Key Features of Five Year Teacher Ed Program

Key Features

You will graduate with both a bachelor's degree in a content specialization and a master's degree in education.

You will have expertise in both your subject area and the latest in teaching methods. School systems are seeking knowledgeable new teachers and many will pay the additional salaries that these credentials merit.

You will learn what to teach AND how to teach it.

Not only is English different from math, but teaching English is different from teaching math. You will learn how to integrate what you are teaching (the subject matter) with the best ways to teach it (teaching methods).

You will take courses in a particular sequence.

Your program is not just a bunch of separate required classes. Instead we have designed a course of study where one education course or learning experience leads to the next one. You will constantly build on what you have already learned as you gain new skills.

You will be among a select group of students.

This is the only five-year, dual degree in the state. Admission and retention standards are high. You will enjoy the company of other talented and dedicated students who are committed to becoming the finest teachers possible.

You will have a strong support system at West Virginia University.

The College's Center for Student Advising and Records is located on the fifth floor of Allen Hall. Someone is there to help you anytime of day, and they can link you to other support services within the College and University. Through courses and special projects you will also begin to develop close professional relationships with faculty members and other students in your classes.

You will be part of a special community for three years: a professional development school (PDS).

You will also have a support network of teachers and other students at the school where you have your clinical experiences. At the end of your second year in the program you will become a pre-service member of one of the twenty-one professional development schools that make up the Benedum Collaborative. For the next three years this will be your "home away from home," the school in which you have most of your clinical experiences. By the time you graduate you may almost feel like one of the faculty. You will also enjoy being part of a "cohort" of students at your professional development school which will let you learn from more experienced students at your site. In turn, you will become a mentor for students who follow you in the program.

You will have lots of hands-on experiences in the public schools.

By the time you graduate you will have more than 1000 hours of experience in a public school classroom working with a teacher mentor. You should feel confident when you tackle that first real teaching position on your own.

You will be part of a program that prepares you specifically for the challenges you will face in tomorrow's schools.

Understanding of technology, experience with diversity and knowledge of how to assist special needs students are each too important to be relegated to a single course. These are "strands" in this teacher education program, and you will build your knowledge and skills in these areas in almost every course you take.

You will have the opportunity to "show what you know."

This program isn't just about "book-learning." You will have the chance to demonstrate effective teaching practices.

You will help expand the profession's understanding of how students learn.

During your final year you will be involved in an action research project. Working with a teacher at your professional development school, you will select a topic that you would like to know more about and design a research project to address that topic. You will have a chance to share your conclusions with other students and practicing professionals.

You will be a step ahead of other applicants when you go to interview for a job.

As part of your program you will construct a portfolio that showcases your individual accomplishments. The portfolio will demonstrate what you have already done and your readiness to enter a classroom.

You will graduate from a nationally accredited program.

Teacher education programs at WVU are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The NCATE sign of approval is recognized by educators wherever you go in the United States and tells them that you graduated from a teacher education program that meets national standards.

Text-Only Navigation	Home > Five Year Teacher Ed Program
	Key Features You will graduate with both a bachelor's degree in a content specialization and a master's degree in education. You will have expertise in both your subject area and the latest in teaching methods. School systems are seeking knowledgeable new teachers and many will pay the additional salaries that these credentials merit. You will learn what to teach AND how to teach it. Not only is English different from math, but teaching English is different from teaching math. You will learn how to integrate what you are teaching (the subject matter) with the best ways to teach it (teaching methods). You will take courses in a particular sequence. Your program is not just a bunch of separate required classes. Instead we have designed a course of study where one education course or learning experience leads to the next one. You will constantly build on what you have already learned as you gain new skills. You will be among a select group of students. This is the only five-year, dual degree in the state. Admission and retention standards are high. You will enjoy the company of other talented and dedicated students who are committed to becoming the finest teachers possible. You will have a strong support system at West Virginia University. The College's Center for Student Advising and Records is located on the fifth floor of Allen Hall. Someone is there to help you anytime of day, and they can link you to other support services within the College and University. Through courses and special projects you will also begin to develop close professional relationships with faculty members and other students in your classes. You will be part of a special community for three years: a professional development school (PDS). You will also have a support network of teachers and other students at the school where you have your clinical experiences. At the end of your second year in the program you will become a pre-service member of one of the twenty-one professional development schools that make up the Benedum Collaborative. For the next three years this will be your "home away from home," the school in which you have most of your clinical experiences. By the time you graduate you may almost feel like one of the faculty. You will also enjoy being part of a "cohort" of students at your professional development school which will let you learn from more experienced students at your site. In turn, you will become a mentor for students who follow you in the program. You will have lots of hands-on experiences in the public schools. By the time you graduate you will have more than 1000 hours of experience in a public school classroom working with a teacher mentor. You should feel confident when you tackle that first real teaching position on your own. You will be part of a program that prepares you specifically for the challenges you will face in tomorrow's schools. Understanding of technology, experience with diversity and knowledge of how to assist special needs students are each too important to be relegated to a single course. These are "strands" in this teacher education program, and you will build your knowledge and skills in these areas in almost every course you take. You will have the opportunity to "show what you know." This program isn't just about "book-learning." You will have the chance to demonstrate effective teaching practices. You will help expand the profession's understanding of how students learn. During your final year you will be involved in an action research project. Working with a teacher at your professional development school, you will select a topic that you would like to know more about and design a research project to address that topic. You will have a chance to share your conclusions with other students and practicing professionals. You will be a step ahead of other applicants when you go to interview for a job. As part of your program you will construct a portfolio that showcases your individual accomplishments. The portfolio will demonstrate what you have already done and your readiness to enter a classroom. You will graduate from a nationally accredited program. Teacher education programs at WVU are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The NCATE sign of approval is recognized by educators wherever you go in the United States and tells them that you graduated from a teacher education program that meets national standards.