The OWC Teacher

EducationProgramsSpring 2008

Becoming a public school teacher in Florida requires two big steps:

1. Completing a teacher education baccalaureate degree or completing

another baccalaureate degree and an Educator Preparation Institute

2. Obtaining Teacher Certification from the Florida Department of Education, which includes passing three exams: the General Knowledge, Professional Education, and Subject Area tests.

The OWC Teacher Education Bachelor’s Degrees can prepare you to meet these

requirements!

Becoming a Florida Teacher

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Elementary Education with Reading and ESOL endorsements

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Middle Grades Math and Science◦ Math option◦ Science option◦ Math and Science option

The OWC Programs

◦ Prepare you to become a classroom teacher

◦ Prepare you for the non-teaching duties that surprise many new teachers

◦ Prepare you for Florida’s Teacher Certification Exams (FTCE)

◦ Prepare you for the job search

What Will The OWC Programs Do for Me?

Opportunities to work with local education professionals Extensive coaching and feedback during student teaching Practical experience in all educator responsibilities— paperwork, organization, school duties Seminar to prepare for transition from preservice to work State-of-the-art OWC facilities Teacher Education “workroom” with the same supplies the

districts use Review classes for Florida Teacher Certification Exams

What are Some Program Advantages?

Elementary Education Program

Middle Grades Math/Science Program

The best possible preparation for the classroom! Traditional classes taught in the classroom

Blended classes, with time in the classroom and time in individual study

An extensive variety of field experiences prior to student teaching

Simulations and practical experiences in the OWC “Teacher Ed Work Room”

What Can I Expect

as a Teacher Education Student?

Day and night classes

Most classes on the Niceville

Campus; a few available on

the FWB Campus

Most classes offered either fall or spring; some available in summer

Field experiences will be during the day

A part-time or full-time schedule, except the final, student teaching term requires full-time commitment.

What Schedule Can I Expect?

An A.A. degree or 60 hours of approved college credit coursework

The required General Education courses with a GPA of at least 2.5 in these courses

A grade of C or better in each of the three Common Education prerequisites (EDF 1005, EDG 2701, EME 2040)

What Are the Admission Requirements?

Passing score on the General Knowledge Test of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam

A passing score on (or exemption from) each section of the CLAST will allow students to be provisionally admitted for one semester; the student must complete the general knowledge test to continue in the program after the first semester

Agreement to undergo FBI and FDLE background checks, including fingerprinting

Students must also meet a foreign language requirement and pass all sections of the CLAST, preferably before admission. Students must, however, meet these requirements prior to graduation.

Are there Other Requirements?

Make an appointment with an OWC advisor who will help you make sure your program of study meets all Teacher Education program requirements.

What if I’m Just Starting My A.A. Program?

Meet with an advisor to make sure you have the required courses and other prerequisites for the program

Apply to the Teacher Education program

Take the General Knowledge Test of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam ASAP

What if I Have 60 Credit Hours But No Degree?

Take the three prerequisites as soon as possible:

EDF 1005, EDG 2701, EME 2040

Apply to the Teacher Education program

Take the General Knowledge Test of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam ASAP

What if I have an A.A. But Not the Prerequisite Courses?

Apply to the Teacher Education program

Take the General Knowledge Test of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam ASAP

Review the admissions requirements to be sure you have the other prerequisites

What if I Already Have an A.A. and the Prerequisite Courses?

There are no application or admission fees to enroll at OWC

Current OWC baccalaureate tuition and fees are $74.74 per credit hour (about 67% of the cost at a university); fees may increase slightly based on 2008 legislative action

A one-time fee of $75.00 for e-portfolio software account, good for five years

Books and supplies will vary with each course; many textbooks will become career-long references for you

A $25 fee for the General Knowledge test is paid to the state at the time you register for the exam

OWC’s course fees are the lowest in the state!

What are the Program Costs?

Depending on eligibility, students may receive:

Federal Aid (Pell, Stafford loans, etc.)

Florida Bright Futures Scholarships

Florida Student Assistance Grant

OWC Foundation Scholarships

Veteran’s Education Benefits

Other federal programs such as the TEACH and SMART grants may also be available

NOTE: Students should fill out the

FAFSA as soon as possible!

Is Financial Aid Available?

Do you

like spending time with children? value and seek to establish a positive, respectful classroom environment? appreciate individual differences, experiences, cultures and community norms? aspire to plan effective instruction for tomorrow’s students? have the courage to make tough decisions about a child’s future?

Do I Have What It Takes to Teach?

Are you comfortable working in a collaborative, team- oriented workplace? eager to complete rigorous and supportive coursework and school-based experiences? willing to polish your written and oral communication skills ? ready to learn to use technology effectively? willing to behave professionally in every way-- adhering to ethical and legal responsibilities and

maintaining confidentiality?

Do I Have What It Takes to Teach?

OWC’s record of student success is second to none!

OWC’s Teacher Education faculty members bring offer successful K-12 teaching experience.

OWC offers the same access to baccalaureate teacher education as a university, but at lower cost and with individualized attention and student support

Why Should I Choose the OWC Program?