The Teacher Education Program (TEP) leads to initial licensure in elementary teaching or in secondary teaching in the fields of English, foreign language (Spanish), mathematics, science, or social studies.
Students who wish to enter the TEP should request information from the COE office or from the Education Advisor in the Student Success Center during the freshman year, if possible. Undergraduate students planning on either elementary or secondary education licensure must complete an undergraduate degree in the College of LAS as well as the TEP requirements. Students with undergraduate degrees from an accredited institution must meet similar requirements.
Students who have obtained their bachelor’s degree may apply to the TEP, either to the post-baccalaureate study or the TEP/Master’s program (MA in Curriculum and Instruction).
Before applying to enter the program, students must attend a group-advising meeting for a full explanation of the nature of the program and the admission process.
TEP Program Description
Central features of the TEP are the integration of education courses with field experiences. The program requires students to have experiences with diverse populations and in diverse settings. In addition to the requirements for an undergraduate bachelor’s degree, TEP students complete education studies consisting of an Introductory Level (First Tier) and Professional Level (Second Tier).
The professional year preparation portion of the program is full-time (fall and spring), consisting of 27 credit hours. Students participate in the professional year as a cohort group; they begin the professional year with one course in the summer, continuing in the fall, and completing the program the following spring semester. The 35-38 credit-hour professional year requirement consists of course work (foundations of education, educational psychology, curriculum, and methods) and field experiences (observations, co-teaching, and student teaching) that take place in Professional Development Schools (PDS).
TEP Students complete field experiences and student teaching in an assigned Professional Development School (PDS); these are regular elementary, middle, or high schools that are selected to work in partnership with the University to prepare teachers for licensure. Each PDS supports the development of student teachers through co-teaching, research and inquiry, and professional development for in-service teachers.
Additional course work may be required to meet all of the program requirements.
All courses taken for completion of TEP and licensure must be completed with a grade of B- or better, and the stated level of achievement must be met on all levels of performance demonstration assessments.
TEP Admission Requirements
Admission to the TEP is a selective process. Students are admitted twice a year, in November and April.
TEP Required Tests
PRAXIS II or PLACE Content Test must be taken no later than the June test date prior to beginning TEP.
All students admitted to the TEP at UCCS, whether undergraduate or graduate, must take the Academic Profile Test before beginning the Professional Year (Second Tier).
Additional testing requirements may need to be met. It is essential to keep in contact with the COE and the Student Success Center to learn what these requirements may be. Test dates are available in the COE.
TEP Transfer Credit
A maximum of 10 credit hours of education credit may be transferred to the TEP. The TEP Director will determine transfer of education credit.
Undergraduate TEP Admission
The undergraduate TEP program has an admission process beyond the admission requirements of the university.
Interested students should attend an undergraduate group advising session before applying.
Undergraduate students apply to the TEP at two levels:
- First Tier Introductory level
- Second Tier Professional level
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