FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TEACHER EDUCATION

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

The first step is to complete and submit the application for admission to the College. When you have received your admission letter you will be notified who your advisor will be and how to contact him or her to make an appointment for advising. For most students, the next step is to take the College’s Placement Assessment. However, students who have scored above certain levels on the SAT or ACT, or who have completed certain college-level English or mathematics courses, may be able to waive this requirement.

WHAT IS THE PLACEMENT ASSESSMENT?

The Placement Assessment is a measurement of basic reading, writing and math skills needed to be successful in college classes. It will help you and your advisor decide which courses you need to take and in which sequence.

WHAT IF I DON’T KNOW WHICH PROGRAM I WANT?

Sometimes students know definitely that they want to be a high school English teacher or that they wish to work with preschool children. Other times students may not have decided just which program is right for them, but they do know they want to teach. Your advisor may be able to help with that decision, or you might want to take a few basic courses first before you decide. Education 100 is a one-credit course that offers an overview of education and opportunities to visit schools as an observer.

HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT CLASSES TO TAKE?

You and your advisor will meet to plan each semester’s schedule. Many factors are taken into consideration during this meeting. Your advisor will ask you questions such as:

To which college do you which to transfer?

Do you work and how many hours do you work each week?

Do you prefer early morning classes, all classes on two or three days, or classes spread out over the week?

The answers to these questions, and others, will help in planning a schedule that best suits your needs and learning style.

IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE FOR EDUCATION MAJORS?

Currently about 70% of all Allegany College of Maryland students receive financial aid. The College has a financial aid program and we participate in most federal financial aid programs. In addition to scholarships and grants, there are low-interest education loans available. The Financial Aid Office, 301-784-5400, can assist you with questions about financial aid for county, out-of-county, and out-of-state financial aid availability and forms. The State of Maryland has a number of financial aid programs specifically for education majors. The Student Guide To Higher Education and Financial Aid In Maryland can be obtained by calling

800-974-0203.

WHAT IS THE PRAXIS I EXAM?

The Praxis I: Academic Skills Assessments is a three-part test of reading, writing and math skills. It is required of all teacher candidates in almost every state, and each state sets its own passing scores. Students usually take the Praxis I during their first two years of teacher preparation and before transferring to a four-year college. There are six testing dates between September and June, and numerous testing sites, from which you may choose. Your advisor and teachers in your education courses will help you with more information, test preparation, and registration procedures.

WHAT IS A PROFESSIONAL TEACHING PORTFOLIO?

Teaching portfolios are carefully crafted collections of artifacts, documentation, reflections, and goals developed by teacher candidates over their teacher preparation period. Portfolios represent who the candidates are, what have been their experiences, and what are their professional goals as well as their plans for attaining these goals. Portfolios also reflect the candidates’ professional growth over time. You will begin the portfolio development process in Education 100, and will continue work on your portfolio throughout your career.

CAN I ATTEND CLASSES PART-TIME?

Allegany College of Maryland is very sensitive to the scheduling needs of its students, especially those students who need to balance work schedules, family life and college courses. A very large proportion of classes at Allegany College of Maryland are offered both during daytime and evening hours. A large percentage of our education majors work full-time and attend college part-time. Your advisor will work closely with you to ensure that your schedule is manageable, and individualized to your needs.

WILL THE CLASSES I TAKE AT ALLEGANY COLLEGE OF MARYLAND TRANSFER OUT OF STATE?

Courses and course credits are generally designed to transfer to most Maryland and out-of-state institutions. You and your advisor will need to work closely to ensure that the courses that you schedule will transfer to your selected four-year college, and that these courses fulfill the requirements of the program which you have chosen.