Becoming a Teacher
At
SECONDARY EDUCATION
K-12 EDUCATION
2002-2003
http://seidel.salisbury.edu/~educatio
DEADLINES & OTHER VERY, VERY IMPORTANT DATES
The following deadlines are meant as a guide, and will vary depending upon your progress
through your program.
FRESHMAN YEAR

WHEN
First Day of Classes
First Three Weeks
November
April
WHAT
Priority Drop-Add in University Center
Introduce yourself to your faculty advisors in both
departments.
Make an appointment with both of your advisors!
Pre-register for spring semester.
Make arrangements to take PRAXIS I
Make an appointment with both of your advisors!
Pre-Register for fall semester.
Take PRAXIS I
SOPHOMORE YEAR

WHEN
August-September
Fall Semester
January
April 1
April
WHAT
Get a TB Test & Send Results to Education Department
Take and pass PRAXIS I Pre-Professional Skills Test
Make an appointment with both of your advisors!
Pre-register for spring semester.
PRAXIS I should be passed by now
Fall PTEP applications due to Education Department
Advisor
Make an appointment with both of your advisors!
Pre-Register for fall semester.
JUNIOR YEAR

WHEN
Fall Semester
November
March 1
April
WHAT
Update Your TB Test
Spring PTEP applications due to Education Department
Advisor
Make an appointment with both of your advisors!
Pre-Register for spring semester.
See your advisor to get your PTEP application in before
April 1
Deadline for applying for December graduation
Make an appointment with both of your advisors!
Pre-Register for fall semester.
SENIOR YEAR

WHEN
August-September
Fall Semester
October
November 1
Spring Semester
May
WHAT
Update Your TB Test
Take PRAXIS II Content Knowledge Exams
Deadline for applying for spring graduation
Deadline for spring student teaching applications
Take PRAXIS II pedagogy exam(s)
Finish PRAXIS II Content Knowledge Exams
Attend Education Job Fair
Apply to MSDE for teacher licensure
Secondary and K-12 Education Handbook * 2002-2003
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Inside
Cover
Deadlines and Important Dates Checklist
5
Welcome Message
6
General Overview
7
Admission to Methods: The Professional Teacher Education Program
9
PRAXIS Testing Series
12
Admission to Student Teaching
13
School Visits: Launching Your Professional Image
16
Applying for Maryland Teacher Licensure
17
Criminal Background Check for Licensure
25
Program Planning Calendar
27
PRAXIS/NTE Test Codes
Back Cover Referrals
The information in this booklet was current at the time of publication.
Degree and program requirements may change to meet updated University or State requirements.
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Secondary and K-12 Education Handbook * 2002-2003
It is the policy of Salisbury University to provide equal employment and educational opportunities without
regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, handicap or sexual orientation. More
specifically, it is the University's policy to make decisions regarding educational opportunities and employment
including recruitment, hiring, promotion and other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination.
Inquiries should be directed to Affirmative Action Officer, Salisbury University, 1101 Camden Avenue,
Salisbury, Maryland 21801-6860. Telephone 410-543-6025.
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Secondary and K-12 Education Handbook * 2002-2003
Welcome!
Welcome to the Seidel School of Education & Professional Studies at Salisbury University!
We are pleased that you have selected education as your career path and hope that this
student handbook will help you as you complete the coursework for the Bachelor’s Degree
in your area of specialization.
The purpose of this booklet is to provide you with a central source of information necessary
to complete degree requirements, departmental requirements, and requirements for
Maryland Teacher Licensure.
Although you will meet with your faculty advisor each semester, you are responsible for
meeting all requirements stated here and in the University Catalog.
You should read this booklet now, and come back to it regularly as you plan future
semesters.
We wish you well as you begin working toward a rewarding career as a teacher.
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Secondary and K-12 Education Handbook * 2002-2003
General Overview: Department of Education
Advisor
After you enter SU with a declared major in a content area and a track in secondary or K-12
education, you will be assigned faculty advisors from both your major department and the
Education Department. You should introduce yourself to your advisors and make an
appointment to pre-register with both of your advisors each semester in order to discuss
both content and education requirements. It is preferable to see your content-area advisor
first.
Grades
In order to enter the Professional Program courses in your junior year, you must maintain a
2.75 grade point average in your major and a 2.5 grade point average overall. Transfer
grades will be included in this computation.
PRAXIS I
You must pass the PRAXIS I Pre-Professional Skills Test by January of sophomore year for
admission to the Professional Program. It is to your benefit to take and pass this test as
early as possible—even in your freshman year. PRAXIS Information is available at the
Education Department Homepage: http://seidel.salisbury.edu/~educatio.
Pre-Registration
Each semester, you are responsible for making an appointment with your advisors during
Program Planning. Program Planning takes place each November and April. It is during
this time that you register for the next semester’s courses. If you do not pre-register, you
will have to register late when, perhaps, classes you need are already filled.
Professional Program Admission
Prior to enrolling in professional program courses, you will be required to apply for
admission to the Professional Teacher Education Program. The application should be
completed with your Major Department and Education Department advisors. Information on
program admission will be made available in your introductory classes.
Technology
It is expected that all students are competent in using the University email, internet,
databases, and word processing prior to junior year. Students must learn to use and
regularly check their University email accounts. Many communications are sent only via
email. Students are responsible for all messages sent electronically by the department or
the University.
Web-Based Portfolio Assessment
By the time you graduate, you will have created a web-based portfolio which highlights the
standards and outcomes you have met as a teacher candidate. It is vital that you save,
electronically, all work that you complete for courses in your major and your track in
education. You should save your work beginning in freshman year. You will be required to
provide evidence, through your coursework, of your professional preparation.
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Secondary and K-12 Education Handbook * 2002-2003
ADMISSION TO METHODS:
THE SECONDARY AND K-12 PROFESSIONAL TEACHER EDUCATION
PROGRAMS
Prior to enrolling in professional program courses, which are completed during junior and
senior year, Secondary & K-12 education students must do the following:
1. Pass the PRAXIS I Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) or Computer-Based Test (CBT).
See PRAXIS Section in this handbook for more details and timelines.
2. Complete an application for formal admission to the Professional Teacher Education
Program prior to enrolling in methods courses
3. Complete a minimum of 56 credits with an overall GPA of 2.50, including transfer
grades.
4. Have a minimum major GPA of 2.75, including transfer grades.
5. Complete required program courses with a grade of “C” or better: ENGL 101, ENGL
102, CMAT 250, EDUC 300, EDUC 210, PSYC 101
6. Submit recommendation signatures of three liberal arts faculty who have instructed you
prior to application for admission
7. Obtain approval from both of your faculty advisors and the Education Department
PTEP APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE IN
THE EDUCATION OFFICE, CH-148, AND ON-LINE AT
http://seidel.salisbury.edu/~educatio
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Secondary and K-12 Education Handbook * 2002-2003
PRAXIS TESTING SERIES
PRAXIS I: PRE-PROFESSIONAL SKILLS TEST (PPST)
WHO?
All undergraduate elementary, secondary, and physical education, and K-12 majors must
pass the Praxis I (PPST/CBT) series as one requirement of admission to the Professional
Teacher Education Program.
WHAT?
The PRAXIS I is comprised of 3 one-hour tests: reading, writing, and math. You must pass
all three or have a passing composite score to be admitted to methods courses. Passing
scores are established by the Maryland State Department of Education.
WHEN?
The paper-and-pencil test is offered 6 times per year. The computer-based test may be
taken at your convenience at any Sylvan Learning Center, but may not be repeated within
60 days. You may, however, take both the computer-based test and the paper-and-pencil
test within 60 days of each other. These tests should be taken no later than November of
sophomore year, and before registering for methods courses.
Because the PRAXIS I tests your knowledge of material covered in high school, it is to your
advantage to take the test as soon as possible, preferably in freshman year. The PRAXIS I
must be passed by January 1 of sophomore year.
WHERE?
The paper-and-pencil test is offered on campus and nation-wide through Educational
Testing Service. The computer-based test is offered at any Sylvan Learning Center.
WHY?
The Praxis I is required for teaching certification and is one requirement of admission to the
Professional Teacher Education Program.
HOW?
Paper-and-Pencil Test: Registration materials are available in the Education Office,
Caruthers Hall 148, and online at http://seidel.salisbury.edu/~educatio or http://www.ets.org.
Computer-Based Testing: Registration materials are available in the Education Office,
Caruthers Hall 148, or by calling Sylvan Learning Centers at 1-800-853-6773.
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Secondary and K-12 Education Handbook * 2002-2003
PRAXIS I: MARYLAND PASSING SCORES
Note: The paper/pencil test and the old (pre-2001) computer-based tests use different
scoring systems.
Test
Reading
Writing
Math
OR
Composite (Total Score)
after July 1, 2002
Paper/Pencil
Passing Score
177
173
177
Old Computer Test
Passing Score
325
319
322
527
966
Students receiving financial aid may be eligible for a fee waiver.
Students with documented disabilities may be eligible for alternate testing arrangements.
See PRAXIS Bulletin for details.
The State of Maryland Reserves the Right to Change the Passing Scores at any time
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Secondary and K-12 Education Handbook * 2002-2003
PRAXIS II
WHO?
All candidates for teaching licensure. Praxis II is not a requirement for graduation but is a
requirement for certification.
WHAT?
The Praxis II is comprised of a series of tests specific to the certification area. Specific tests
and test codes for Maryland certification are available on the Education Department website.
WHEN?
The content area knowledge exams should be completed during the fall of senior year. Any
remaining test(s) should be taken in January of senior year.
WHERE?
The Praxis II is offered on campus and nation-wide through Educational Testing Service.
WHY?
The Praxis II is required for state teaching licensure.
HOW?
Registration materials are available in the Education Office, Caruthers Hall 148, and online
at http://seidel.salisbury.edu/~educatio or http://www.ets.org.
Students receiving financial aid may be eligible for a fee waiver.
Students with documented disabilities may be eligible for alternate testing arrangements.
See Praxis Bulletin for details.
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Secondary and K-12 Education Handbook * 2002-2003
Admission to Student Teaching
A Secondary or K-12 education student is eligible for the extended student teaching
internship after:
1. Completing the required professional coursework with a minimum 2.75 GPA in all
professional education courses (with no grades below “C”). This includes transfer
courses.
2. Completing 90 college credits with minimum overall GPA of 2.50, including transfer
grades
3. Having a minimum major GPA of 2.75, including transfer grades
4. Furnishing 2 recommendation signatures from education faculty and 1 recommendation
signature from your major department advisor
The semester prior to student teaching, you will be required to submit an application to the
Director of Field Experiences.
Student teaching will occur only in the spring semester following the second fall methods
class.
During your senior year, you will be required to spend 100 days in a Salisbury University
Professional Development School (PDS) where you will have the opportunity to work with
mentor teachers.
You will receive your teaching placements after you have been approved to student teach.
You must pre-register for both student teaching experiences and the student
teaching seminar in order to complete graduation requirements. K-12 Music students
register only for the two student teaching placements.
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Secondary and K-12 Education Handbook * 2002-2003
SCHOOL VISITS:
LAUNCHING YOUR PROFESSIONAL IMAGE
Director of Field Experiences
Caruthers Hall 125
Early in your academic career, you will begin spending time in schools. During these field
visits, you will be applying what you learn in the classroom. You will also be representing
the University.
Even if you are not yet student teaching, be mindful of the following rules and suggestions
whenever you are in the field:

Get a TB test each year; have the results read; bring the certificate to the Education
Department Office.

Expect your field placement assignment from your course instructor.

Upon receiving your assignment packet, contact the designated person immediately.
Drive by the school to familiarize yourself with traffic patterns and parking.
Transportation to schools is your responsibility.

Consider your appearance. Check with your mentor teacher regarding the school’s
dress code for teachers.

Upon arrival at your designated school: WEAR YOUR NAME TAG or ID CARD! This is
especially important given the concerns for school safety and security.

Be on time. (Park 15 minutes early.)

Go to the school office: Introduce yourself to the secretary, and explain that you are a
student from SU. Tell the secretary why you are there, whom you are to see, at what
time you are expected, and request help to find room. Ask if the principal is available. If
so, introduce yourself and express appreciation for this opportunity.

Take your assignment packet with you, keep your portion, and give the teacher’s portion
to the teacher.

Be prepared to give your professional name: Ms., Mrs., Mr.

Respect confidentiality - discuss visit only with instructor or the Director of Field
Experiences (YOUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON THIS!).

Be wise about harassment/child abuse issues. DO NOT touch students at all, be alone
with a student, tell off-color jokes, flirt, discuss dating, or make reference to alcohol or
drugs.

Eating, drinking and chewing are not allowed in classrooms, even for guests.
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Secondary and K-12 Education Handbook * 2002-2003

Discuss with your assigned teacher the course field expectations and schedule. Make
plans for the teacher to return to you the evaluation which you will provide on the first
visit (in your packet) which you will return to your instructor (who will send it to this office
for your file).

Ask the teacher where to sit (in order to see, but unobtrusively) and how you may be
actively involved in the lesson.

Have a “hungry to learn” attitude: be enthusiastic, cooperative, appreciative.

Answer: What is my specific task? What is the time frame? What materials shall I
bring? Whom do I see?

If you must break a school appointment:
Call the school, and leave a message for the teacher which includes the
reason for your absence, a suggested alternative time for a visit, and a time to
call you (leave your phone number).

Say “Goodbye” and “Thank-you” to your teacher and students; write a note to the
teacher and principal to express your gratitude.

Exhibit “best” behavior as an SU student, bearing in mind that the good reputation
created by those who have gone before you has made it possible to get a placement for
you. Be a positive role model.
If you have any problems, call the Office of Field Experiences at 410-543-6277.
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Secondary and K-12 Education Handbook * 2002-2003
APPLYING FOR THE
MARYLAND TEACHER’S CERTIFICATE
(Allow 4 weeks for this entire process to take place)
If you are offered a teaching job before you have applied for certification, your new school
district will often apply for your certificate on your behalf.
But if a job offer is not on the table or you plan to leave Maryland, you should apply for your
certificate right after graduation.
Preparing Your Packet
You should send a complete packet of information to the Maryland State Department of
Education (MSDE). Your application packet should include:
1. Cover letter including your name, address, social security number, telephone number
and the subject area(s) for which you want certification. If you have completed
student teaching, give dates, subjects and grade levels taught. Keep it brief.
2. Sealed transcripts reflecting your degree(s). You must also submit any transfer credit
transcript(s) and any post-baccalaureate course work. PHOTOCOPIES ARE NOT
ACCEPTABLE. Student copies of transcripts are acceptable if submitted in an
unopened mailer from the Registrar’s Office. Send transcripts directly to MSDE. Do
not have them sent directly by the University.
3. Copies of NTE or PRAXIS test scores, including specialty area tests. Scores may be
submitted in one of the following ways:



Designate MSDE as ETS recipient R7403 when registering for each test;
Submit your original score report;
Submit a notarized copy of your original score report
Sending Your Packet
Complete packets should be sent to:
Maryland State Department of Education
Division of Certification & Accreditation
200 W. Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
After reviewing your credentials, MSDE will send you an application, which you must
complete and return.
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Secondary and K-12 Education Handbook * 2002-2003
For More Information
Call the Certification Assistance Line
410-767-0412
1-888-246-0016
http://www.msde.state.md.us/
Reminder
The State of Maryland, not SU, grants teacher certification. All questions beyond the
curriculum should be directed to MSDE. Each state has different certification
requirements. Graduates of SU are required to meet Maryland requirements.
If You Are Leaving Maryland
Apply for Maryland certification to take advantage of inter-state reciprocity.
A complete list of states that recognize Maryland certification is available at
http://www2.nasdtec.org/nasdtec/juris.html
If you have questions about your home state’s requirements, call your home State’s
Department of Education.
Phone numbers are available in the Field Experience Office, Caruthers 125, or you may visit
your State’s web site.
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK FOR THE MARYLAND
TEACHER’S LICENSURE
When you are offered employment, you will be required to complete a Maryland Criminal
Background Check. The following criminal or ethical offenses make you ineligible for
teacher licensure.
Source: Annotated Code of Maryland, 13a.12.05.02
Suspension or Revocation. A certificate shall be suspended or revoked by the State
Superintendent of Schools if the certificate holder:
(1) Pleads guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) with respect to, receives probation before
judgment with respect to, or is convicted of, a crime involving:
(a) Contributing to the delinquency of a minor,
(b) Moral turpitude if the offense bears directly on the individual's fitness to teach,
(c) A controlled dangerous substance offense as defined in federal or State law
(2) Willfully and knowingly:
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Secondary and K-12 Education Handbook * 2002-2003
(a) Makes a material misrepresentation or concealment in the application for a
certificate,
(b) Files a false report or record about a material matter in the application for a
certificate, or
(c) Commits a violation of the test security and data reporting policy and procedures
set forth in COMAR 13A.03.04
(3) Fraudulently or deceptively obtains a certificate;
(4) Knowingly fails to report suspected child abuse in violation of Family Law Article, §5-701,
Annotated Code of Maryland;
(5) Is dismissed or resigns after notice of allegation of misconduct involving a student in any
school system or any minor, or allegation of misconduct involving any cause for suspension
or revocation of a certificate provided in this regulation;
(6) Has had a certificate suspended, revoked, or voluntarily surrendered in another state for
a cause which would be grounds for suspension or revocation under this regulation.
Revocation Only. A certificate shall be revoked if the certificate holder:
(1) Pleads guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) with respect to, receives probation before
judgment with respect to, or is convicted of, a crime involving:
(a) Child abuse or neglect as defined in Article 27, §35A, Annotated Code of
Maryland, or a comparable crime in another state, or
(b) A crime of violence as defined in Article 27, §643B, Annotated Code of Maryland,
or a comparable crime in another state; or
(2) Is dismissed or resigns after notice of allegations of sexual child abuse.
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Secondary and K-12 Education Handbook * 2002-2003
SAMPLE LETTER: LICENSURE REQUEST
Revise [bracketed] areas to meet your specific needs
Date
Your Name
Your Address
Maryland State Department of Education
Division of Certification & Accreditation
200 W. Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to receive an evaluation for Maryland Teacher Licensure. I am seeking
licensure in the area of [your licensure area]. My student teaching in [subject area] was
completed [date] in grades [Y-Z] at [school name] in [City, State].
Enclosed with this letter are official transcripts [and copies of my NTE scores]. [My
NTE/PRAXIS scores have been submitted previously to MSDE by Educational Testing
Service.]
I appreciate your consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Social Security Number
Your Telephone Number
Enclosures
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Secondary and K-12 Education Handbook * 2002-2003
Program Planning Calendar
The calendar below includes all coursework for the SCED & K-12 education tracks.
Complete your planning with courses required of the academic major.
Music Students Seeking K-12 Licensure Should Contact Their Department Advisor.
Some Course Requirements will Differ from Those Shown Below.
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
1. ENGL 102
1. ENGL 101
2. HIST 102
FRESHMAN
2. HIST 101
3. _______________
YEAR
3. PSYC 101
4. _______________
4. ______________
5. _______________
5. ______________
1. EDUC 210 or 300 (choose one)
1. EDUC 210 or 300 (take remaining)
2. ______________
2. CMAT 250*
3. ______________
3. ______________
SOPHOMORE
4. ______________
4. ______________
YEAR
5. ______________
5. ______________
JUNIOR YEAR
SENIOR YEAR
Field Experience in Middle School or High
School (choose one)
Take Praxis I by January
1. SCED 367
2. ______________
3. ______________
4. ______________
5. ______________
6. ______________
Field Experience in Middle School or High
School (choose level that you will not
student teach)
Field Experience (Do other level)
Apply to Professional Program
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1. SCED 456 (12)
2. SCED 433 (3) (SCED Only)
SCED 47_
SCED 339 (0)
_______________
_______________
_______________
1. EDUC 319 (1) or 318 (3)*
2. SCED 37_.
3. SCED 339 (0)
4. ________________
5. ________________
6. ________________
Field Experience in Middle School or High
School (choose level that you will not student
teach)
Field Experience in Middle School or High
School (choose level that you will student
teach)
*You may choose to take this course one semester earlier.
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Secondary and K-12 Education Handbook * 2002-2003
PRAXIS I REGISTRATION CODES
Test Center Number (SU)
02065
College Where You Received Training A5403
Agencies to Receive Score Reports
(MD) R7403
(SU) R5403
Agency Passing Score Information
(MD) 7403
Major Field
See Registration Bulletin
Certification Field
See Registration Bulletin
PRAXIS I Pre-Professional Skills Test & Computer-Based Test
All three tests must be taken and passed by January of Sophomore Year
Test Code
Test
Passing
Score
10710
PPST Reading
OR
177
5710
C-PPST Reading
20720
PPST Writing
OR
173
5720
C-PPST Writing
10730
PPST Mathematics
OR
(calculators prohibited for both versions)
177
5730
C-PPST Mathematics
OR
Combination
Reading + Writing + Math
527
of All Three
Scores
You may not take a C-PPST test more than once in any given 60-day period.
If you do so, the scores from your second or subsequent testing will not be
reported and your test fees will not be refunded. Tests may be repeated
indefinitely, and students may choose any combination of PPST or
Computer-Based Tests.
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Secondary and K-12 Education Handbook * 2002-2003
Referrals
ISUE
CONTACT
PHONE
OFFICE
Academic Probation
Diana Wagner
543-6290
CH 125-C
Counseling
Counseling Services
543-6070
UC 263
Credential File
Career Services
543-6075
UC 133
Disability Services
Barry King
548-2365
UC 212
ESL Services
Joaquin Vila
546-6214
HH 348
Liberal Studies Major
Bryan Horikami
546-3655
FH 216
Re-Admission
Jason Simms
543-6161
Admissions House
Student Employment
Career Services
543-6216
UC 133
Student Teaching
Harold Schriver
543-6277
CH 125-B
Substance Abuse
Counseling Services
543-6070
UC 263
Transfer Credit Problems
Paul Zimmerman
Diana Wagner
543-6161
543-6290
Admissions House
Caruthers 125-C
Undeclared Major
Waivers & Substitutions
Academic Petitions
Diana Wagner
543-6290
CH 125-C
Diana Wagner
543-6290
CH 125-C
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