Overview

The teacher education program at Sweet Briar College provides prospective teachers with a strong foundation in an academic discipline and a thorough grounding in differentiated curriculum and instruction to prepare for teaching in today's diverse classrooms.

The education department has received grant awards and citations for its professional development programs in mentoring and clinical faculty training, which also are grounded in differentiation. By linking the goals of clinical faculty and mentor training with teacher preparation, the education department provides research-based, best-practice instruction to pre-service and in-service teachers in meeting the diverse needs of all students.

Beginning in the fall of 2003, Sweet Briar initiated a five-year program for teacher licensure. The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) allows Sweet Briar students more flexibility within their undergraduate degree programs. Students are free to pursue academic majors while completing their licensure requirements, including student teaching during the fifth year of study.

The five-year licensure program allows Sweet Briar students the opportunity to study abroad, if they choose, and provides more flexibility in meeting degree requirements and choosing electives. Completion of the MAT program offers graduates the benefits of a higher salary potential in most school districts throughout the country.

Throughout the undergraduate professional studies program, clinical experiences are required in each course. These experiences are an integral part of the teacher education program and require observation, practice and reflection in varying degrees of complexity in public school classrooms.

An early childhood course offers students clinical experiences with specially trained teachers at the Sweet Briar Campus School, a laboratory school for preschool and kindergarten.

Students interested in applying for the MAT program should consult with their major advisors and the faculty of the education department to ensure that all undergraduate degree requirements are met.

Admission Requirements for the Teacher Education Program

1. Completed application to the teacher education program
2. Completion of at least two courses in professional education with an average of 3.0 or higher
3. Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher
4. Submission of passing Praxis I scores or equivalent SAT or ACT scores
5. Recommendation from the major department
6. Effective communication skills, both oral and written, evidenced by successful completion of ENGL 104 or equivalent and satisfactory performance on Praxis I
7. General disposition essential for successful teaching

Internship Experience

Prior to acceptance in an internship experience at the end of the junior year, students will be assessed on their performance in professional studies courses as well as their success in field experiences. Criteria for acceptance to the internship include:

1. Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in professional studies courses
2. Ability to use effective verbal, nonverbal and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration and supportive interactions in the classroom
3. Demonstration of professional and ethical behavior as well as personal integrity in all interactions
4. Potential to manage a classroom to provide a safe and positive learning environment for students and staff
5. Potential to establish rapport with students
6. Potential to create a supportive learning environment for all students that encourages social interaction, active engagement in learning and self-motivation