The undergraduate general university requirements provide an integrated course of study. An effective K-8 teacher needs strong oral and written communication skills and quantitative literacy, as well as a broad liberal studies and content area background.  Inquiry, analysis, critical thinking, creativity and leadership are the foundation of an effective teacher for the 21^st century. 

Your program of study is a combination of general university requirements and education courses with real life K-8 classroom practicum experiences. As you proceed through your course of study, you are expected to achieve the Alaska Beginning Teacher Standards that are reflected in the following competencies:

Philosophy and Approach (PA): Describe personal research-based philosophy of education and apply it in the classroom with consistent teaching strategies and practices.

Developmental Stages (DS): Understand how students learn and develop and apply that knowledge to individuals and groups in classroom practice.

Diverse Cultures and Needs (DCN): Teach students with respect for their individual and cultural characteristics to promote learning and communication.

Content Knowledge and Strategies (CKS): Knows the teacher’s content areas and how to teach them using age appropriate strategies to develop student knowledge, skills, and understandings applicable to real world situations; this includes accurate information, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and use of technology. 

Assessment Guides Instruction (AGI): Facilitates, monitors, and assesses student learning to inform students and families of progress and needs; encourages student self-assessment; uses individual and group performance to guide instruction (formative and summative assessment); and maintains accurate records.

Positive Learning Environment (PLE): Creates and maintains a positive learning environment that is physically, emotionally, and intellectually safe in which all students can learn, and are actively engaged, contributing members.

Partnerships and Real-life Connections (PRC):Works as a partner with parents, families, and the community.

Professionalism, Ethics, and Growth (PEG): Participates in and contributes to the teaching profession, complies with standards, laws and Code of Ethics, and engages in continuous professional growth.

Admissions

Admission to the Bachelor of Arts Degree Teacher Preparation Program involves several steps. The first step is admission to the university. The second step is to meet the prerequisite coursework listed below. Upon successful completion of ED 21400  and posting Alaska state qualifying scores for Praxis I, or other State-approved qualifying exams, the student submits an application for admission to the Teacher Preparation Program Committee.

K-8 classroom teachers require a broad liberal arts background and preparation in their undergraduate coursework in a variety of content areas; therefore, the Teacher Preparation Program is designed to build on the prerequisite areas.

To be considered for acceptance to the Bachelor of Arts Degree Teacher Preparation Program, a student must first meet the following requirements:

1. Completion of 60 pre-acceptance credit hours including 9 courses of the 10 course General University Requirements (GUR’s)
2. Completion of the major coursework with a grade of “C” (2.00 or better)
3. A cumulative grade point average of 2.75
4. Completion of the Praxis I, or other State-approved qualifying exam meeting Alaska qualifying score requirements required for certification