Majors & Minors
B.S. in Elementary Education
B.S. in Elementary Education with Special Education Endorsement
B.A. in Art with K-12 Teacher Certification
B.A. in Social Studies with 7-12 Teacher Certification
B.A. in English with 7-12 Teacher Certification
Minor in Education
Minor in Environmental Education
Click here to see requirements for student teaching & licensure
B.S. in Elementary Education
This program prepares students for elementary school teaching. Each student works closely with a faculty advisor to develop a planned program of study that will focus on the individual goals of the student while meeting all requirements for graduation and Vermont licensure. Each student is required to complete field work, methodology, and theory courses in a carefully planned sequence in preparation for teacher certification. During senior year students complete two seven- or eight-week experiences of full-time student teaching in Student Teaching. For students seeking both elementary and special education certification, one of the student teacher experiences will be in an elementary classroom setting and one will be in a special education setting. All student teaching must be done in the immediate area of the College. See eligibility requirements under Early Field Experience (EDU 2000) and Student Teaching (EDU 4085).
Download the degree requirements (PDF format)
B.S. in Elementary Education with Special Education Endorsement
Students in this program complete the elementary education program while taking additional courses and field experiences to qualify them for licensure to teach in elementary special education classes or resource rooms. The elementary education courses form a base for more specialized courses in the teaching of children with special needs. One of the two student teaching experiences will be in a special education setting.
EDU 3021: Curriculum & Instruction for Mild to Moderate Disabilities
EDU 4022: Assessment in Special Education
A student who does not meet the State of Vermont requirements for certification may still obtain a B.S. in Elementary Education from Green Mountain College providing the student meets all requirements for those majors except passing EDU 1200 and student teaching.
Secondary Education Licensure
Green Mountain College offers programs leading to secondary certification (grades 7-12) in English and Social Studies and Art (K-12). Students in these programs complete a major in the relevant discipline (Art, English, History) along with a sequence of education courses and field experiences. Secondary Education is not a major by itself. More detail about the requirements for each program area can be found under that department’s listings in this catalog.
Download the degree requirements (PDF format)
Environmental Education Minor
The environmental education minor is available to all students. Students who are Environmental Studies majors should take the Environmental Education concentration in that major.
Download the degree requirements (PDF format)
Students completing a concentration in Environmental Education in Environmental Studies or a minor in Environmental Education in Education will:
- Understand the goals, theories, practices, and history of environmental education.
- Know a variety of environmental education teaching methods and instructional strategies.
- Recognize, design, and implement effective environmental education.
(Adapted from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, Environmental Education Program Standards Draft-November 2004.)
Education Minor
The education minor is available to all students. It provides a broad orientation to the discipline with the opportunity of pursuing a variety of required and elective courses to deepen the student’s interest and background in the field. To fulfill the requirements the student must take Teacher As Decision Maker (EDU 1062) and courses from the following list for a total of 18 credits. Students who wish to minor in education should contact the department chair.
Download the degree requirements (PDF format)
Requirements for licensure
The Education Department's students meet the requirements for teacher licensure in the State of Vermont, and the rest of the United States, via the Interstate Certification Compact. Specific competencies can be found in the State of Vermont's Five Standards for Vermont Educators. The Five Standards incorporate skills, knowledge, and habits under the headings:
- Learning (content expertise)
- Professional Knowledge (methodology and pedagogy)
- Colleagueship
- Advocacy
- Accountability
Admission to Student Teaching
Prior to being allowed to student teach, candidates will:
- Have senior standing
- Complete all required education courses
- Meet GPA requirements (see below)
- Be able to complete all course work in the major within one semester
- Be recommended by faculty in both the major and Education
- Pass Praxis I and Praxis II. You are exempt from Paxis I if you scored > 1100 on the SAT with a score of 500 or better in both math and verbal OR if your ACT score > 22 on verbal and math
Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements for Elementary Education and Special Education
In order to be recommended for licensure, a student must have achieved a GPA of 3.0 in Education courses and a 2.7 overall prior to student teaching, and must receive a grade of B or better for student teaching.
Secondary Education
In order to be recommended for licensure, a student must have achieved a 3.0 GPA in education courses, have a 3.0 GPA in subject major courses, have a 3.0 average overall, and receive a grade of B or better for student teaching.
Praxis
In order to student teach, a student must pass Praxis I and the appropriate Praxis II subject matter test. Information on arranging to take the Praxis is available through the campus placement office. To help prepare students to pass Praxis, all education students are required to take EDU 1200 during fall semester, sophomore year unless exempt from Praxis I. At the conclusion of the course, students will take Praxis I. The course is graded pass/fail and must be passed in order to satisfactorily complete any program leading to recommendation for teacher certification. To pass the course, students must meet Vermont's passing score on Praxis I. (See course description for more detail.)
To be recommended for licensure, students must:
- Receive a grade of B or better in student teaching.
- Complete all College graduation requirements.
- Complete all content area requirements.
- Complete all education requirements.
- Receive a grade of pass on a licensure portfolio and interview that demonstrates competency with the standards established by the State of Vermont as well as effective application of course work during student teaching.
