Teacher Certification at BSC

Eligibility for Teaching Certificate

Currently, to be eligible for a teaching certificate a student must be admitted to the Teacher Education Program and complete an approved Course of Study. Students must successfully complete all program requirements, but must also satisfy the following conditions to be recommended for a teaching certificate:

1. Completion of the College’s graduation requirements.

2. Achieve a minimum 2.50 cumulative grade point average in professional studies and in the teaching field with no grade below “C” in professional studies. A grade of “C-” is not acceptable.

3. Demonstrate proficiency in teaching by achieving a grade of “B-” or better in all student teaching internships.

4. Complete a Criminal Background Check and fingerprinting processed and cleared by the Alabama Bureau of Investigation (ABI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

5. Pass all tests required by the Alabama Prospective Teacher Testing Program (APTTP) including the Basic Skills Test and the PRAXIS II Content Knowledge Test. The ALSDE has determined that certification candidates must pass both the Basic Skills Test and the PRAXIS II Content Knowledge to be eligible for teacher certification. Candidates at Birmingham-Southern must also pass the Praxis II Principles of Learning and Teaching pedagogy test before they can complete BSC’s Teacher Education Program.

The type of certification issued to those completing programs at Birmingham-Southern is a Class B-Baccalaureate certificate.

The Teacher Education Program at Birmingham-Southern College is subject to change from the Alabama State Department of Education without notice. Students should consult a faculty advisor or the certification officer concerning current certification requirements. You can email the certification officer at dmclaffe@bsc.edu or call (205)226-4810.

Certification Only Option

Students with a bachelor’s degree and a 2.5 grade average from BSC or other institutions can earn a Class B Certification with appropriate coursework including student teaching if they meet and maintain entrance requirements to TEP. We can only admit students who demonstrate potential for success and meet SDE guidelines as well as Birmingham-Southern’s Criteria for Entrance into the Teacher Education Program.

Certification for Enrolled BSC Students

Any student who is seeking teacher certification must meet the criteria for formal admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP). At the end of the student’s freshman year or beginning of their sophomore year, students should schedule an appointment with their education faculty advisor. Admission to TEP