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Elementary

Education

The Simmons Teacher Education Program (S.T.E.P.) The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education K-5 program will prepare students to teach in K-5 environments throughout Kentucky and the nation. This traditional program will be taught primarily face-to-face with a limited number of online courses.

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (K-5)

Benefits

The program is designed to produce teachers who will serve as agents of change in elementary schools.

Financial Aid/Scholarships

Several scholarships, grants, and other ways to help pay for college are available to eligible students:

Evolve 502
S.T.E.P. Last Chance Scholarship
Military Benefits
Employer Reimbursements (check with your employer regarding eligibility and availability)
Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA)
Federal and local scholarships, loans, and grants

Candidates are encouraged to file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as possible. Candidates are also encouraged to apply for as many internal and external scholarships and grants as possible.

Career Info

The successful completion of this program leads to certification as a K-5 elementary school teacher. According to recent data, there are over 300,000 teacher vacancies in the United States. In Kentucky, during the 2021-22 school year, there were 11,000 teacher vacancies—many in elementary schools. Researchers have called teaching, “a recession-proof occupation".

Admission Requirements

Successful progression through the Simmons Teacher Education Program (S.T.E.P.) is defined in the S.T.E.P. Gateways.

SIMMONS COLLEGE TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM (S.T.E.P.)

S.T.E.P. Gateways

Gateway 1: Pre-Admission to S.T.E.P.

Upon entry into Simmons College of Kentucky and prior to admission to the Simmons Teacher Education Program (S.T.E.P), candidates will be introduced to the basic concepts of teaching and professional practice. Over time, they will be mentored and guided in preparation for admission to the S.T.E.P. Activities will include but not limited to:

● Education lectures

● 240Tutoring

● Writing, speaking, and math tutoring

● Tutoring, volunteering, working, and mentoring in schools and community-based activities

● S.T.E.P. Professional Dispositions Assessment (completed by Education faculty and administrators, staff of the Falcon Academic Center of Excellence (F.A.C.E.— tutoring and support center)

Gateway 2: Admission to S.T.E.P.

The S.T.E.P. will adhere to the admission criteria as outlined in 16 KAR 5:020: Standards for Admission to Educator Preparation:

1. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, or a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last thirty (30) hours of credit completed

2. Successful completion of one (1) of the following assessments of basic knowledge as follows:

● The ACT with a composite score of 22 or the corresponding minimum scores:

● Reading—20

● Writing—18 and

● Math 19 or

● The pre-professional skills assessments of basic knowledge administered by the Educational Testing Service with the corresponding minimum scores:

● Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CASE): Reading (5713)—156

● Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CASE): Writing (5723)—162, and

● Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CASE): Mathematics (5733)—150

● An applicant may use a combination of ACT and CASE minimum scores to meet the requirements.

3. Documentation that the applicant demonstrates: critical thinking, communication, creativity and collaboration

● Philosophy of education

● Computer skills (Education Level I Google Certified)

● Demographic study/Context for learning

● Christian WorldView in Education paper

4. Read and agree to adhere to the Professional Code of Ethics for Kentucky School Certified Personnel as outlined in 16 KAR 1:020

5. S.T.E.P. Professional Dispositions Assessment

6. Formal portfolio interview with a committee comprised of S.T.E.P. faculty and members of the Admissions Committee

Gateway 3: Admission to Student Teaching

Upon completion of the majority of the professional semester, candidates may apply for approval into the culminating clinical practice experience (student teaching) by meeting the following requirements:

1. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better on a 4.0 scale

2. Membership in KEA-SP or other liability insurance

3. Three letters of recommendation

4. S.T.E.P. Professional Dispositions Assessment

5. Pro-Ethica Certification

6. Successful Background Check

· Read and agree to adhere to the Professional Code of Ethics requirements per 16 KAR 1:020.

· Completed a minimum of 200 clock hours of pre-student teaching field experiences per 16 KAR 5:040 (Section 2.2).

7. Prior to beginning student teaching, candidates must submit successful passing scores on their Praxis Content exam(s) and the Principles of Learning and Teaching. Note: Candidates must provide proof that they registered for or took the required Praxis Content exam(s) and the Principles of Learning and Teaching exam when they submit their Student Teaching application.

8. Application for graduation

Gateway 4: Graduation & Program Completion

Upon successful completion of the culminating clinical practice (student teaching) and all other program requirements, candidates are eligible to apply for graduation and program completion if they meet the following criteria:

1. Successful completion of Student Teaching

2. Successful completion of the Teacher Work Sample (TWS)

3. Successful completion of the final S.T.E.P. Professional Dispositions Assessment (PDA)

· Cumulative GPA >2.75

· 2. 5. Cumulative education GPA >2.75

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE S.T.E.P. MINORITY TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP

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For more information contact:

James Standard