When should I apply for the Professional Semester?

Students usually apply for the Professional Semester in their junior year. The deadline for application to the fall Professional Semester is April 15. The deadline for application to the spring Professional Semester is November 1.

What do I have to have done before the deadline?

a. You must complete an application, which is available in the Education Office (WS 249).

b. You must pass Praxis I or be eligible for a waiver based on SAT scores (see WCSU catalog).

c. You must have completed, or be in the process of completing, all of your general education courses and all but two of the courses in your academic major.

d. You must have received a grade of "C" or better in the following courses: ED 206, EPY 203, HPX 215, ENG 146, the writing intensive course, EPY 105, 106, 107 or 218, CTA 160, 161, or 162, HIS 101, GEO 100, MAT 105 and 106, Lab Sciences (8 s.h.), PSY 100, SOC 100 or ANT 100, Fine/Applied Art or Foreign Language.

e. You must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.8 or higher (including all courses taken at other universities).

f. You must provide two letters of recommendation from people off campus who can attest to your character and suitability for a career in teaching.

g. You must write a two-page (two full pages) essay describing why you want to be a teacher.

h. Schedule a meeting with Dr. Daria, the Coordinator of Elementary Education, WS 307, (203) 837-9359.

Do I have to pass all of Praxis I before the deadline?

Yes, you must pass all three parts (reading, writing and math) before the deadline.

Is there anything else that I have to do to be admitted to the Professional Semester?

Yes, you must be interviewed by Education and Educational Psychology Department faculty.

Who sets up the interview?

We do. The Department secretary will notify you of the time and place of the interview.

What will I be asked at the interview?

You will be asked questions about your education courses, your essay, your experience working with children, and your attitudes about teaching, and current educational issues.

What will happen if I miss the deadline?

You will only be admitted to the Professional Semester if space is available.

How will I know if I have been accepted to the Professional Semester?

You will receive a phone call and told that you have been accepted.

How do I register for classes?

When you receive your phone call, you will be asked to come to the Education Office (WS 249) to get a letter giving you permission to register for the Professional Semester courses. You will take that letter to the Registrar's Office to register.