Admission
The Teacher Education Program is open to students majoring in biology, chemistry, Chinese studies, classics, English, environmental studies, French, history, mathematics, physics and Spanish.
Applicants must successfully complete two foundational courses and meet minimum GPA requirements to be considered for the program. Applications are reviewed by a committee including the TEP director, academic department liaisons, instructors from the foundational courses and a teacher and/or administrator from Worcester Public Schools.
Admissions decisions are based on performance in required coursework, performance within the major, faculty experience with the student and an interview.
Application
Eight semester students: Students who plan to complete the Teacher Education Program during their eight semesters at Holy Cross should apply during their freshman or sophomore years. Special consideration will be given to juniors in their first semester who are invited to reapply or who are on track to complete the requirements.
Ninth semester students: Students who plan to utilize the Ninth Semester option may apply during junior year. These juniors should be enrolled in at least one additional required TEP course and must be on track to complete all subject matter requirements.
A complete TEP application consists of:
- Application form
- Personal statement: Educators have a passion for the subject they teach as well as a desire to impart life lessons. Describe and explain your passion for your content area as well as the values and lessons you want to impart on your students. (upload to application)
- Unofficial transcript (email to yourself through STAR and upload to application)
- Two letters of recommendation, including at least one from either faculty or administrative personnel at Holy Cross (preferably non-education department faculty as education faculty fill out a separate form for all applicants as part of the application process)
- Interview: Interviews are open during selected times. Applicants will be sent a link to a calendar to sign up for an open slot.
Applications are due February 26, 2023 (spring deadline) and September 24, 2023 (fall deadline).
Review Team
Applications are reviewed by:
- The TEP director
- The field placement coordinator
- The academic department liaison
- The student’s instructors for the foundational courses and other education courses
Each reviewer makes a recommendation: Accept, Invite to Reapply, or Do Not Accept.
Review Criteria
Applications are reviewed based on the following criteria:
Required Coursework
Students must have completed or be currently enrolled in two foundational courses: Educ 167 (Educational Psychology) and Educ 169 (Schooling in the United States).
Academic Achievement
Students are expected to earn at least a B in their foundational courses, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their major, and have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. The GPA requirements can be waived in the case of a special circumstance, significant improvement, or support from the education faculty. In that case, evidence of the decision must be documented in the student’s application file.
Subject Matter Outlook
Students must be able to complete the coursework required to meet the Subject Matter Knowledge requirements in his/her major.
Faculty Experience
Instructors who have taught the student offer input on the student’s strengths and/or struggles, based on their experiences and observations in class.
Interviews
Qualified students will be invited to interview with the director of the TEP and the placement coordinator to assess their maturity, interest level, and commitment to the mission of the program. The interview will also include an opportunity to further discuss the program and its requirements.
Acceptance
All accepted students must complete a series of steps before they are officially enrolled. These next steps are described during a brief orientation meeting.