68 / 242
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2016-2017
67
courses, three science courses, and three English courses. These courses may coincide
with courses taken to meet the Explorations curriculum.
Any transfer coursework used to meet state-approved program requirements must be
from regionally accredited institutions. In addition, in order for transfer professional
education courses to be used for certification in the state of Alabama, they must have
been completed at a regionally accredited institution that prepares teachers on the same
degree level of certification.
Coursework and/or a degree accepted from institutions outside of the United States shall
be substantiated by an evaluation of the foreign credentials from a state, federal, or
private foreign credential evaluation service recognized by the Alabama State
Department Office of Teacher Education and Certification.
Teacher Education Program requirements at Birmingham-Southern College are subject to
change from the Alabama State Department of Education without notice. This includes
requirements for entrance into the Teacher Education Program, continuation in the
Teacher Education Program, program completion, and recommendation for certification.
Eligibility for the Teacher Education Program
Students pursuing teaching certification must apply and be admitted to the Teacher
Education Program (TEP). Application forms include a signed Professional Behaviors
Statement and a self-evaluation. Applications must be approved by the education faculty
before students may enroll in 300 or 400 level courses in education.
The criteria for admission to and continuation in the Teacher Education Program are as
follows:
(1) Completion of at least 10 units of credit or the equivalent.
(2) A grade point average of 2.500 or higher in professional studies (ED, EPY) and in the
teaching field. Grades of “C” or higher in all courses in professional studies (ED, EPY).
A grade of “C-” is not acceptable.
(3) Successful interview and ePortfolio review with two or more members of the faculty,
including completion of a writing sample.
(4) Evidence of teaching aptitude as demonstrated by successful completion of ED 299
Exploring Teaching, and ED 201 or EPY 260.
(5) A passing score on all sections of the Alabama Prospective Teacher Basic Skills
Assessment Test.
(6) Successfully complete a background review (fingerprinting).