Frequently Asked Questions About the Elementary Education Professional Semester
- When should I apply for the Professional Semester?
- What do I have to have done before the deadline?
- Do I have to pass all of Praxis I before the deadline?
- Is there anything else that I have to do to be admitted to the Professional Semester?
- Who sets up the interview?
- What will I be asked at the interview?
- What will happen if I miss the deadline?
- How will I know if I have been accepted to the Professional Semester?
- How do I register for classes?
- What are the deadline dates for applying to the professional semester?
- What is the process for applying to the professional semester?
- What happens after I have my intake interview with Dr. Daria and I have submitted all of the required items for entry to the program?
- How will my transfer grades be used in the process?
- What PRAXIS II exams do I take for K-6 endorsement?
- Do I have to be fingerprinted prior to my internship in the schools during professional semester?
- How will I be notified of my acceptance into the professional semester program?
- What happens during the professional semester?
- Can I be placed in another school district besides Danbury for the professional semester?
- When do I start the application process for student teaching?
When should I apply for the Professional Semester?
Students usually apply for the Professional Semester in their junior year. The deadline for application to the fall Professional Semester is noon, April 1. The deadline for application to the spring Professional Semester is noon, November 1.
Applications for Fall semester are due: April 1st.
Applications for Spring Semester are due: November 1st.
What do I have to have done before the deadline?
- You must complete an application, which is available in the Education Office (WS 249).
- You must pass Praxis I or be eligible for a waiver based on SAT scores (see WCSU catalog).
- You must have completed, or be in the process of completing, all of your general education courses and all but two of the courses in your academic major.
- You must have received a grade of "B" or better in the following courses: ED 206, EPY 203, HPX 215, and a "C" or better in ENG 146, the writing intensive course, EPY 105, 106, 107 or 218, CTA 160, 161, or 162, HIS 101, GEO 100, MAT 105 and 106, Lab Sciences (8 s.h.), PSY 100, SOC 100 or ANT 100, Fine/Applied Art or Foreign Language.
- You must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.8 or higher (including all courses taken at other universities).
- You must provide two letters of recommendation from people off campus who can attest to your character and suitability for a career in teaching.
- You must write a two-page (two full pages) essay describing why you want to be a teacher.
- Schedule a meeting with Dr. Daria, the Coordinator of Elementary Education, WS 307, (203) 837-9359.
Do I have to pass all of Praxis I before the deadline?
Yes, you must pass all three parts (reading, writing and math) before the deadline.
Is there anything else that I have to do to be admitted to the Professional Semester?
Yes, you must be interviewed by Education and Educational Psychology Department faculty.
Who sets up the interview?
We do. The Department secretary will notify you of the time and place of the interview.
What will I be asked at the interview?
You will be asked questions about your education courses, your essay, your experience working with children, and your attitudes about teaching, and current educational issues.
What will happen if I miss the deadline?
You will only be admitted to the Professional Semester if space is available.
How will I know if I have been accepted to the Professional Semester?
You will receive a phone call and told that you have been accepted, as well an acceptance letter from the Education & Educational Psychology Department chair.
How do I register for classes?
When you receive your phone call, you will be asked to come to the Education Office (WS 249) to get a letter giving you permission to register for the Professional Semester courses. You will take that letter to the Registrar's Office to register.
What are the deadline dates for applying to the professional semester?
April 1 (noon) for those applying for the fall semester.
November 1 (noon) for those applying for the spring semester
What is the process for applying to the professional semester?
Meet with Dr. Daria prior to the deadline date for which you are applying. Bring the following items:
- 2 Letters of recommendation from people off campus (not family) who can attest to your character.
- Submit a 2 page essay (full pages) on Why you Want to be a Teacher. Visit the writing lab for assistance.
- Submit passing Praxis I scores or present an S.A.T. waiver (must score 1100 or more)
- Complete a professional semester application (in E&EPY office)
- Bring all transcripts from other schools you have attended if you are a transfer student.
- Must have a 2.8 cumulative grade point average ( transfer transcripts will be aggregated).
What happens after I have my intake interview with Dr. Daria and I have submitted all of the required items for entry to the program?
Dr. Daria will maintain a folder for you with all of the information submitted. She will forward your name to Mrs. Cangialosi to be scheduled for a formal interview. After the formal interview and final grades have been posted, Dr. Daria will review your file for acceptance into the program. Once accepted, you will be required to attend a professional semester orientation session.
How will my transfer grades be used in the process?
If you are a transfer student, Dr. Daria will aggregate ALL of your transfer grades with your WestConn grades to determine your cumulative GPA.
What PRAXIS II exams do I take for K-6 endorsement?
10011 Elementary Education Curriculum Instruction & Assesement (computer based)
20012 Elementary Educaiton Content Area Excercises ( Not computer based and a replacement exam is being developed.)
You also have to pass the Pearsons Reading Test
Do I have to be fingerprinted prior to my internship in the schools during professional semester?
Yes. In accordance with Public Act 09-01, Section 8, any candidate in a preparation program leading to certification as a teacher who has not had a criminal history background check, must do so at least 30 days prior to being placed in a school for clinical experiences such as field experience, student teaching or internship.
The process includes the checking of fingerprints by the State Police Bureau of Identification and the F.B.I. The results of the criminal history record checks (both state and federal) will be sent to the SPS Deans office. You will receive more information about this during your professional semester orientation with Dr. Daria.
How will I be notified of my acceptance into the professional semester program?
Mrs. Cangialosi will send a letter notifying you of your acceptance. The letter will include your schedule of classes and the procedure for registering.
What happens during the professional semester?
Using the cohort model, you will take five classes in special subject areas (special ed., science, social studies, two classes in reading) to refine your teaching and assessment skills. You will be assigned to a Danbury public school classroom for two weeks to apply the skills and content acquired in the professional semester.
Can I be placed in another school district besides Danbury for the professional semester?
No
When do I start the application process for student teaching?
During the professional semester orientation, you will receive a student teacher packet to complete and return to Dr. Virginia King.
