FAQ
Choosing Teacher Education as a Major at WSSU
Additional information will be provided by the
Teacher Education Advisement and Partnership Center (TEAP)
Anderson Center, Suite G19  Campus Phone Extension: #2221
1. What do I need to learn to be a teacher?
Teachers must possess and be able to use specific knowledge, skills, and dispositions
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Knowledge: Teachers should fully understand what they teach (content, i.e. math, science, reading,
social studies, etc.), how to help students understand the information (pedagogical knowledge), and the
ways in which students may learn about this topic
Skills: Teachers should practice various strategies and approaches that help students grasp content
(pedagogical skills: planning, instruction, management, assessment, etc.)
Dispositions: Teacher should demonstrate attitudes (caring, fairness, respect, etc.) that encourage
students to learn and demonstrate learned information and skills
2. Which general education courses should I take to prepare for a teaching degree?
In addition to the liberal arts knowledge gained in the general education core, the following courses help
students who are considering careers in teacher education:
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MAT 2303 and MAT 2304: Courses recommended to assist students in passing the mathematics portion
of state required basic skills tests
Completion of EDU 2334 (Education, Culture, and Society
Second Course of Study: Courses can be selected as a part of general education core. Check with the
TEAP Center advisors (Suite G19 in the Anderson Center) to choose courses that satisfy both general
education and Second Course of Study requirements
Courses that Require C or better grade: All English, mathematics and speech courses
3. Why is a second admission process necessary for teacher education majors?
Second admission procedures are required by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) as
part of being licensed to teach. All teachers must be licensed by the state before they can teach in a permanent,
full-time position in North Carolina schools. Therefore after being accepted in the University, students complete
45 to 60 hours of general education courses and second academic concentration, where applicable. Next,
teacher education students must gain admission into teacher education programs, e.g., Birth through
Kindergarten Teacher Education, Elementary Education, Secondary English, etc. TEAP staff provides
supplemental instruction and guide students through each step of the admission process which includes:
o A minimum GPA of 2.5
o Successful composite scores on Praxis I examination (basic academic skills: reading, writing, math) and
successful completion of writing requirement, if necessary
o Virtual Introduction (taped oral presentation of preliminary philosophy of education)
o Minimum grade of C in: All English, math, and speech courses
o No outstanding disposition referrals (in addition to setting a standard for behavior, appropriate
dispositions also outline the moral and ethical aspects of teaching)
4. After admission into teacher education programs, are other programs and activities provided to help me
become a successful teacher?
The TEAP Center provides a variety of test preparation, career choice, and professional teaching and disposition
skills seminars and workshops. Students may obtain copies of the seminar notices from their freshman advisors,
course instructors, or professional advisors in the TEAP Center. Also, the TEAP Center stays in contact with
program graduates who are initially licensed teachers and presents forums on relevant topics during the first
three years of their teaching careers.
5. What is involved in student teaching?
Following successful completion of content, methods, pre-clinical, and other coursework, WSSU’s Office of
Student Teaching (OST) assigns students to teach under the direction and supervision of a regularly employed
and certified teacher. This is an essential part of obtaining a license to teach. All teacher candidates must enroll
in this course to “practice teach” during their final semester before graduation. (For further details, contact OST
at Extension # 2559)
6. How do I get a teaching license?
Following successful completion of requirements for a teaching degree, students must apply to receive a
professional teaching license from the NC Department of Public Instruction. For assistance with licensure
application, contact WSSU’s Licensure Officer in the TEAP Center.
7. What teaching degrees are offered at WSSU?
Students may choose teacher education degrees from the following WSSU State approved programs:
o Birth through Kindergarten Education
o Elementary Education
o Middle Grades Education (Math, Science, Language Arts, or Social Studies)
o Special Education (General Curriculum)
o Secondary English Education (Grades 9-12)
o Secondary Mathematics Education (Grades 9-12)
o Physical Education (K-12)
o Music Education (K-12)
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What does it mean to have a Second Course of Study?
In addition to the main program of study, students pursuing licensure options in Elementary Education and
Middle Grades Education are required to have a second course of study (18 – 24 hours). As stated, some of the
second course hours can be taken as part of the general education core during the first two years of
matriculation. Contact TEAP advisors for more information about the second course of study.
Note: All teacher education programs, regardless of second academic concentration requirements, remain
within the 120-124 total hours needed in most undergraduate degree programs.