Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Elementary Education (K-6)
Informational Packet
2016-2017
UAA is an AA/EO employer and educational institution. The University of Alaska Anchorage is in full compliance with the institutional reporting requirements
mandated in Title II of the Higher Education Act Amendments of 1998. Please contact the College of Education for a copy of the completed report.
Fall 2016
Dear Prospective Student,
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Elementary Education is a program in the College of Education that
provides excellent preparation for those who have baccalaureate degrees and seek a career as an
elementary classroom teacher.
Admission to the program requires two applications: one to UAA and one to the College of Education (COE)
Department of Teaching and Learning. To apply to UAA, you will need to complete an Undergraduate
Application for Admission and submit it to Enrollment Services at the University Center. You can also apply
online through UAOnline at http://uaonline.alaska.edu/ Click on Apply for Admissions, select the campus,
then select Bachelor-Prior College for the application type. Under planned course of study, select
Elementary Education (K-6) Post-Baccalaureate Certificate; complete the application. The application to
the COE can be found in this information packet. Note: Admission to the Department requires Praxis Core
Academic Skills for Educators tests that must be completed before an admission decision can be made.
The program culminates with an internship for a full academic year in a public school classroom along with
classes that provide the methods for teaching. It follows the host school’s calendar. Over the course of the
year, you gradually spend more time in the elementary school setting and less in the university setting. The
internship allows you to apply theory to practice. It has been demonstrated that yearlong internships
better prepare students to begin their teaching careers.
If you are unsure about what grade to teach, what subject(s) to teach, or would like more information
about teaching, we highly recommend enrolling in EDFN A101 Introduction to Education. This is an elective
class that provides a comprehensive introduction and allows you to observe education in a local school.
Thank you for your interest in our program. The COE Academic Success Coordinator provides advising and
is your initial contact with the Elementary Education Program. If you have any questions or want to
schedule an appointment to discuss your options for teacher certification, please call the Student Services
office (786-4401) located in PSB 218.
Sincerely,
Hsing-Wen Hu, Ed.D.
Elementary Education Program Lead
College of Education
K6 Cert Info Packet 16-17
2
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission to the University of Alaska Anchorage:
Elementary Education Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Complete the UAA Undergraduate Application for Admission and submit it along with the appropriate fee
to the Office of Enrollment Services at the University Center along with official transcripts from all schools
previously attended by the appropriate deadline date:
June 15th – Fall Semester*
November 1st – Spring Semester
April 15th – Summer Semester
You can also apply online through UAOnline at http://uaonline.alaska.edu/ Click on Apply for Admissions,
select the campus, then select Bachelor-Prior College for the application type. Under planned course of
study, select Elementary Education (K-6) Post-Baccalaureate Certificate. When Enrollment Services has
compiled all the information, your application will be forwarded to the College of Education.
Admission to the College of Education’s Elementary Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Elementary Education
Program
In order to be admitted to the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. Complete an application for admission to the Elementary Education Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Program. (For financial aid purposes, applicants must adhere to the deadlines established for the UAA
Undergraduate Application for Admission.)
2. Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 for the baccalaureate degree from a regionally
accredited institution.
3. Have completed a course in child development. An example of an UAA course that meets this
requirement is EDSE A212. An alternate course will also be considered.
4. Undergraduate preparation in content areas relevant to Elementary Education: English, mathematics,
science, social sciences, art, physical education, and health.
5. Successfully complete the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators examination or other Alaska Early
Education and Development (EED) approved basic competency exam requirement
(www.eed.state.ak.us/TeacherCertification). Contact the College of Education for current passing
scores.
6. Satisfy required background check for teacher certification field experiences. Please note that if you
intend to complete your program within 4 consecutive semesters, you can apply directly for Student
Teacher Authorization (see the application process below) :
http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/coe/currentstudents/field-experiences/background-checks.cfm
Note: Admission to the program is competitive. Qualified applicants are accepted on a space-available basis.
K6 Cert Info Packet 16-17
3
Admission to Field Experiences
Admission to field experiences is separate from admission to the program and may be limited by community
partners. See the Field Placements on the College of Education website. Applications for EDEL A495A,
Elementary Education Practicum II, and Elementary Internship courses must be submitted the semester
prior enrolling in EDEL A495A. Qualified applicants are accepted on a space-available basis. Admission to the
Department of Undergraduate and Initial Certification does not guarantee admission to the field
experiences. All students must meet current COE background check requirements in order to be admitted
to field experiences.
The Elementary Programs Admission Committee determines a candidate’s readiness to enroll in all field
experiences. The candidate must realize that requirements set forth below constitute minimum
preparation, and it may be the judgment of the committee that the candidate needs further work to
develop content knowledge or skills to work with children.
EDEL A495A, Elementary Practicum II and Internship Application Criteria
EDEL A495A, Elementary Education Practicum II, increases the time in the classroom and the planning and
teaching experiences, with focus on the classroom environment, math and science. The Elementary
Internship includes a capstone seminar and extensive, supervised teaching experiences in an elementary
classroom. Emphasis is placed on meeting the Alaska Beginning Teacher Standards. Criteria include the
following:
1. Meet all the requirements for and be admitted to the Department of Undergraduate and Initial
Certification as an Elementary Education major.
2. Submit an application form for admission to Practicum II and Internship.
3. Participate in a screening interview, if requested.
4. Complete all prerequisite courses.
5. Successfully complete the Praxis II: Elementary Education Content Knowledge (5018/0018). Contact
Student Services for current passing scores.
6. Have a cumulative GPA of 2.75.
7. Have a GPA of 3.00 in Major Requirements.
8. Apply for the Student Teaching Authorization Certificate. This application includes fingerprinting and a
criminal background check. Fee required. Contact Student Services for more information.
9. Submit Internship application by the published deadline. See the COE’s Student Services office for
application and deadlines.
10. A current Student Teaching Authorization Certificate is necessary for Internship.
11. Complete school district specific application for internship placement. See the COE Student Services
office for more information.
ACADEMIC PROGRESS
All Elementary Education Post-Baccalaureate Certificate courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or
higher in order to obtain an institutional recommendation for elementary teacher certification.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
 Complete the University Requirements for Post-Baccalaureate Certificates.
 Complete the Background Check Requirements as outlined in Field Placements located in the
overview the College of Education.
 Complete the Major Requirements below.
K6 Cert Info Packet 16-17
4
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
1. Complete the following foundation area courses. (12 credits). Field experience in public schools required as part of most
courses.
EDFN A300
Philosophical and Social Context of
American Education (3)
3
or
EDFN A304
Comparative Education (3)
EDFN A301
Foundations of Literacy and
Language Development
3
EDFN A478
Issues in Alaska Native Education, K-12 3
EDSE A482
Inclusive Classrooms for All
Children
3
2. Complete the following method courses. Concurrent enrollment in a practicum is required. See an advisor for details.
(15 credits)
EDEL A325
Teaching Literacy in Elementary Schools
6
EDEL A327
Teaching Social Studies in
Elementary Schools
3
EDEL A426
Teaching Mathematics in Elementary
Schools
3
EDEL A428
Teaching Science in Elementary
Schools
3
3. Complete the following practicums, seminars, and internship. (14 credits)
EDEL A395
Elementary Education Practicum I:
Literacy and Social Studies
2
EDEL A492B Elementary Education Seminar III:
Teaching Capstone
3
EDEL A495A
Elementary Education Practicum II: Learning Environments,
Mathematics and Science
3
EDEL A495B
Elementary Education Internship
6
4. A total of 41 credits is required for the certificate. A minimum of 29 approved credits, including the courses EDEL A395,
EDEL A495A and EDEL A495B must be completed after the award of the baccalaureate degree.
TEACHER CERTIFICATION
Teacher certification and endorsements are granted by the Alaska Department of Education and Early
Development (DEED), not by the University of Alaska Anchorage. However, the University must
recommend students for certification and endorsement. Students will learn the process for applying for
teacher certification in the internship seminar.
INSTITUTIONAL RECOMMENDATION, ELEMENTARY TEACHER CERTIFICATION (K - 6):
Following are the requirements for an institutional recommendation:
1. All course requirements completed with a grade of C or higher.
2. Cumulative GPA of 3.00 in the Elementary Education Post-Baccalaureate Certificate courses.
3. Passing scores on the Praxis CORE and Praxis II examinations.
4. Internships satisfactorily completed.
K6 Cert Info Packet 16-17
5
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Elementary Education (K-6)
Program Application for Admission
Full Name
___________________________________ Student ID #____________________
Address
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Phone
___________________________
Work Phone _________________________
Email
___________________________
Cell Phone
_________________________
Bachelor’s Degree
Major:______________________________________________ Date Received:___________________
Have you done the following?
□ Submitted an Undergraduate Application for Admission to Enrollment Services
□ Submitted evidence of baccalaureate degree conferred and 2.75 minimum cumulative GPA (requested
that official transcripts be sent to Enrollment Services)
□ Taken the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exams and requested your scores be sent to UAA
Enrollment Services (see page 9 of this packet for testing information)
Reading (156) _______
Writing (162) _______
Math (150)
_______
□ Have completed a course in child development. An example of an UAA course that meets this
requirement is EDSE A212. An alternate course will also be considered.
Have you included the following with this application?
□ Student Teacher Authorization (STA) application and fingerprinting card.
□ Copy of Praxis CORE Score Report
_________________________________________________
Signature
____________________________
Date
Official Use: COE Student Services Verification of Admissions Requirements Complete
Name:__________________________________ Signature:_________________________________ Date:___________
K6 Cert Info Packet 16-17
6
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Elementary Education (K-6)
Advising Worksheet
2016-2017
Name_________________________________________
Student ID ________________________
Advisor’s Name ________________________________
Catalog Year ______________________
Those students who already have a baccalaureate degree may obtain an Elementary Education Post-Baccalaureate
Certificate by completing the following requirements.
Note: All courses required for this program require a minimum grade of “C.”
□
□
□
□
Complete and submit the Undergraduate Application for Admission form.
Take Praxis I and Praxis II tests (see testing information on page 8 of this packet).
Apply to Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program, Elementary Education (K-6) (see application in this packet) by
deadline date.
Complete required coursework.
INTRODUCTION TO EDUCATION Introductory course for candidates exploring education as a possible career choice
EDFN A101 Intro to Education (3) elective-not required
MINIMUM ACADEMIC CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION:
A.
PRAXIS Core Academic Skills for Educators (CASE)
Reading
Writing
Math
B.
C.
D.
E.
_____
_____
_____
156
162
150
CUMULATIVE GPA OF 2.75
________
BACCALAUREATE DEGREE
________________________________________
STA APPLICATION COMPLETED _______
PRAXIS II: ELEMENTARY EDUCATION: CONTENT KNOWLEDGE (#5018/0018) ________ 153
An acceptable score will fall within the middle of the average performance range.
K6 Cert Info Packet 16-17
7
REQUIRED COURSES
CERTIFICATION ROUTE I: 41 credits, for applicants with a baccalaureate degree
Field experience in elementary programs may be required as part of most courses.
FOUNDATION AREA COURSEWORK
Course
EDFN A300 or
EDFN A304
EDFN A301*
EDFN A478
EDSE A482
Course
EDEL A327
EDEL A325
EDEL A426
EDEL A428
Course
EDEL A395
EDEL A495A
EDEL A492B
EDEL A495B
Name
Philosophical and Social Context of American Education or
Comparative Education
Foundations of Literacy and Language Development
Issues in Alaska Native Education, K-12
Inclusive Classrooms for All Children
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION METHODOLOGY COURSEWORK
Name
12 credits
Term Taken / Notes
3
3
3
3
15 credits
Term Taken / Notes
Teaching Social Studies in Elementary Schools
Teaching Literacy in Elementary Schools
Teaching Mathematics in Elementary Schools
Teaching Science in Elementary Schools
PRACTICUM/INTERNSHIP AND SEMINAR
Name
3
6
3
3
14 credits
Term Taken / Notes
Elementary Education Practicum I: Literacy and Social
Studies
Elementary Education Practicum II: Mathematics and
Science
Elementary Education Seminar III: Teaching Capstone
Elementary Education Internship
2
3
3
6
*EDFN A301 is a prerequisite before you can start your Practicum I. Recommended that you take this course in your
first semester. In order to take this course you must be fully admitted to the program.
SAMPLE PLAN (4 terms)
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
EDFN A300 (3) EDSE A482 (3) EDFN A478 (3)
EDFN A301 (3) EDEL A327 (3) EDEL A426 (3)
EDEL A325 (6) EDEL A428 (3)
EDEL A395 (2) EDEL A495A (3)
6 Credits
14 Credits
12 Credits
Semester 4
EDEL 492B (3)
EDEL A495B (6)
9 Credits
K6 Cert Info Packet 16-17
8
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
College of Education
COE Student Services
For advising appointments and general inquiries
Outside Anchorage
Fax
Email Contact
Website
Office Hours
3211 Providence Drive, Professional Studies Building
PSB 218
907-786-4401
888-866-8976
907-786-4444
[email protected]
http://coe.uaa.alaska.edu/
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
General Information
Advising and Testing Center (UC 112)
Enrollment Services (UC106)
Student Financial Assistance (UC 105)
786-4500
786-1480
786-1586
http://advise.uaa.alaska.edu
http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/enrollmentservices/
http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/financialaid/index.cfm
Testing Information
Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CORE) –Academic Skills Assessment (#5751)
Praxis II – Elementary Education, Content Knowledge (#5018/0018)
When you take the Praxis exams, be sure to provide the following score report recipient codes:
University of Alaska Anchorage - R4896
State of Alaska Department of Education and Early Development - R7027
Computer-based version: Register by calling 800-853-6773 (TTY: 800-529-3590) or visit www.ets.org.
Administered in Anchorage by:
Test Center #5210
Prometric Testing Center
615 E 82nd Ave, Anchorage, AK 99518
(907) 349-0029
State and Municipal Contacts
State of Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
http://www.eed.state.ak.us/
Alaska Teacher Placement (ATP)
http://www.alaskateacher.org/
Anchorage School District
http://www.asdk12.org/
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
http://www.matsuk12.us/
Kenai Borough School District
http://www.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/
Kodiak Island Borough School District
http://www.kodiakschools.org/
K6 Cert Info Packet 16-17
9
Teacher Certification in Alaska
The Alaska Board of Education and Early Development (EED) has approved a tiered certification system for Alaska
teachers. Effective September 2005, all teachers new to the Alaska teaching system will be placed in Tier I, Initial
Certification. Initial Certification requires the following:




Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
Passing scores on the Praxis (CASE), CBEST or other approved test
Satisfactory background check
Completion of (or enrollment in) an approved teacher preparation program
Initial Certification is valid for three years and is not renewable. To remain certified to teach in Alaska beyond three
years, teachers placed in Tier I must meet the requirements for Tier II, Professional Certification. Professional
Certification requires the following:




Completion of Alaska Studies – 3 approved credits
Completion of Multicultural Education – 3 approved credits
Passing scores on a content area exam
Demonstration of performance standards through two assessments (effective September 1, 2006)
Professional Certification is valid for five years and is renewable with six credits, three of which may be determined
by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development.
With the exception of the two performance assessments for Tier II, the above requirements for Tiers I and II are met
through successful completion of UAA’s Master of Arts in Teaching program, the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary
Education, the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education, the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Elementary
Education K-6 and the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Early Childhood PreK-3rd Grade.
Information about tiered certification, including Tier III, Master Certification, may be found at EED’s web site at
http://www.educ.state.ak.us/.
K6 Cert Info Packet 16-17
10