Teacher Education Program
Learn more about becoming a teacher while studying at UAB — also known as the Teacher Education Program (TEP).
UAB’s School of Education and Human Sciences prepares teachers to serve every region in the state of Alabama. We are eager to help you reach your goals of serving learners and joining our graduates in the field.
If you have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education, apply for an alternative master’s program (AMP), and declare your major:
- Collaborative Special Education K-6 and 6-12
- Early Childhood
- Early Childhood Special Education
- Elementary
- ESL
- French & ESL
- Spanish & ESL
- Music (Instrumental or Choral)
- Secondary Education in any of the following fields: Math, General Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Social Studies, and English
- Physical Education
- Visual Arts
When you apply for an AMP degree at UAB, you will also apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP).
Steps to Becoming a Teacher while Studying at UAB
Step 1: Determine Admission Requirements for Your Degree
Contact the graduate recruiter at the School of Education and Human Science or the Program Director/Coordinator for your field of study to determine the steps for admission.
Step 2: Pass Your Required Content Area Test (Praxis)
Click Learn more about Praxis opens a new website.
Step 3: Apply for Admission to the UAB Graduate School
UAB Graduate School Application Opens an external link.
Step 4: Complete Coursework Degree Requirements on the Alabama State Board of Education-approved Certification Checklist
Methods courses include extensive experiences in P-12 schools, totaling several hours each week. If you are teaching, some field requirements may be completed on the job.
Step 5: Apply for Student Teaching Internship
During the first semester of your finak year, complete the student teaching application. Plan to work full time in a P-12 school, Monday through Friday, during your final semester. Successfully complete the edTPA assessment during your student teaching internship.
Complete the student teaching internship application opens a new website. This application must be completed by October 1st for spring term internship and March 1st for fall term internship.
Step 6: Apply for Certification
Complete the forms provided by the Office of Student Services to officially become licensed to teach.
The Office of Clinical Experiences (OCE) organizes all field experiences and student teaching internship placements for teacher candidates. It collaborates with P-12 schools and community partners to enhance the teaching profession. The OCE complies with state requirements to secure field experiences that will lead to the appropriate graduation and certification requirements.
How to Successfully Complete a Student Teaching Application
Applications are due one semester prior to the internship. This deadline is October 1st for the spring term semester and March 1st for the fall term semester.
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Step 1: Review Student Teaching Internship Eligibility Requirements
- Pass all content area exams by the deadline of two months prior to the first day of your student teaching internship semester
- Maintain a cleared background check through the ALSDE
- Maintain professional liability insurance
- Complete all required coursework other than the internship and/or student teaching seminar
- Meet GPA requirements
- Meet professionalism expectations
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Step 2: Submit Your Application
Application Due Dates
- Fall internships: March 1st
- Spring internships: October 1st
Applications submitted after the deadline are not guaranteed placement.
Questions?
Get in contact with the Director of Clinical Experiences today!
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Instructor Director of edTPA and Partner and Completer Outreach Allison Newton PhD
UAB’s School of Education and Human Sciences prepares teachers to serve every region in the state of Alabama. We are eager to help you reach your goals of serving learners and joining our graduates in the field.
When you first apply to UAB, you will declare your major:
- Early Childhood (grades Preschool-3)
- Elementary (grades K-6)
- Middle School Math (grades 4-8)
- Music (Instrumental or Choral, grades Preschool-12)
- Physical Education (grades P-12)
- Secondary (Biology, Chemistry, English, General Science, General Social Studies, and Physics, grades 6-12)
The process of earning your Alabama State Department of Education teaching license starts after you’ve completed your general course curriculum required by UAB. Once you complete these requirements, you will apply to the Teacher Education Program (TEP). To preview each degree's four year plan, click this link.
Steps to Becoming a Teacher while Studying at UAB
Step 1: Take EDU 200 – Foundations of the Profession
Take EDU 200 early in your academic career. Your first field experience helps you determine if teaching is right for you. Your faculty will guide you to secure a cleared background check before you visit a P-12 school.
Step 2: Apply to the TEP
Apply for admission to TEP during your sophomore year. Meet with your academic advisor to remain on track with your coursework and required assessments (Praxis and Pearsons Foundations of Reading). Contact the Office of Student Services to apply.
Step 3: Complete Methods Course Work
You will participate in extensive field experiences in schools. Plan to be in P-12 schools for multiple hours each week during your sophomore, junior, and senior years (even during some Pre-TEP courses).
Step 4: Apply for Student Teaching Internship
During the first semester of your final year, complete the student teaching application. Plan to work full time in a P-12 school, Monday through Friday, during your final semester. Successfully complete the edTPA assessment during your student teaching internship.
Click Complete the student teaching internship application opens a new website. This application must be completed by October 1st for spring term internship and March 1st for fall term internship.
Step 5: Apply for Certification
Complete the forms provided by the Office of Student Services to officially become licensed to teach.