Certification

Students wishing to teach must apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program.  Admission is contingent upon the following:

1. Satisfactory completion of EDU 1004 Foundations of Education, and a minimum 2.75 GPA in education courses, sophomore class standing (9 course units), 2.75 GPA overall.
2. A minimum 2.75 GPA in the major (i.e. English, math, history) for students pursuing high school and P-12 teaching certification, minimum 2.75 GPA in the middle grades education major (grades 5-9).
3. Successfully completing a general knowledge assessment. Candidates may choose one of the following assessment options:
   The ACT with a composite score of 22 or the corresponding minimum scores: Reading-20; English-18; Math-19;
   OR
   The Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CASE) exam with the corresponding minimum scores: Reading-156; Writing-162; Math 150;
   OR
   The applicant may use a combination of the ACT and CASE minimum scores;
   OR
   If an applicant has a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, the applicant can be admitted if within 5 points of one or more of the corresponding minimum Praxis CASE scores only: Reading-151; Writing-157; Math-145
4. A submission of a formal essay and an impromptu writing sample to the Teacher Education Admission Committee.
5. A completed recommendation from each of the following: a) current academic adviser, b) previous academic adviser or instructor, and c) a member of Transylvania’s faculty or staff
6. Satisfactory results from an interview with the Teacher Education Admissions Committee.  Selection is based on:
   1. apparent commitment to the profession,
   2. proficiency in human relations and oral and written communication,
   3. apparent concern for the best possible education for all youth,
   4. understanding of skills, responsibilities, and stress involved in teaching, and
   5. other factors indicative of becoming a successful teacher.

After students are approved for teacher education, continuation in the education pattern leading to certification depends on maintaining a 2.75 minimum GPA in all the ares previously stated and the ability to demonstrate the content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to help all students learn – as required by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standard 1 Content and Pedagogical Knowledge.

If the applicant is denied admission into the Teacher Education Program, she or he has the right of appeal with the university’s Committee on Admissions and Academic Standards. 

Licensure Disclosure

Transylvania University teacher certification programs are approved by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB). After successful completion of our approved programs, candidates will apply for a Kentucky educator license (certificate). Kentucky has certification reciprocity with other states.  Reciprocity is a term often used when educators need to transfer their certification from one state to another. This does not mean, however, that a state with “reciprocity” will automatically grant the same certification as was held in another state, since each state has its own special requirements. The Transylvania University Education Program cannot determine whether its program meets requirements that lead to licensure in other states (see Licensure Disclosure Chart).  Candidates need to contact state licensing boards to pursue licensure routes in states other than Kentucky.

Licensure Disclosure Chart