2010-2011 - Sweet Briar College

educationSweet Briar CollegeThroughout the undergraduate professionalstudies program, clinical experiences arerequired in each course. These experiences arean integral part of the teacher education programand require observation, practice, andreflection in varying degrees of complexity inpublic school classrooms. Two early childhoodcourses offer students clinical experiences withspecially trained teachers in the Sweet BriarCampus School, a laboratory school for nurseryschool and kindergarten. Students interestedin applying for the MAT program shouldconsult with their major advisors and the facultyof the Education Department to ensure that allundergraduate degree requirements are met.Admission Requirements for the TeacherEducation Program:1. Completed application to the teacher educationprogram2. Completion of at least two courses in professionaleducation with a 3.0 average or above3. Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher4. Submission of passing Praxis I scores orequivalent SAT scores5. Recommendation from the major department6. Effective communication skills, both oral andwritten (evidenced by successful completionof ENGL 104 or equivalent and satisfactoryperformance on Praxis I)7. General disposition essential for successfulteachingInternship ExperiencePrior to acceptance in an internship experienceat the end of the junior year, students willbe assessed on their performance in professionalstudies courses as well as their success infield experiences. Criteria for acceptance to theinternship include:1. Minimum overall GPA of 3.00 in professionalstudies courses2. Ability to use effective verbal, nonverbal, andmedia communication techniques to fosteractive inquiry, collaboration, and supportiveinteractions in the classroom3. Demonstration of professional and ethicalbehavior as well as personal integrity in allinteractions4. Potential to manage a classroom to providea safe and positive learning environment forstudents and staff5. Potential to establish rapport with students6. Potential to create a supportive learningenvironment for all students that encouragessocial interaction, active engagement inlearning, and self-motivationMaster of Arts in TeachingThe MAT is designed for those men and womenwith a bachelors degree who do not hold ateaching license in Virginia or any other state. Itis a full-time program that prepares candidatesfor licensure in one year.Sweet Briar undergraduates must apply tothe MAT program by February 1 of their senioryear. Applicants will be notified of acceptanceby April 15 of their senior year. The requirementsfor admission to the MAT program forSweet Briar students include:1. Submission of an application to the MATdegree program, including passing scores onPraxis I and II no later than February 1 of theapplication year2. Three recommendations from individualsoutside the Education Department who arefamiliar with applicant’s academic ability3. Submission of passing scores on the VirginiaCommunication and Literacy Assessment,and for elementary candidates, the VirginiaReading Assessment4. Completion of a baccalaureate degree witha cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 orhigher88­