FAQ

Click here to open a PDF of the Frequently Asked Questions.

I want to be an Educator. How do I apply for admission to the Educator Development Program?

Your first step is to apply for admission to the University. Please register for our Educator Development Student Database at http://conta.cc/XcI8TV.

 

Is this a new Educator Development Program?

Yes. The University of Wisconsin-Parkside’s Educator Development Program opens in Fall 2013. It is the newest educator development program in Wisconsin, crafted to help student educators become highly effective teachers.

 

Why should I choose the Educator Development Program at UW-Parkside?

The Program was designed to respond to the needs of today’s students and schools. Our Program is built on a commitment to a networked advising model and a structured clinical program.  We know our teacher candidates, support them through their preparation and allow them to develop skills in the context of real classrooms.

 

How is the UW-Parkside Program different?

The UW-Parkside teacher education program goes the extra mile. The Program has been designed by successful educators and administrators to meet the needs of educating P-12 students now and in the years ahead. By immersing yourself in an academic major, your expertise in your future classroom is bolstered by cutting-edge teaching practices learned here through work toward earning your endorsement for licensure. It’s a combination that gives you value and flexibility in your career.

 

You will begin your clinical experiences during the first semester you are admitted to the Educator Development Program. All clinical practice experiences are structured, supervised, and evaluated. Each experience has an associated Educator Learning Community Seminar to provide opportunities for case-based problem-solving and cooperative learning with peers and mentors.

 

How will I benefit from having an academic content major and not a major in teacher education?

 Students who complete a major in an academic content area are most effective in designing meaningful learning experiences for others. You will undergo significant development of critical thinking, problem solving, design, evaluation, and professional communication skills and practice as you pursue the academic major. We collaborated with, and have sought feedback from regional school district leadership and they encouraged us to have content specific academic preparation. Without having to get a double major you will not only be certified as an educator, but will have a degree in a field of study that will open you up to other career opportunities.

 

School district administrators have advised us to prepare students at UW-Parkside in content specific areas, even at the elementary level. One trend in area school districts is team teaching. In these classrooms educators are expected to have specific expertise in a discipline which will aid them in curriculum planning and development.

 

Is this like double majoring?

 Actually, you graduate with a major as well as completing a professional program at the undergraduate level, resulting in a professional license. The value of a professional license plus a separate degree in a major cannot be overstated. With our new approach to advising, we will be able to assist students in creating an individualized development plan that integrates the major and the licensure program.

 

What Degree will I have upon graduation?

You will have earned a Bachelor’s Degree in your major. Upon successful completion of the Educator Development Program, you will have earned an endorsement for licensure in Wisconsin.

 

What grade levels can I teach after completing the UW-Parkside Educator Development Program?

Beginning in the fall semester of 2013, UW-Parkside will be offering undergraduate students the following three educator licensures levels:

 

Middle Childhood-Early Adolescence (Grades 1-8)

Early Adolescence-Adolescence (Grades 6-12)

Early Childhood-Adolescence (Grade Pre-K-12)

 

What are the pre-requisites for the Program?

Your advisor will help you build your plan. Current students can prepare now by determining your major, completing all academic skills courses (i.e. ACSK courses) and working toward completion of all UW-Parkside Degree requirements. Future students should apply for admission to the University.

 

 

Who can enroll in the Program?

Admitted undergraduates interested in pursuing a degree at UW-Parkside who meet the criteria for the Educator Development Program. The UW-Parkside Admissions web page is a good place to begin.  http://www.uwp.edu/admissions/paying.cfm

 

 

What kind of career and academic advising is provided?

A networked advising team will create an individualized development profile to help you navigate through your major, your degree and your education program so you can complete all three in a timely manner. Our Advisors have their collective pulse on the needs of the region when it comes to your career choices, and will encourage you to pick a major in a high need area—or one that is already your passion.

 

What about the availability of financial aid?

There are many financial resources available. You can click the link here to review tuition and other costs as well as find application for financial aid. http://www.uwp.edu/admissions/paying.cfm

 

At what point in the Educator Development Program do I participate in a real classroom as a student educator?

You will begin your clinical experiences during the first semester you are admitted to the Educator Development Program. All clinical practice experiences are structured, supervised, and evaluated. Each experience has an associated Educator Learning Community Seminar to provide opportunities for case-based problem-solving and cooperative learning with peers and mentors.

 

What is IPED?

The Institute of Professional Educator Development. We are the home of the educator development program and advanced professional development. You will find us in Molinaro Hall, D-111, on the web at www.uwp.edu (keyword, teaching) and by phone at (262) 595-2180.