Freshman

Course Selection

Take EDUC 1010 the second semester of your freshman year
Concentrate on taking University Core coursework

Ask for Assistance

Check in each term with your academic advisor in Professional Education Services (3464 Haley) to discuss your progress and available support services.

Gain Experience

Expand your experiences working with K-12 students through campus and community volunteer work (e.g., Best Buddies, IMPACT, etc.)
Complete your required pre-teaching experience in a school setting
Use Handshake to explore employers actively hiring in your field and search part-time jobs that can add experience to your résumé.

Get Involved

Join the College of Education Student Council
Look for more opportunities on campus to engage by utilizing AUInvolve to identify organizations you’re interested in joining

Sophomore

Course Selection

Complete University Core coursework
Complete Admission to Teacher Education requirements, including passing scores on the Basic Skills Assessments, a background check, the pre-teaching experience, and a professional interview
Submit an application for Admission to Teacher Education after completing 45 credit hours in your program

Ask for Assistance

Continue to meet regularly with your academic advisor
Ask the University Career Center (UCC) for help in evaluating your résumé and cover letter for your Admission to Teacher Education application
Take advantage of Study Partners, SI sessions, and the academic coaching in the Office of Academic Support.
The Miller Writing Center can help with your writing assignments and all other writing assistance you may need.

Gain Experience

Take advantage of opportunities to observe or shadow professionals in your field
Use LinkedIn to identify past graduates in your major and contact them to set up informational interviews to gain further understanding of your major in the world of work

Get Involved

Apply to become a College of Education Student Ambassador
Pursue leadership roles in an organization

Junior

Course Selection

Progress through Professional Studies and Teaching Field courses
Focus on completing requirements for Admission to Clinical Residency including required Praxis exams for your program
Submit application for Admission to Clinical Residency

Ask for Assistance

Continue to check in regularly with your academic advisor
Meet with your faculty advisor as needed to discuss individual progress and program expectations

Gain Experience

Investigate our clinical residency abroad program (Consortium for Overseas Student Teaching, COST)
Explore graduate or professional school opportunities

Get Involved

Develop professional relationships during field experiences
Investigate eligibility for the Education Honor Society, Kappa Delta Pi

Senior

Course Selection

Complete any remaining requirements for Admission to Clinical Residency
Continue taking Professional Studies and Teaching Field courses, including Clinical Residency your final semester
Submit your teacher certification application

Ask for Assistance

Meet with your academic advisor to complete a graduation check your first semester of senior year.
Ask the UCC for help in updating your résumé and preparing for job interviews
Schedule a mock interview through the UCC

Gain Experience

Attend Education Interview Day
Participate in other career fairs sponsored by the UCC

Get Involved

Connect with AU alumni and stakeholders to enhance professional opportunities

General Information

This program prepares students to be teachers who serve students with disabilities in grades K-12. The program includes coursework that covers most disabilities with the exception of sensory impairments and certain severe disabilities. The program is clinically based and in compliance with the Alabama State Board of Education’s rules for educator preparation. Graduates are eligible to apply for professional educator certification upon program completion.