Frequently asked questions

1. What tests must I take?

• Praxis I: Academic Skills Assessments for reading, writing, and mathematics. The tests must be completed before the first term of attendance. The test is administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS) and questions may be directed to that agency by calling (toll-free) 1-800-772-9476. The test may be taken either by pencil/paper (PPST) or by computer (CBT). CBT is offered on campus at the University's Computer-Based Testing Center, 9 Eddy Hall, 192 Pillsbury Dr. S.E., Minneapolis MN 55455; 612-624-5520).
• Praxis II: Subject Assessments/Specialty Area Tests—Special Education: Core Content Knowledge. This test (pencil/paper only) must be taken no later than the term preceding the final student teaching experience.
• Praxis II: Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test. This test (pencil/paper only) must be taken during the final term of the student teaching experience.
• Sign Communication Proficiency Interview (SCPI). Students seeking full licensure must achieve a rating of Intermediate Plus on the SCPI prior to applying for teacher licensure. Many school districts are requesting that student teachers take the SCPI before applying for student teaching. Candidates seeking a Deaf/Hard of Hearing: Oral/Aural license may either complete six semester credits of ASL or achieve a rating of Survival on the SCPI.
• The Graduate Record Exam (GRE). The GRE is required for M.A. and Ph.D. applicants only.

2. What can I do with my master’s degree after graduation?

The majority of graduates become professional teachers. Some graduates have pursued advanced degrees in a variety of fields such as school administration or university teaching. Some graduates have combined their undergraduate majors and their graduate studies to work in fields such as vocational rehabilitation, school psychology, counseling, and educational administration.

Job postings can be found at GoldPASS, LandIt!, www.deafed.net, and through other sites listed at Exploratory, Transition, and Career Services. Career information for special education teachers in Minnesota is available from ISEEK

3. Are there certain places in the United States where there are more jobs than others?

There is a consistent and growing demand for teachers of deaf/hard of hearing students, particularly in rural areas of the country. See the occupational outlook for special education teachers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information.

4. Will my Minnesota teaching license be accepted in other states?

A Minnesota teaching license is accepted in most states across the country. However, some states may require a specific course or test that is not common to the State of Minnesota. The University of Minnesota program is approved by the Council on Education for the Deaf (CED), a national certifying organization.

5. What can I do to help improve my sign language skills?

Volunteer positions working with deaf/hard of hearing individuals are posted in the American Sign Language office. Possibilities include volunteering in schools and community organizations. This is a great way to improve your sign language skills while gaining confidence before teaching. Students are also encouraged to attend events sponsored by the deaf community.

A two credit course focusing on conversational ASL (ASL 5642) and tutoring are options for graduate students in the deaf/hard of hearing teacher education program. The American Sign Language office has over 50 videotapes and CDs available for students to view, including fingerspelling, linguistics, ASL literature, Deaf Mosaic, deaf culture and many more. An ASL tutor is available upon request.

ASL Office
Vocational and Technical Education 240
1954 Buford Ave.
Saint Paul, MN 55108
Tel: 612-624-1274
Fax: 612-624-1275
www.cehd.umn.edu/edpsych/asl/

6. Where will most of my classes be located?

While there is no guarantee, the majority of your classes will be on the East bank of the Twin Cities campus.

7. What can I do if I do not have access to a computer?

University computer labs are located throughout the campus. Computer labs are located in the residence halls and at other sites on the East Bank campus. If you have questions regarding computer lab hours or locations, please contact University Information at 612-625-5000 for assistance. Computers are also available in 227 Burton Hall for special education students.

If you are having trouble with your computer or have specific questions, you may call the University Computer Helpline at 612-301-4357 (1-HELP) or help@umn.edu.

8. Are TTYs (TDDs) available on campus?

Yes, TTYs are available for student use at
Disability Services, University Gateway, Suite 180, 612-626-1333 weekdays until 4:30p.m

University departments with TTY/TDD telephones

American Sign Language Department.
612-626-9392

Boynton Health Service
612-626-6184

Communication Disorders
612-624-3322

Disability Services-General Line
612-626-1333

Disability Services-Interpreters
612-625-5021

Networking and Telecommunication
612-627-4909

University locations of public TTY/TDD pay telephones

East Bank
Centennial Hall
main floor, east wing

Northrop Auditorium
first floor mall entry, southeast corner

Phillips-Wangensteen Building
main entry off of Delaware

Roy Wilkins Hall
first floor lobby

Williams Arena
east end, main lobby

West Bank
Blegan Hall
ground floor, north entry

Carlson School of Management
lower level, northwest corner

Middlebrook Hall
main floor vending machine area

Ted Mann Concert hall
main floor lobby

Wilson Library
main floor, east entry lobby

St. Paul
St. Paul Student Center
lower level, near information booth

9. How do I access interpreting services?

Sign language; C-Print, and oral interpreters are available through Disability Services at 612-626-1333.

10. How long will it take to complete the M.Ed.?

Students entering the program with a general education teaching license can complete the program within a 12-month period, as full time students. Students who do not have a teaching license generally complete the program in 24-28 months.

11. Do I need to finish my M.Ed. paper before I can get my teaching license?

No, the M.Ed. paper is not a requirement for licensure, but it is a requirement for the M.Ed. degree. The M.Ed. paper is designed to demonstrate your ability to synthesize and analyze information. The paper may be in the form of a project, a mini research paper, a review of the literature, or an issue paper. The topic should be selected with your advisor. Many of the students complete the paper after they have entered the teaching profession. Development of a professional teaching portfolio is also required. The M.Ed. paper or project can be incorporated into the portfolio.

12. What is required in the professional teaching portfolio?

The professional teaching portfolio should minimally includes the following:

• Statement of educational philosophy.
• Resume including service learning, practicum and student teaching experiences
• Sample IEP with an evaluation summary report
• Sample unit of instruction
• Sample parent-student program
• Sample behavior management program

The portfolio is presented to a committee of thee individuals which includes at least one master teacher of the deaf/hard of hearing from the field.

13. What is the mentorship program? How do I get a mentor?

The goal of the mentorship program is to create a professional exchange between experienced educational specialists and future teachers-in-training. The relationship should offer academic and job-related skill improvement as well as professional growth opportunities.

To get a mentor, contact Anna Paulson as soon as you have your program acceptance letter.
Anna Paulson: 612-626-9411 (pauls035@umn.edu)

14. If I do not have a regular education teaching license, how do I apply for practicum?

Two semesters of practicum experience are required of all students enrolled in the teacher licensure exemption program. Register for one credit of practicum each semester (EPSY 5701), complete a practicum application form (Room 227, Burton Hall), and contact Anna Paulson for placement.

15. How do I apply for student teaching?

All coursework in the area of deaf education must be completed prior to student teaching. Pick up a student teaching application form in 206 Burton. Attach a current unofficial transcript and submit the form to Anna Paulson. Deadlines are April for fall semester placement, October for spring semester placement, and March for summer semester. Contact the Special Education Office (612-626-0367) for specific dates. You may wish to discuss your placement preferences with Anna Paulson.

Clinical Experience Handbook (student teaching handbook)

16. How do I apply for my initial teaching license?

To apply for initial licensure, you need the application package which is available at Minnesota Department of Education at http://education.state.mn.us.

The application packet should contain the following and be handed in to the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Office:

• Official transcript from the University of Minnesota in a sealed envelope.
• Official undergraduate transcripts.
• A copy of your current Teaching License.
• Completed Conduct Review Statement
• Completed Fingerprint Card.
• Money order or cashier’s check for $26.00 made payable to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
• Personal check, money order or cashier’s check for $47.00 made payable to the Commissioner of Children, Families and Learning.
• Praxis I: Academic Skills Assessments for reading, writing, and mathematics.
• Praxis II: Subject Assessments/Specialty Area Tests—Special Education: Core Content Knowledge.
• Praxis II: Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test.

Reminder: 6-8 weeks is the average turn-around time for the licensing process to be completed. Don’t delay in applying.

17. What are U Cards-University of Minnesota Student ID and where can I get one?

The University of Minnesota’s student photo identification card is called the U Card. The U Card is needed to check out library materials, cash checks, and gain access to residence hall dining rooms, the recreation center, golf course, secured buildings, computer labs and more. You can then make purchases from vending machines and also make copies at reduced cost. Your first U Card is free of charge. For complete information on the U Card and its services, visit the U Card Web site.

July 2007