During the semester prior to directed teaching, candidates must apply for admission to the Professional Semester.
(Download application from Document Library)
Requirements for Admission
A. Eligibility: To be eligible to submit an application for Directed Teaching, the candidate must have taken courses for at least one semester at Concordia; been admitted into an education program (elementary or secondary;) successfully completed (or be completing) all prerequisite courses and clinical experiences with a grade of C (2.0) or better in each; and hold a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
B. Faculty Recommendations: Admission into the Professional Semester requires positive recommendations from three faculty members. Elementary candidates should seek recommendations from two instructors of the school’s methods courses and one instructor teaching within the candidate’s academic major or minors. Secondary candidates need recommendations from one instructor of a secondary education methods course and one instructor each from his/her academic major and minor. Recommendation forms are available on the School of Education website and should be given directly to selected faculty members by the applicant.
C. Other Application Materials: Candidates are asked to include in the portfolio of application materials a current resume and an indication of preferences for their directed teaching placement, using the “Directed Teaching Preferences” form attached to the application.
D. Writing Sample: Applicants must demonstrate an appropriate level of competence in writing ability by completing an extemporaneous writing assignment at the time of the Professional Semester interview. The writing sample will be assessed by the Dean or a faculty member designated by the Dean. If the submitted sample raises concerns, the Dean will consult with members of the English division and other faculty members to determine more accurately the applicant’s ability level. If, in the judgment of both the Dean of the School of Education and the chair of the English division, the applicant is unable to demonstrate an appropriate level of writing skill, admission to the professional semester may be denied.
E. Professional Organization Membership: The candidate must submit evidence of current membership within a professional organization (regional, state or national) appropriate to his/her area of planned certification/endorsement.
F. Professional Semester Interview: Interviews are conducted by the School of Education Dean and a faculty member of the candidate’s major or minor. They are scheduled by the Dean’s administrative assistant following confirmation of all requirements.
Following the interview, the Dean of the School of Education will review the candidate’s application materials, faculty and interviewers’ recommendations, and other materials contained in the candidate’s School of Education file before reaching a decision to approve or deny admission to the Professional Semester. A letter outlining your status will be sent to the candidate by the Dean. Copies will be placed in the candidate’s School of Education file and sent to his/her academic advisor. The university registrar also receives notification.
Selection/Assignment of Directed Teaching Sites and Mentors
The School of Education has detailed criteria for the identification of schools and the selection of cooperating teachers chosen for Directed Teaching. After interviewing each teacher candidate, the Program Coordinators will identify and assign Directed Teaching placements. Candidates working towards the Lutheran Teacher Diploma will be placed in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod schools as a part of the certification process for becoming a rostered teacher within the church. All others will generally be placed into public schools.
0910AC
