Orientation to the Profession

1
Orientation to the Profession

• The Logistics of Being a Teacher

2
Ways to Become a Teacher

• Degree-granting program Get an EDUCATION degree
• Licensure only Undergraduate level
• Alternative Programs Masters Level
• NC Teach
• Lateral Entry

3
Licensure vs. Certification

• Licensure
• Recommended by Teacher Ed Program or other
  Professional Agency
• Granted by the state
• Proof that minimum competencies are met
• No guarantee as to quality

• Certification
• Affirmation of Professional Standing
• Awarded by Teachers
• Voluntary Process
• More sound evidence of quality

4
Teacher Competency Tests

• Praxis I The Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST
  or CBT)
• Basic reading, writing, and mathematics
  competency
• Paper/pencil or computer
• At UNCA, required of undergrads and by post-bacs
  whose undergrad GPA lt2.5
• All parts can be waived if SAT score is 1100 or
  greater
• If SAT score in one area is gt 550, that area is
  considered to be passed

• Praxis II Specialty Area Exams
• MC and Essay exams by which teachers demonstrate
  competency in content and pedagogy
• Usually taken during professional year
• K-6 seekers MUST take before applying for
  licensure
• Not required of candidates in other areas (middle
  school candidates may take it)

5
Types of Licenses

• Standard Professional I Given while you
  complete a probationary period and complete all
  state requirements
• Standard Professional 2 Given once you have met
  all state requirements (renewed/maintained
  through staff development credits)

6
Will My License Move If I Do?

• NC has reciprocal licensing agreements with 42
  states, Washington D.C., and Guam
• Licenses recommended by NCATE Accredited
  Institutions are more portable
• Reciprocity doesnt guarantee that all areas of
  licensure will transfer from one state to
  another. You get the closest comparable
  license.

7
What is Accreditation?
Reviewers from an outside agency ensure that a
teacher education program or other institution
meets accepted standards.
Who Reviews UNCA?

• NCATE (National Council for the Accreditation of
  Teacher Education)

• North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

8
How Much Moolah Will I Make?

• State Salary Schedule
• Possible Increases
• Local supplement
• National Board Certification (12 in NC)
• Graduate degrees

9
Tenure Job Security or Protecting the
Ineffective?

• Disadvantages
• Less scrutiny equals less motivation, which may
  lead to lessened performance
• Costly to fight for dismissal

• Advantages
• After a certain period, teachers jobs are
  protected unless
• They are incompetent
• They act illegally
• They act immorally
• Budget cuts require it

Note Untenured Teachers are Protected!
10
Formal Admission to UNCAs Education Program

• GPA gt 2.5
• Complete EDUC 310 and EDUC 311 with a grade of C
  or better
• Provide passing scores on Praxis I or SAT if
  required
• Acceptable evaluation of dispositions
• Positive review of file by the UNCA Education
  Committee

11
What Should I Be Doing NOW?

• Save everything! Compile a portfolio of your
  work.
• Draft a resume and add to it as you gain
  experience.
• Get involved! Schools identify prospective
  teachers earlymake a good impression from Day
  One!