program, and most candidates choose to pursue the entire BA. Candidates must have completed an emphasis/minor in a teachable content area.
- How do I enroll in the Undergraduate Education Program?
There is an admission process for students wishing to become candidates in the Teacher Education program. Students must have 30 academic credits completed, have a 2.75 or better GPA, have successfully completed with a "C" or better ENG 101, ENG 102, Math 104 (or higher), ED 200 and ED 220. Elementary education students must also have completed ED 230 and PSYC 204.Candidates must also demonstrate proficiency in technology by taking either BUS 120 or CSCI 100 or passing the technology proficiency exam.
The admission process takes an entire semester and includes three phases: an application, writing assessment, and interview. Successful completion of all three phases allows the candidate access to register for upper level education courses beginning the following semester.
- Who is my advisor?
Teacher Education candidates pursuing the Interdisciplinary Studies Degree (Elementary License) have an advisor in Teacher Education. Candidates pursuing secondary or K-12 licensure have an advisor in Teacher Education and an advisor in the specific content area.
- When should I attempt the PLACE/PRAXIS II exam?
Undergraduate student candidates must successfully complete the PLACE or PRAXIS II exam before being placed for student teaching. A schedule of test dates and information can be found on the following web pages:
PLACE: www.place.nesinc.com
PRAXIS II: www.ets.org/praxis - Where can I student teach?
Students are placed within the San Luis Valley. Requests for exception are reviewed by the Department of Teacher Education.
- How do I get licensed? How do I renew my license?
Students completing a program in Education apply for initial licensure through the CDE. The Initial License is valid for three years and is renewable.
Once the initial license is obtained, candidates must successfully complete an approved Induction Program during the first year of teaching. Successful completion of the Induction Program makes the candidate eligible to apply for a Professional License through the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). The Professional License is valid for five years and renewable.
Renewal of a Professional License requires completion of six semester or 90 clock hours of professional development activities throughout the five-year validity of the license. Applications for Initial and Professional License and renewal forms can be obtained by visiting the CDE website at www.cde.state.co.us.
- How do I add an endorsement to my license?
The Colorado Department of Education currently requires the following for an added endorsement:
-24 credit hours in the desired content area (see www.cde.state.co.usfor appropriate courses)
-successful completion of the PLACE or PRAXIS II content exam
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Masters Plus
- What is the quickest way for me to get licensed if I already have a BA or Masters Degree?
If you are seeking secondary or K-12 licensure, you may pursue a program in Licensure Only in your content area.
We offer the option to earn a Masters Degree and secondary licensure through our Masters Plus program. If followed in the prescribed sequence, the master's candidate can complete the course work and teaching internship in three semesters, plus one summer. Information on how to become a Masters Plus candidate is on the ASC Graduate Studies webpage.
- I live outside the San Luis Valley; can I complete this program online?
No, all course work will be taught on campus only. All course work and practicum hours must be completed on campus and/or in the local schools of the San Luis Valley.
- What is the internship?
The internship is designed to give the candidate teaching experience in their chosen content field and is completed in the last semester.
- What if my major is not in one of the content areas?
In order to meet the designation as a highly qualified teacher, as defined by NCLB-2002, candidates must take a prescribed 24-credit course sequence in a content teaching area:
- English
- Math
- Social Studies
- Science
- Business
- Spanish
**This must be done prior to acceptance into the Graduate Teacher Education Department.** - Will this program lead to teacher licensure?
Yes, candidates may apply for initial licensure after all program requirements have been met.
- Can I obtain elementary licensure through the Masters Plus Program?
The Masters Plus Degree Program provides the candidate with secondary teaching licensure only. Elementary/K-12 licensure may be obtained through our Undergraduate Teacher Education Office but will not result in a master's degree.
- Where can I complete my teaching internship?
Internships are completed in the San Luis Valley. Student teaching/internship placements are conducted through the Undergraduate Teacher Education Office.
