Education Programs

Elementary Education -

see Department of Education

Secondary Education

- see Secondary Education and also:
    Department of English
    Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
    Department of Natural Sciences
    Department of Social Sciences

Physical Education (K-12)

- see Department of Exercise Science

Endorsements

- see this section

Post-Baccalaureate Plan

- see this section

Teaching is a continuous process of developing an understanding of the relationships among content, pedagogy, and human development in order to assist others to learn. At Lyndon, we strive to inspire teacher-licensure students to become competent beginning teachers and to commit to an ongoing process of learning. We prepare teachers able to apply developmentally appropriate practice and feedback to help their students achieve goals important to our schools and society.

Programs

The teaching licensure programs available at Lyndon include three grade levels and six academic disciplines. They are as follows:

VT Ref. VT License Grade Lyndon Academic Department/ Number* Title Level Lyndon Concentration Area

5440-36 Early       Age 3   Education
         Childhood   to 8   Early Childhood2
         Education**

5440-00 Elementary K-6 Education
Education Elementary Education

5440-05 English 7-12 English Literature degree
plus licensure program

5440-11 Mathematics 7-12    Mathematics and Computer Science
                                                          Mathematics degree
                             plus licensure program

5440-08 Physical    K-12    Exercise Science and
         Education           Physical Education
                             Teacher Education

5440-13 Science     7-12    Natural Science
                             any concentration plus
                             licensure program

5440-15 Social      7-12    Social Science
         Studies             any concentration plus
                             licensure program

5440-82 Special K-8 Education
Educator

* Regulations Governing the Licensing of Educators and the Preparation of Educational Professionals September, 2003.

Important Program Note: ** This endorsement has the elementary endorsement as a prerequisite for initial licensure.

State Approval

Lyndon’s teacher-preparation programs have been granted program approval by the Vermont State Board of Education. Graduates in these programs are eligible for a license to teach in Vermont upon completion of a portfolio, recommendation of their major department and the Dean of Academic Affairs, completion of a criminal records check, acceptance of their portfolio by a review panel, satisfaction of Vermont State Standards, receipt of their degrees, and passing required Praxis tests. Licenses are issued by the State Department of Education following application by the graduate. Currently, Vermont Teaching Licenses are accepted reciprocally by 29 other states.

Program Theme

All Lyndon teacher-licensure programs function under a single theme: Teaching is Learning. We see teaching and learning as reciprocal and mutually supporting activities. Good teachers constantly learn from their students and professional sources. What they learn in turn shapes and refines their teaching. Students learn and are empowered to pass on what they learn through formal and informal teaching/sharing opportunities. From this perspective, all those involved in a teaching/learning situation benefit and grow.

Portfolio

The State of Vermont and Lyndon State College require that students complete a theme-based portfolio reflecting mastery of required competencies and growth over the period of the program. The student’s portfolio is evaluated by a panel and must receive a positive evaluation in order for the student to be recommended for a teaching license.

First Aid

Prior to student teaching Lyndon State College requires all teacher-preparation students to hold a valid First Aid Certificate.

Eligibility for Student Teaching

Student teaching, usually carried out during the senior year, requires the student to have completed a minimum of 90 hours of college work with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 and a grade-point average for required education courses of 3.00, or in extraordinary circumstances demonstrated intellectual competence as certified by the Dean of Academic and Student Affairs. Passing scores for Praxis I and Praxis II must be on file prior to student teaching. Departmental permission is also required.

Post-Baccalaureate Licensing Plan in Teacher Education

The Post-Baccalaureate Licensing Plan serves two groups:

College graduates who decide to become teachers;
School teachers who desire an additional endorsement.

In general, those already holding a bachelor’s degree are eligible. This program of study requires students to complete the same courses, or to demonstrate equivalent competency, as required of undergraduates in the college’s teacher-preparation programs. This usually requires at least 30 credits beyond the bachelor degree. Candidates should apply to the Admissions Office and will be assigned an academic advisor in the department sponsoring certification. The individual program of courses required will be stated in writing for each candidate by the advisor and with the approval of the Dean of Academic Affairs. The candidate’s previous preparation, present needs, occupational goals and individual interests will be considered in this statement. The program requirements for teacher certification must have appeared in a catalog no more than two years prior to completion of course work. Praxis I and Praxis II are required.

Teacher Testing

All students must comply with current State of Vermont regulations regarding testing for licensure.

Completion of Student Teaching

In order to be eligible for licensing in Vermont, student teachers must receive a grade of “B” or better and receive a positive recommendation from the college supervisor and the cooperating field teacher.

Performance of Lyndon Students

Of the students who were completing the College’s teacher education program in 2007-2008, 100% satisfactorily passed all licensure assessments.

Criminal Records Check

The State of Vermont requires a criminal records check (including fingerprinting) of all persons in public school who may be with a student in a unsupervised situation.

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