Student Success
We want all teacher candidates to be the best teachers possible, and that means setting our students up for success in their academic programs with resources and support.
The Teacher Education Handbook (PDF) is the main resource for information about earning your teaching degree, including program admission, clinicial experience, student teaching, licensure, and more.
If you have questions at any time, the staff in the Center for Student Success are to ready help.
We have high expectations for our teacher candidates to help you grow into capable, confident professionals.
All your coursework must be completed before you can student teach, so plan your course schedules carefully.
Be sure to save all your work from all your classes for possible inclusion in your portfolio. You will assemble a portfolio in one of the last courses before student teaching to show that you’ve gained the necessary skills and experience during your studies at WSU.
Course Grade Requirements
You must maintain at least a 2.75 GPA and earn a grade of “C” or better in all Professional Education Sequence courses including:
- all EDFD courses
- HERS 204
- SPED 300
- EDUC 429 (for K-12 and 5-12 majors)
- EDFD 449 (for K-12 and 5-12 majors)
Students in Rochester-based programs should talk to their academic advisors about which courses in their program are part of the Professional Education Sequence.
If you wish to appeal a course grade, you would do so through the Grade Appeal Committee.
All students must also satisfactorily complete the student teaching experience and demonstrate proficiency in all competencies as outlined in the Teacher Education Handbook (PDF).
Students must abide by the WSU Academic Integrity Policy at all times.
The competitive teacher candidate will have a well-established record of being involved, such as participating in WSU student clubs and local volunteer opportunities.
Significant experience with diverse populations is key in developing the ability to relate to a wide variety of students. You might consider going on a short-term faculty-led travel program or semester-long study abroad trip to experience diverse cultures first hand.
Be proactive in this area and take advantage of every opportunity which will allow you to grow.
If you are struggling in the teacher education program, our faculty will work to get you back on track so that you can achieve your goals.
You can always reach out to your advisor to ask for support.
Faculty may also identify students who need support in academic, personal, or professional areas. This could be for reasons such as if a student:
- Receives a grade of less than “C” in any Professional Education Sequence courses
- Fails to maintain at least a 2.75 GPA in their major
- Fails to meet disposition guidelines
In this case, there will be a review meeting held with the student, the student’s advisor, the faculty member involved, and the program leader to address the areas of concern and determine an assistance plan.
Assistance plans often include using resources from the Warrior Success Center and Counseling Services.
If a student withdraws from the program, they must meet with their program leader, Director of Center for Student Success, and Dean of College of Education to return to the program.
Student assistance plans and academic warning letters are filed within the student’s teacher education record.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is a valuable resource to learn about the job outlook and salary for high school teachers and elementary teachers in the United States.
