Admission to Wayne State College does not guarantee entry into its educator preparation programs. As a student studying to become a teacher, you must proceed and pass a set structure of three levelsl. To be approved for advancement from one level to the next in educator preparation, students must successfully complete the benchmarks at each level and be approved by the Professional Progress Committee (PPC).
The three levels are:
- Level One - Preparing for Teacher Candidacy
- Level Two - Preparing for Clinical Practice
- Level Three - Clinical Practice
You are responsible for meeting the benchmarks, but our faculty and staff are here to help you on your journey toward certification as a teacher. Do not hesitate to seek assistance when you have questions. Failure to meet any of the benchmarks or any violation of college and/or Board of Trustees policies or regulations can be sufficient cause for denial of advancement in the educator preparation program.
Process for advancement in educator preparation
It is the student’s responsibility to confirm with the Education Services Office that adequate progress has been made on the benchmarks for each level. In order to advance through all levels, students must:
- maintain a professional attitude (professional dispositions), demonstrate instructional and curriculum development skills, and possess the same high moral and personal standards as required of certified teachers in the laws of the State of Nebraska AND
- be free from emotional and mental impairments such as those that would cause revocation of a teaching certificate by the State Board of Education.
Process for unsuccessful applicants
Applicants not successful in meeting the benchmarks for a particular level will be notified and given an opportunity to meet with the PPC. A request for special consideration form may be found and submitted in Anthology Portfolio. An unofficial transcript must be attached to the request form. The completed form is then submitted to the advisor, so that it can be presented at the next meeting of the PPC. The PPC will view the request and forward a recommendation for action to the dean.
Placement of transfer students within levels
Students who transfer from other institutions should enroll in EDU 245 Preparing for Level 2: Teacher Candidacy their first semester at WSC or when taking EDU 250 Human Development and Cognition to ensure appropirate level placement. Students must complete required benchmarks to be allowed passage to the next level.
Process for addressing concerns about students
The PPC will choose from one of the following options when reviewing concerns about students:
- No formal action is taken. The concern is noted in the student's file.
- Committee requests additional input from Education and arts/sciences content faculty.
- Set up an initial advisement session with two members of the PPC.
- Summons to appear before the full PPC.
