Pre-Admission Field Experience
Pre-admission field experience (PAFE) taken concurrently with EPSY 302 on NSU campus:
The purpose of the pre-admission field experience is self-awareness, self-selection, professional selection, reflection, and goal setting. Students registered for EPSY 302 - Educational Psychology , will also enroll in EPSY 296 (PAFE) and will receive specific instructions for completion of the PAFE. Students must observe and assist a teacher for a minimum of two full school days (16 hours). Students will not be approved for admission to the teacher education program until this course is completed with a grade of “C” or higher.
Pre-admission field experience (PAFE) when credit has already been received for EPSY 302 :
In cases where a student has previously earned credit for EPSY 302 , they may enroll in EPSY 296 if they:
- Are a degree seeking education major at NSU.
- Have a 2.6 cumulative GPA.
- Completed EPSY 302 with a “C” or higher.
- Can attend the face-to-face PAFE registration and placement meetings on NSU campus.
Teacher Education Information (Undergraduate)
A major focus for Northern State University is the preparation of professional educators. The Millicent Atkins School of Education Teacher Education Program prepares teachers whose instructional decision making is based on current theory, research, and experience. The School of Education offers bachelor’s degree programs in elementary education, K-12 education, and secondary education.
Any student who plans to major in education at Northern State University must complete the system-wide core, institutional graduation, and degree requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Education, including professional education courses and major and minor requirements as established for the appropriate discipline. Students who successfully complete a teacher education program will be recommended for a teaching certificate issued by the state of South Dakota.
All teacher education programs comply with certification requirements and have been approved by the SD Department of Education. Students will complete content and pedagogy examinations at the achievement level set by the SD Department of Education.
Accreditation
Northern State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and the Teacher Education Program in the Millicent Atkins School of Education is accredited by CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation). The BME in Music Education is also accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.