• What tests do I need to become a licensed teacher? What are passing scores?

• When should I take these tests? Are there any "special situations"?

            In order to be admitted to the Teacher Prep Program, you must submit qualifying scores on Praxis I, ACT, SAT or VCLA with Math portion of Praxis I. Praxis II, the VCLA and the VRA must be completed by the end of Student Teaching in order to be licensed.  Some program areas now require that all licensure assessment scores be provided to OPS before student teaching placements begin. Make sure you take the correct subject area test for Praxis II for licensure.

                        **Disclaimer: Check with your program area coordinator or OPS to learn appropriate timing of licensure testing for your specific program area.

• Can I study abroad during any Practicum or Student Teaching experience?    

            Yes, but only for Practicum II and the second half of student teaching. You MUST make sure that a school system is available, so contact OPS or check the website. Some schools, such as Costa Rica, are in session from February-November, and their summer is December-January, so you need to make sure that your teaching time frame fits with an international school division. OPS and your program area MUST approve you to complete an international placement.  Once approved, you actually go through the Office of International Affairs to get housing suggestions and finalize other arrangements. You can only complete placements at schools in partnership with the university that have the appropriate documentation. 

• What meetings are required for Practicum and Student Teaching?

            Generally, you will need to attend information meetings for Practicum and Student Teaching. This is just to make sure that you and OPS are on the same page. For Practicum placements, you will also meet with your University Supervisor prior to the start of your placement.  For student teaching, you must also attend the Mock Interview, Seminar Day and Wrap-Up Day.  Failure to attend required meetings/sessions can adversely affect your grade and/or result in cancellation of placement.

• What if my GPA is a 2.49?

            Your overall and major GPA must be 2.5 or higher. The system does not round your GPA, so if you have between a 2.45-2.49, you still remain unqualified for admission to the Teacher Prep Program or Student Teaching.

• What if I attended a previous orientation session?  Do I still need to attend this year?        

            Yes, you will still need to attend the orientation pertaining to this year's offering (be it Practicum or Student Teaching).  Information, including some requirements, change from year to year or even from one semester to the next.  In order for us to guarantee that you got the correct information firsthand, we require attendance at the orientation event.  Some information may be a repeat of what you heard before, but it is a good reinforcement too.  Too much knowledge never hurt anyone!

• I missed a deadline.  What should I do?

            You should schedule a meeting with the Assistant Director of OPS to determine a new plan of action if the deadline had to do with Teacher Prep or placements.  OPS           cannot make exceptions to deadlines since school divisions count on us to be prompt and accurate with our requests for placements.  You will need to work with your advisor to revise your course plan if applicable.  Remember, lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency for OPS.  Plan ahead.  Ask OPS questions-even if you think you know the answers.  Check with OPS to confirm all requirements are met before it is too late for you to take corrective action if needed.

• Where do I find a list of general requirements, program area requirements, and an application for Student Teaching as an undergraduate student?

            http://survey.longwood.edu/inq5/cgi-bin/qwebcorporate.cgi?idx=K5HPHB         

• Where do I find a list of general requirements, program area requirements, and an application to complete my Graduate Studies Professional Semester?         

            http://survey.longwood.edu/inq5/cgi-bin/qwebcorporate.cgi?idx=TA53CD

• How do I get a positive faculty recommendation for Student Teaching?

            It depends on your program area's requirements for recommendations.  Liberal studies majors (elementary, middle and special education teacher candidates) do not need to ask professors for recommendations.  They are done automatically by your Partnership professors at the appropriate time.  If they cannot give a positive recommendation, you will need to repeat Partnership or discuss other options with your program area coordinator since you will not be eligible for student teaching.  Other candidates follow the chart and ask professors (link below).  You will provide your name, L# and program area.  Faculty members will submit online using the faculty tab of MyLongwood.  Confirm receipt with OPS.

           http://www.longwood.edu/assets/professionalservices/STUDENT_TEACHING_RECOMMENDATIONS.pdf

• Can I complete a placement in a school where a relative attends or is employed?      

            Not if they are in your immediate family.  Teacher candidates must notify OPS if they are assigned to a school where a family member attends or is employed.  The placement may be cancelled or you may be assigned an "Incomplete."  Failure to report this conflict is also a violation of the Longwood University Honor Code and may result in additional disciplinary action. 

• How will I receive my placement details?

            OPS will email you the placement notification.  If you have confirmed that all placement requirements have been met by the deadline, then rest assured, you will receive a placement.  Some take longer than others to arrange, so please be patient if you do not receive an email notification when some of your classmates/peers are getting theirs.  Also, make sure emails from OPS are not going to your junk mail or spam folder by mistake.