Social Sciences: Education Major, A.S.

Associate of Science
882-01

Purpose: This curriculum is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to prepare for a teaching career at the elementary or secondary level.

Program Objectives: Students who wish to be teachers in Virginia must major in a content area at a four-year institution such as history, English, mathematics, science or interdisciplinary studies. Although students will be required to complete several professional education courses at the senior institution, they must major in an area besides education.

PRAXIS Exams: To teach in Virginia, students must pass the PRAXIS I and PRAXIS II examinations, which have replaced the National Teachers Exam. Both PRAXIS tests are required for licensure in the state of Virginia. The first test is called the Praxis Subject Test and is taken during a student’s junior or senior year. The second PRAXIS test is called the Teacher Reading Test.  The second test applies only for elementary and special education, teachers. No student completes a PRAXIS test while completing their EDU Major Program at Virginia Western. Virginia Western education students should check with the transfer institution that they plan to attend about the requirements for completing the PRAXIS exams.

Admission Requirements: Applicants must meet the requirements for admission to credit-level coursework established by the college.

Placement Requirements: Students who do not demonstrate readiness for college-level English will be required to select appropriate EDE 10  or ENG 111 /EDE 11*  coursework in consultation with an advisor.

Students who do not demonstrate readiness for college-level math will be required to select appropriate MDE coursework in consultation with an advisor.

Program Notes: Eligibility for EDU 200  is based on the following criteria if required by sites used for practicum placement hours:

• Submission to and no findings for The State of Virginia Criminal History & Sex Offenders Records Check (SP-167) and the Virginia Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry
• Drug Screening
• Submission of a negative TB screening
• Review and submission of signed NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment: https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/downloads/PDFs/resources/position-statements/Ethics%20Position%20Statement2011_09202013update.pdf

Each student is responsible for any fees or costs associated with background checks. Students are responsible for transportation to and from field sites used for laboratory experiences. Inability to complete the above or contrary results will disqualify the student from completing the course and the program.

Students who intend to transfer should verify specific program requirements with their four-year institution.