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Certificate Programs
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Certificate programs at Fort Lewis College consist of a specified set of academic courses that focus on a specific topic, representing a coherent and relatively free standing body of knowledge. Successful completion of a certificate signifies the achievement of competence in the specified domain and is recognized by the awarding of a certificate (an official document) from the sponsoring department or program. Completion of certificate programs approved by the College will also be annotated on the official student transcript.
Fort Lewis College has three approved programs:
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) CERTIFICATE
Coordinator - Scott White, Department of Geosciences
Curriculum requirements:
http://geo.fortlewis.edu/GIS/certificate.html
Policies:
http://www.fortlewis.edu/academics/course_catalog/certificate_policies.asp
CULTURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE
Coordinator - Charles Riggs, Department of Anthropology
Curriculum requirements:
http://www.fortlewis.edu/cmsdocs/anthro/hrmc/default.htm
Policies:
http://www.fortlewis.edu/academics/course_catalog/certificate_policies.asp
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE IN SPANISH
Coordinator - Kathleen Aguilar, Department of Modern Languages
Curriculum requirements:
http://www.fortlewis.edu/departmental_webpages/modern_language/default.asp
Policies:
http://www.fortlewis.edu/academics/course_catalog/certificate_policies.asp
Community-Based Learning and Research
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Program Coordinator - Michelle Bonanno
Preparing citizens for the common good in an increasingly complex world is the mission focus of Fort Lewis College. In Fort Lewis College classrooms, community-based learning and research (CBLR) is a teaching methodology that helps to achieve this mission by transforming students into informed and engaged citizens. Because CBLR curriculum is both academically rigorous and civically conscious, it creates opportunities for students to develop and apply knowledge that contributes to the common good. Community-based classroom projects ask students to address a community problem or need through personal and direct engagement, problem solving projects, and/or research. Students benefit from the contextual and experiential nature of their coursework by participating in thoughtful, critical study of issues relevant to the particular form and context of engagement while the community benefits from the engagement of students who are able to bring that knowledge to bear upon those issues.
Examples of CBLR projects:
- Marketing students using classroom knowledge to develop and implement a marketing plan for a local nonprofit and an emerging growth company.
- Engineering students constructing a water system for a village in Ecuador and providing health assessments and health education to village residents.
- Art students working with a local community-based organization to design and paint a mural celebrating the cultural diversity of the region.
- Biology students partnering with the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) to monitor local elk populations and then joining the CDOW in the preparation of a wild game meal for citizens at the local soup kitchen.
- Journalism students writing a series of articles for the local newspaper which inform and engage the public in a variety of regional issues.
- Students in a Philosophy course on “environmental ethics” using the knowledge gained in the course, and the care and activism modeled by the professor, to engage as individuals and groups in acts of caring for the environment.
- Composition students researching the effects of outdoor interaction on motor fitness skills and the impact of experiential learning on reducing symptoms of ADD.
- Sociology students producing a documentary video on regional health care and health care access issues to facilitate public awareness and discussion about a number of critical health care issues within the region.
Students now have the opportunity to document CBLR projects on a Civic Engagement Transcript, a supplement to the academic transcript, which recognizes and validates distinctive and integrative opportunities in which students connect traditional classroom learning with informed civic engagement. The Civic Engagement Transcript records ways in which students extend and enhance classroom learning primarily through community-based learning and research initiatives and co-curricular engagement and leadership centered around serving the common good. Providing students with these opportunities affords Fort Lewis College an avenue for fostering the development of leadership skills, an inquisitive and analytical mind, a respect for human diversity and individuality, and a sense of civic and global responsibility. The Civic Engagement transcript provides an avenue for formal recognition of both the students’ and the College’s commitment to the “development of the responsible citizen, grounded in honesty, courage, and compassion.”
Cooperative Education Program
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Program Coordinator - Allyn L. Talg
The Cooperative Education Program, housed in the Career Services Office, offers opportunities for students to apply the skills and knowledge learned in the classroom to the work environment. Students are highly encouraged to integrate an internship experience into their academic plan. Internships allow for greater development of knowledge and skills, and assists in academic and career planning. Internships also help students compete more effectively in the job search as they graduate.
ENROLLING
Because Cooperative Education courses are by instructor permission, the first step is to schedule an appointment with a career counselor at the Career Services Office. Minimum eligibility requirements are a cumulative 2.5 GPA and 30 credits earned. Information about additional requirements and how to enroll are on the Career Services Office website: CSO.fortlewis.edu, click on “Internships/Coop.”
CREDIT INFORMATION
Students can earn credits at the 200, 300 and 400 levels. Minimally there is a requirement of 50 hours worked for one credit earned. The maximum number of credits that apply toward graduation is 12. Cooperative Education credits are electives.
GRADING
Students must complete all of the requirements set forth in the course syllabus and by the employer in order to receive the credits. Credits are awarded as Satisfactory (S) or No Credit (NC).
Enrichment courses are one- or two-credit “mini-courses” that are numbered GS 189 and/or GS 389 and are announced after the Census Date each Fall and Winter semester. Enrichment courses are elective courses only, and are graded pass/fail. Students are limited to a total of 12 pass/fail elective credits and are limited to two Enrichment courses per term. Enrichment courses may not be applied to the major, minor, auxiliary, or general education requirements.
Office of Continuing Education
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Director - Gigi Duthie
The Office of Continuing Education serves the college by offering specialized off-campus programs at a tuition rate that is the same for in-state as well as out-of-state students. These experiences enhance our students’ options to participate in creative educational offerings that contribute to global awareness and unique opportunities to study out of the classroom.
Innovative Months: Summer Off-Campus Experiences
Dedicated Fort Lewis College faculty design exciting five-week programs that are held regionally or abroad at off-campus destinations during college summer sessions. Coursework is done during travel and/or on campus before and after travel. Students can earn up to 6 credits at the CE tuition rate ($140/credit hour), which is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. The Native Tuition Waiver applies for qualified students.
Summer 2010 programs include service projects in Tanzania and Bolivia, a study of the business of gaming in Las Vegas, the business of the cruise industry, and travel to nations as diverse as Peru, India, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Academic focus is unique to each program and reflects the creative excellence of our faculty’s unique disciplines. These courses are announced during the fall and winter terms for the coming summer sessions, and students may register during that time.
Equine Studies Program
Through a partnership with Fort Lewis College and the Four Corners Equine Academy, Colorado’s newest college level equine program can fulfill its mission to educate students in balanced riding, harmonious training, and current equine science courses. Participation in this program requires a serious commitment to equine studies and requires transportation to the Academy, which is located about 20 minutes south of Durango. School horses are provided for the use of students during classes, and a limited number of scholarships are available. For more information, please contact Beth LaShell at (970) 247-7189, lashell_b@fortlewis.edu, or Jennifer Thurston, Director of the Four Corners Equine Academy (FCEA) at (970) 385-5063, weaselskin1@msn.com
For more information regarding Fort Lewis College Continuing Education, please visit the Continuing Education website: http://continuinged.fortlewis.edu
Health Careers Program Options
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FOR STUDENTS INTERESTED IN HEALTH CAREERS
Students may pursue courses at Fort Lewis College that lead to a variety of health careers. Most medically related professions require either an undergraduate degree with specific prerequisite courses, or general prerequisite courses and transfer to a more vocational type of program (i.e., radiology technician).
The most popular pre-professional programs at Fort Lewis College are programs leading to medicine, nursing, physician assistant, osteopathic medicine, naturopathic medicine, physical therapy, and veterinary medicine, but advising and academic planning are also available for programs in other allied health fields.
Specific pre-professional course requirements vary significantly depending upon the health field chosen. All professional schools, however, prefer those students who have had a broad undergraduate education, have a solid foundation in the natural and social sciences, possess well-developed communication skills, and have had some experience (either volunteer or paid) in the health-related profession of their choice.
PRE-HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Fort Lewis College has a group of faculty who are dedicated to guiding and counseling all students in pre-health preparatory programs. The committee has prepared a website containing examples of suggested course schedules and curricula. Interested students may access these items on the Fort Lewis College website:
http://www.fortlewis.edu/academics/programs/health_careers.asp
In addition to advising students in their preparatory programs, the committee assists students with application procedures and in preparing for professional school admission interviews. The committee will, upon student request, provide recommendation documents to professional schools in accordance with the student’s qualifications. This committee is primarily made up of members of the natural sciences faculty in biology and chemistry. Please check with the department chairperson of biology or chemistry for a list of current committee members.
Medical School
Most professional programs recognize the importance of foundational knowledge in the natural sciences - biology, chemistry, math, and physics. As such, most have established minimum course requirements in these sciences for admission. However, professional schools require no specific major of their applicants. Admissions committees seek individuals whose intellectual curiosity leads them to be interested in a variety of disciplines, and who have the academic maturity to succeed in a variety of courses, both within the sciences and humanities. You should choose a major that is interesting to you and can be successfully completed, keeping in mind that you will also have to take the specific science requirements for your selected professional school.
You should also consider what will happen if you do not get into medical school or if you change your mind about going. Your major will define your immediate career options; it is important to discuss these possibilities with a pre-health professions advisor.
MEDICAL SCHOOL - PREREQUISITE COURSE WORK AT FORT LEWIS COLLEGE:
Note
While these are the minimum course requirements, entry into medical school requires that each applicant take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). The scores from this exam and college grades are often combined to select candidates to interview for admission. The MCAT emphasizes knowledge in cell biology; genetics; embryology, microbiology; basic chemistry; human physiology; organic chemistry, biochemistry, and basic physics related to biological systems. These topics may not be covered by taking only the minimum requirements. A pre-health professions advisor can help each student plan to take the courses that will best support the acquisition of knowledge in the areas covered by the MCAT.
Nursing
Nursing programs now focus on training individuals with the end result being a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Many BSN programs will admit students with a minimum of 60 credits of prerequisite courses with the assumption that the remaining courses and clinical training will be completed within their program. In addition, most nursing schools also have accelerated BSN programs for individuals who have already completed a bachelor’s degree in another field. Thus, a student who completes a degree at Fort Lewis College that includes the prerequisites of the BSN program could be admitted to an accelerated program and obtain a BSN as a second college degree. A pre-health professions advisor can help each student determine which route is best in pursuing a nursing degree.
NURSING - PREREQUISITES OFFERED AT FORT LEWIS COLLEGE:
Additional Courses:
Two (2) additional science courses, one with lab
One (1) course in Creative Arts (some suggested courses are Mu 102, Thea 101).
One (1) course in Macroeconomics or History or Political Science (some suggested courses are ECON 364 ; HIST 160 or HIST 261 ; PS 110 , PS 101 , or PS 120 ).
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants (PA) are members of the fastest growing health profession. PAs are academically and clinically prepared to work closely with a supervising physician to provide many of the same services. Most PA programs require the completion of a BA/BS degree before entry into their professional program. A few require several years of experience in a health-care field. The BA/BS degree can be in any field in which the student will excel. There are several foundational courses in the natural sciences that are required as a part of prerequisite coursework.
Admission to most PA programs requires that applicants take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). This exam covers verbal, analytical, and writing skills in a variety of disciplinary areas.
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT - PREREQUISITES OFFERED AT FORT LEWIS COLLEGE:
Additional Courses:
One (1) additional upper division science (with lab).
One to 2 courses in the humanities (foreign language, fine arts, music, philosophy, etc.); some possible suggested courses include MU 101 , THEA 101 , PSYC 254 , ANTH 201 , and ANTH 357 .
Students contemplating admission to Physician Assistant programs should plan to work with a pre-health professions advisor to complete these prerequisites along with their chosen degree requirements.
OTHER HEALTH-RELATED PROFESSIONS
Please contact a member of the Pre-Health Advisory Committee for pre-requisite and other requirements for other health-related professions.
International Programs
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Program Director: Jennifer E. Gay
Fort Lewis College offers Exchanges, Direct Enrollments and Study Abroad opportunities around the world to individual student participants through the International Programs Office. GS 250 and GS 251 (International Studies) are pre-departure courses required before participation in any of these programs.
International Exchanges
Fort Lewis College has a number of reciprocal exchange agreements with partner institutions in Europe, Asia and Latin America. Students participating on these exchanges pay their home school tuition and fees and receive transfer credit for their semesters abroad. Students are responsible for their individual travel and living expenses. Financial aid is available to eligible Fort Lewis College students. Tuition waivers may also be used. Incoming international students from partner schools must apply through their own international programs offices for any financial assistance.
Direct Enrollments and Study Abroad
Direct enrollments and Study Abroad programs offer alternative locations and curriculum choices to Fort Lewis College students when our current exchange schools do not meet their needs. While participating on these programs, students pay their tuition directly to approved institutions or third party providers.
Faculty-run international programs are offered by individual departments and through the Continuing Education Innovative Month programs.
Students participating in any official Fort Lewis College program/international experience will be considered “in residence.” Credits earned through such programs are not subject to the limits of the Senior Year Transfer Policy.
Honors Program (John F. Reed Honors Program)
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Coordinator - Michael T. Martin
The John F. Reed Honors Program is an academic enrichment program available to a select group of students. Students who participate in the program complete a special curriculum; propose, research, write, and present an Honors thesis; explore their leadership potential; and participate in program-sponsored events with Honors Program students and faculty.
Students who are admitted to the program and complete the curriculum, other requirements, and expectations will receive a designation on their transcripts that they are graduates of the John F. Reed Honors Program and earn a minor in the Rhetoric of Inquiry.
The John F. Reed Honors Program is overseen by the Honors Council, a group of faculty committed to providing an extraordinary academic experience to the high-achieving students at Fort Lewis College.
Requirements for Admission to John F. Reed Honors Program
Applications for the John F. Reed Honors Program are accepted the first Monday in March and the first Monday in November each year. Admission decisions are announced the first Monday in April and the first Monday in December each year.
To be eligible to apply, students must:
- Complete at least one Hon 221, 222, or 223 course.
- Complete at least 15, but no more than 80, credits at Fort Lewis College.
- Have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- Submit a completed application form, including its three required attachments of unofficial transcript, admission essay, and academic writing sample. Application forms are available at the Division of Enrollment Services and General Education administrative office, Jones Hall 104, and the John F. Reed Honors Lounge, Jones Hall 158.
- Request letters of recommendation, addressed to the Honors Program coordinator, from two faculty members. Letters must be received by the application deadline.
All applicants will be interviewed by the Honors Council.
Rhetoric of Inquiry Minor
Participation Expectations
John F. Reed Honors Program scholars are expected to participate in two Honors Program-sponsored events each semester they are on campus.
Teacher Education Licensure Program
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Director of Teacher Education - David Hayes
Professors - David Hayes, Stephen A. Roderick and Gene Taylor
Associate Professor - Jennifer Trujillo
Assistant Professors - Richard Fulton, Mary Ann Goff, and Kristine Greer
Fort Lewis College offers a Teacher Education Licensure Program designed to enable students to qualify for a Colorado teaching license. The program makes it possible, with careful planning, to both complete a bachelor’s degree and qualify for a teaching license within four academic years. All students are encouraged to schedule a meeting with the Director of Teacher Education during their first term regarding the Teacher Education Licensure Program, approved majors, and requirements necessary for licensure. The Teacher Education Department is located on the top floor of Education and Business Hall (EBH 244). Students may also visit the Teacher Education website at
http://extended-campus.fortlewis.edu.
The Fort Lewis College Teacher Education Department endeavors to attract individuals with a high potential for successfully completing teacher preparation courses and fieldwork. The Director of Teacher Education serves as the contact person for curriculum advising.
Steps to Becoming a Licensed Teacher
Undergraduate Students: Undergraduate students interested in seeking teaching licensure at Fort Lewis College should fully understand that there are several steps in the process. The Director of Teacher Education can answer any questions about the process. Interested students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the Director (EBH 244) for this purpose. The steps to teacher licensure for undergraduate students are as follows:
- Students must select the approved major for their chosen licensure area, as indicated below under Teacher Licensure Programs Offered at Fort Lewis College and Approved Corresponding Majors.
In consultation with an academic advisor in the appropriate major, and during their first term, students should plan a program of studies that will qualify them to graduate and meet licensure requirements in a four year period, if that is their goal. Interdisciplinary Studies majors seeking elementary education or early childhood education licensure should be advised by a Teacher Education faculty member. Students must meet with their academic advisor prior to registration each term.
Students seeking licensure in a K-12 or 7-12 area will be advised by a faculty member in their major. These students should also meet with the Director of Teacher Education during their first term at Fort Lewis College to be assigned to a Teacher Education advisor. The Teacher Education advisor will help the student understand the requirements and policies leading to licensure, and will help the student in developing a program of studies. Students must meet with their academic advisors prior to registration each term.
- Upon earning at least 30 credits, students may apply for admission to the Teacher Education Licensure Program. To do so, students must secure an application from the Teacher Education Department, complete the application, and return it to the Teacher Education Department. Admission requirements are indicated below. Applicants who meet these requirements will receive a letter indicating their admission. Students who have not been admitted to the Teacher Education Licensure Program are not eligible to take the 400-level methods courses needed for licensure.
- Students who have been admitted to the Teacher Education Licensure Program must attend the student teaching application meeting on the first Friday of the first month of the fall or winter semester that precedes their student teaching term. Requirements for admission to student teaching are indicated below.
- Students who complete student teaching must apply to the Colorado Department of Education for Colorado licensure. Requirements for being recommended for licensure are indicated below.
Post-baccalaureate Students: Students who have already earned a bachelors degree typically seek teaching licensure and not a second degree. Therefore post-baccalaureate students are admitted to Fort Lewis College as unclassified students and do not choose a major. Post-baccalaureate students interested in seeking teaching licensure at Fort Lewis College should fully understand the several steps in the process prior to applying for admission to Fort Lewis College. The steps to teacher licensure for post-baccalaureate students are as follows:
- Potential students should submit a letter to the Director of Teacher Education, Fort Lewis College, Durango CO 81301. In this letter potential students should specify the licensure program of interest (programs are listed below) and should include in the same mailing copies of transcripts from all colleges attended. The transcripts may be unofficial at this point. The Director of Teacher Education will then review the transcripts and send information to the potential student on the courses he/she needs to complete in the chosen licensure program and other information about the program.
- Following this transcript evaluation process, interested post-baccalaureate students should schedule an appointment with the Director of Teacher Education to address concerns or questions, to establish a GPA for the purpose of later admission to the Teacher Education Licensure Program, and to plan a program of studies. Note: Establishing the GPA is based on grades in courses applied to their program.
- Following this appointment, interested post-baccalaureate students should apply for admission to Fort Lewis College.
- Post-baccalaureate students admitted to Fort Lewis College are advised by the Director of Teacher Education. Students should meet with their advisor each term prior to registration.
- Post-baccalaureate students may apply for admission to the Teacher Education Licensure Program once they have met the requirements indicated below. Post-baccalaureate students must secure an application from the Teacher Education Department, complete the application, and schedule an admission appointment with the Director of Teacher Education. Students who have not been admitted to the Teacher Education Licensure Program are not eligible to take the 400-level methods courses needed for licensure.
- Post-baccalaureate students who have been admitted to the Teacher Education Licensure Program must attend the student teaching application meeting on the first Friday of the first month of the fall or winter semester that precedes their student teaching term. Requirements for admission to student teaching are indicated below.
- Post-baccalaureate students who complete student teaching must apply to the Colorado Department of Education for licensure. Requirements for being recommended for licensure are indicated below.
Teacher Licensure Programs Offered at Fort Lewis College and Approved Corresponding Majors
Undergraduate students interested in being licensed as a teacher in Colorado must first choose an academic major that corresponds to a specific licensure program. The licensure programs and their corresponding academic majors follow. The requirements for the selected licensure program are found under each major’s teaching option.
- Early Childhood Education Licensure (birth to 3rd grade)
> Academic Major: Interdisciplinary Studies Major-Teacher Education option
- Elementary Education Licensure (grades K-6)
> Academic Major: Interdisciplinary Studies Major-Teacher Education option
- Secondary English Licensure (grades 7-12)
> Academic Major: English-English for Secondary Teachers option
- Secondary Mathematics Licensure (grades 7-12)
> Academic Major: Mathematics-Mathematics for Secondary Teachers option
- Secondary Science Licensure (grades 7-12)
> Academic Major (one of the following four majors):
- Biology - Biology for Secondary Teachers option
- Chemistry - Chemistry for Secondary Teachers option
- Geology - Earth Science for Secondary Teachers option
- Physics - Physical Science for Secondary Teachers option
- Secondary Social Studies Licensure (grades 7-12)
> Academic Major: History-Social Studies for Secondary Teachers option
- Spanish Licensure (grades K-12)
> Academic Major: Spanish-Spanish K-12 Teaching option
- Art Licensure (grades K-12)
> Academic Major: Art- Art K-12 Teaching option
- Music Licensure (grades K-12)
> Academic Major: Music-Music K-12 Teaching option
- Physical Education Licensure (grades K-12)
> Academic Major: Exercise Science-Exercise Science K-12 Teaching option
Additional Licensure Options
Students in all licensure programs may seek add-on licensure in Linguistically Diverse Education (LDE). This endorsement was formerly referred to as “English as a Second Language (ESL).” Students who have added licensure in Linguistically Diverse Education (LDE) may also seek add-on licensure as a Linguistically Diverse Education Specialist: Bilingual (LDE-S). As both of these add-on licensure programs entail additional coursework, students should expect that the time needed to complete both the primary licensure program and an add-on endorsement will exceed four years. Interested students should speak with Dr. Jennifer Trujillo, EBH 248, for specific advising in this field.
Course Requirements for Linguistically Diverse Education (LDE) Endorsement:
(3 credits)
ED 334 - Meth of Teach Engl as Sec Lang (3 credits)
ED 335 - Linguistics for Educators (3 credits)
ED 447 - Instructional Equality (3 credits)
Students must also complete one of the following courses:
ENGL 265 - Semantics (4 credits)
ENGL 461 - History of English Language (4 credits)
ENGL 462 - Linguistics (4 credits)
Students must also complete 6-8 additional credits in culturally-based literature, social science, or art courses to be approved by the LDE coordinator. See Dr. Jennifer Trujillo for a list of suggested courses.
*Courses with an asterisk indicate the class has required field study (30 hours).
TOTAL credits REQUIRED FOR add-on endorsement 22-24
Other Requirements:
Field-based experience with linguistically diverse students (school setting or Mexico Program).
All students must also pass the Colorado LDE PLACE exam.
Candidates seeking the Linguistically Diverse Education Specialist (LDE-S) Bilingual must also complete the following requirements:
- Complete all LDE coursework, practicum and assessment requirements
- Take ED 332 - Materials & Meth Bilingual Ed (3 credits)
- Pass the Fort Lewis College Language Proficiency Exam (written and oral in Spanish, Navajo, or Ute Language)
- Pass the LDE-S PLACE exam
- Additional bilingual content teaching in a field-based setting
Requirements for Admission to the Teacher Education Licensure Program
To gain admission to the Teacher Education Licensure Program, students secure an application from the Director of Teacher of Education and, once completed, schedule an admission appointment with the Director. Admission requirements follow:
- A completed Teacher Education application and a current Fort Lewis College transcript that shows that the applicant is currently enrolled at the College; is in the approved major for the licensure area (or is a post-baccalaureate student seeking licensure only); and has completed a minimum of 30 credits. Students may apply with fewer than 30 credits if they meet application requirements 2-6 below.
- Completed ED 222 (Education: Global Perspectives) with a minimum grade of B-. It is possible for students to be admitted while, or prior to, taking this course if they meet requirements 3-6, but they will still need to earn a minimum grade of B- in ED 222 as a requirement for student teaching.
- Submission of fingerprints for a Colorado Department of Education background investigation.
- Attained a cumulative Fort Lewis College GPA of at least 2.75.
- Degree seeking students only: Completed Comp 150 or Comp 126 or Comp 250 with a minimum grade of C (not C-).
- Degree seeking students only: Completed one college level math or approved equivalent course with a minimum grade of C (not C-). Remedial courses are not accepted as a fulfillment of this requirement.
PERC Petition: Applicants who have not attained one or more of the above requirements, except requirement #3, may submit a petition to the department’s Professional Education Review Committee (PERC) for approval to be admitted. The PERC petition may be obtained from the Director of Teacher Education. The PERC is composed of three Teacher Education faculty members who will review the applicant’s petition. The PERC will review each case on its merits; not all requests to the PERC are granted.
Required Field Experiences
Fort Lewis College students in the Teacher Education Licensure Program will complete a minimum of 800 hours of field experience activities throughout their program. Students must have submitted fingerprints for a background check in order to enroll in any course with a field-study component. Students who fail to do so will be administratively withdrawn from the course.
300-Level courses: Students will take 300-level courses that include field study components. The number of courses differs among the various programs.
400-Level courses: Students will take courses that include field study components with the focus on planning and teaching lessons under the direction of veteran classroom teachers. Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education students will be involved in a three-term immersion program that combines teaching methodology courses with practical application in field study.
Student Teaching: Students in the Secondary and K-12 licensure programs complete a full term of student teaching. The third immersion term is considered the official student teaching term for students in the ISM Major (El Ed and ECE).
Requirements for Admission to Student Teaching
Secondary and K-12 students and ISM El Ed and ECE second-term immersion students will attend a mandatory meeting on the first Friday of the first week of the fall or winter semester prior to their intended student teaching term/third immersion term. Applications for student teaching/third immersion term are distributed at this meeting and must be submitted by the deadline announced at this meeting, typically three weeks after the meeting. For more information, students should contact Will Camp, Coordinator of Field Experiences, EBH 242. Students may apply to student teach in the Durango area or in out-of-area school districts.
Requirements for Admission to Student Teaching/ISM Third Immersion Term:
- Senior or post-baccalaureate standing.
- Pass the approved PRAXIS II or PLACE content test.
- Successful completion of 100% of coursework prior to the student teaching term.
- Achievement of a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 and a minimum 2.75 GPA in courses with an ED designation.
- Earn a minimum grade of C (not C-) in all courses with an ED designation. In addition, students must have earned a minimum B- grade in ED 222.
- Maintain the support of teacher education faculty members. Such support may be withheld for violations of academic integrity or irresponsible actions in field experiences or course work.
PERC Petition: Students not meeting the above requirements may petition for a review by the Department’s Professional Education Review Committee (PERC), which may stipulate conditions in order to be allowed to student teach. Not all PERC requests are granted. In no case may a student be allowed to student teach without having passed the approved content test.
Out-of-Area Student Teaching: Reasonable attempts will be made to approve students’ requests to student teach out-of-area (more than 70 miles from Durango). Students approved to teach out-of-area must have demonstrated consistently responsible behaviors in pre-student teaching field study and coursework. Students interested in this option should speak with Will Camp, Coordinator of Field Experiences, EBH 242, well in advance of the student teaching/third immersion term. Students who student teach out-of-area are charged an additional fee to cover the additional cost of supervision.
Required Content Tests: Students will not be placed into student teaching/ISM third immersion term until they have passed the required content test for their licensure area by the established deadline. Thus, students should take their content test prior to the date they will apply for admission to student teaching/ third immersion term.
- For students planning to student teach/enter third immersion term in a Fall semester, the content test should have been taken by the November prior to the subsequent Fall semester (for example, if student teaching in Fall 2012, the test should be taken by November 2011). A student’s final opportunity to pass the required test in order to student teach in the Fall semester will be the March testing date (in the above example, March 2012).
- For students planning to student teach/take their third immersion term in a Winter semester, the content test should have been taken by the summer prior to the subsequent Winter semester (for example, if student teaching in Winter 2013, the test should be taken by June or July 2012). A student’s final opportunity to pass the required test in order to student teach in the Winter semester will be the September testing date (in the above example, September 2012).
Study guides for all tests are on reserve at Reed Library. Students register on-line and can find additional information about the tests by linking to PRAXIS and PLACE from the Teacher Education Web Site (http://extended-campus.fortlewis.edu/) Information on test dates also can be found on the bulletin board outside EBH 242.
Required Tests by Licensure Area
- Early Childhood Education: PLACE Test 02
- Elementary Education: PLACE Test 01 or PRAXIS II 10014
- Secondary English: PLACE Test 07 or PRAXIS II 10041
- Secondary Mathematics: PLACE Test 04 or PRAXIS II 10061
- Secondary Science: PLACE Test 05 or PRAXIS II 10435
- Secondary Social Studies: PLACE Test 06 or PRAXIS II 10081
- K-12 Spanish: PLACE Test 09
- K-12 Art: PLACE Test 28
- K-12 Music: PLACE Test 29
- K-12 Physical Education: PLACE Test 32
Add-on Licensure Tests (must be passed to be eligible for licensure, but not required for student teaching):
- Linguistically Diverse Education: PLACE Test 17
- Linguistically Diverse Education Specialist: Bilingual Preparation: PLACE Test 16
Completion of Student Teaching
To complete the Teacher Education Licensure Program, all students must receive a satisfactory grade in student teaching. Students must demonstrate satisfactory performance in their student teaching placement and must also complete requirements that demonstrate they have met the eight performance based standards for Colorado Teachers (PBSCT). The PBSCT standards are met by completing at a proficient level a number of key assignments distributed among 300- and 400-level coursework. Completion of these key assignments is tracked on an electronic system, available on WebOpus, called KATS (Key Assignment Tracking System).
The Summative Presentation: During the student teaching term, students will meet with Teacher Education faculty and other designated individuals. In this meeting, students will demonstrate that they have met all eight PBSCTs and will reflect upon and respond to a series of questions concerning their programmatic and student teaching experiences.
Recommendation for Licensure
Upon successful completion of the Teacher Education Licensure Program, students may apply for a Colorado Teaching License. The Teacher Education Department will recommend students for Colorado licensure if they meet the following requirements:
- Successful completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in the approved major (undergraduate students) or completion of all content and teaching education licensure course requirements (post-baccalaureate students).
- Successful completion of student teaching (which includes passing the summative presentation and the KATS Program).
- Passing the approved PRAXIS II or PLACE content test.
- Submission of required materials to the Director of Teacher Education.
Students wishing to apply to another state are advised to contact the appropriate Department of Education for information about specific requirements.
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