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Western Colorado University / Academics / Undergraduate Programs / Elementary Education / Preparing for your Residency- Elementary Education

Elementary Education

Preparing for your Residency- Elementary Education

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Elementary Education

Preparing for your Residency- Elementary Education

Learn About Teaching Firsthand

Your yearlong residency experience begins in July with our Summer Licensure Orientation, which is taught over three days on Western’s campus. You’re then matched with a mentor teacher in a K-12 school for one full year. In-state and out-of-state school placements are available.

While completing your residency, you’ll have a network of support, receiving continuous feedback from your mentor teacher, regional coordinator and Western instructors.

Your Commitment

You’ll work 24 hours per week in the mentor teacher’s classroom, and in the spring, you’ll increase to full-time teaching for a minimum of five weeks. You’ll follow the calendar of your placement school (i.e., beginning the year on the day that new teachers report to work, take school holidays, etc.).

Assessment

To be recommended for teacher licensure, you must perform at a “3, Proficiency” level in all relevant standards and standard elements in the classroom and earn a score of “3, Proficiency” on each summative assignment in all courses required for licensure. You must demonstrate the ability to apply the standards and standard elements in the classroom setting, assess student learning and evaluate your own teaching performance.

Mentor Teachers

Master mentor teachers are selected carefully to ensure that Western students have strong models. The potential mentor teacher will self-assess their knowledge of the standards and standard elements. Students accepting residency placements are expected to successfully complete the year-long residency. Students who do not successfully complete the residency will be withdrawn from the program and must appeal to the Selection and Retention Committee for re-admittance.

Mentor Requirements

  • Must hold a valid teaching license in whichever area the candidate seeks licensure.
  • Must have taught for three or more years.
  • Must have taught for two or more years, in the present district.
  • Must teach in an accredited school.
  • Must be recommended by their principal.

Residency Requirements

  1. Attend both mandatory Residency meetings in fall and spring
  2. Apply for Residency by February 15.
    – Complete the residency application
    – Send professional resume and transcripts signed by primary advisor to education@western.edu
  3. Pass EDUC 340: Application of Pedagogy and Practice course
  4. Secondary K-12 Licensure Students either:
    – Pass Praxis Core Educators exams 5722 Writing/5732 Math or
    – Earn B- or better in all Gen. Ed. ENG & COM and/or MATH courses
  5. Pass Major/Minor/Emphasis Coursework: Students must complete all required coursework within the academic major/minor/emphasis before Residency’s EDUC 4xx coursework begins.
  6. Earn GPA of 2.75: A cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above is required
  7. Take Praxis Content Area Assessment for your licensure area, by Jan. 31 of Junior year.
    – Secondary and K-12 Licensure students may earn 3.0 cumulative GPA in major block coursework instead.
    – Elementary Ed. students must take the Praxis Content Area Assessment 5001.
  8. Pass the CDE licensure exam by May 15 of Junior year.
    – Secondary and K-12 Licensure students may earn 3.0 cumulative GPA in major block coursework instead.
    – Elementary Ed. students must pass the Praxis Content Area Assessment 5001.
  9. Attend Summer Licensure Orientation from July 31- August 2, 2020 on Western’s campus.

The Colorado Department of Education only accepts content knowledge tests administered by Praxis.

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