Frequently Asked Questions
1. Must students seeking certification as middle childhood/early adolescence teachers complete a teaching major?
Elementary certifiers must complete a subject area major to satisfy college graduation requirements. They can meet certification and graduation requirements by completing an education major and:
a. A subject area teaching major, or
b. A subject area major that includes all course work required for a teaching minor in the same field, or
c. A major in one discipline and a teaching minor in another discipline.
2. Can students earn certification in more than one subject area?
Yes. Students can add a certification area by completing a teaching minor in a second field of study. Students completing a teaching major in History or another social studies field can extend their certification by completing the requirements for Broad Field Social Studies certification. Individuals should see Dr. Kirchmeier for more information about Broad Field Social Studies.
3. Does Ripon College offer a major or minor in education?
Yes. The college offers a major and a minor in Educational Studies. Students who do not wish to certify to teach can complete both the major and minor. Students usually complete the major with interests in the study of early childhood/middle childhood, or middle childhood/early adolescence. Students usually complete the minor with interests in middle/secondary education. Both the major and minor require a major in another discipline for graduation.
4. When do students have their first experiences working in classrooms?
Most students complete their first clinical experience in conjunction with the courses EDU 250 Psychological Foundations of Education or EDU 260 Human Relations in Education. All students must complete a minimum of 100 clock hours of direct involvement with pupils before they student teach.
5. Can student teaching be scheduled for either semester?
Student teaching and the student teaching seminar are offered during the fall semester of each academic year.
6. Why is student teaching in the fall semester preferred?
Fall semester student teaching has distinct advantages over spring semester student teaching. Fall semester student teaching allows individuals to participate in the opening of a new school year, to begin their student teaching before classroom routines and expectations are too firmly set, and to have their credential files completed in time for spring semester teacher job fairs and interviews. In addition, by having only one semester of student teaching, the group of student teachers is somewhat larger and more able to function effectively as a support group.
7. Is there financial aid for students who must attend an extra semester or two to complete course work for teacher certification?
Ripon College has a tuition reduction program for students who return for a ninth (or later) semester to complete their student teaching. Other financial aid is available for students who need longer than eight semesters to complete their programs. Personnel in the Financial Aid Office can provide information about the eligibility requirements for specific aid programs.
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