Fields of Study » Education » Teacher Education: Questions to Ask
Teacher Education: Questions to Ask
Below are some questions that international applicants will want to explore during the process of comparing U.S. teacher education programs and choosing the right program for them.
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How does your educational background match entrance requirements? What can the education department tell you about prerequisites that you may have to complete and your chances of being admitted (to the specific program as well as to the institution in general if there are separate application processes)?
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How do program content and level match the requirements of jurisdictions where you may pursue your career? Even traveling from one U.S. state to another, educational requirements to be licensed to teach can vary considerably. Going from one country to another, you may find much greater disparities. Find out specifically what the requirements are—before you select your program of study.
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How many international students are enrolled in the school's education program? Has the program worked with individuals from your country or region before? Request some names of students (preferably from your own country or region) who you can contact regarding their experiences during the program and after graduation.
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Does the school offer a program in the particular areas of education and content areas that most interest you? Which faculty are teaching in this area and what variety of courses is offered? To what extent can a program be tailored to match your interests if they do not match a standard program of study?
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What are the different program paths available at the school, for those preparing to teach and for those seeking advanced study? Is a major in education appropriate for you or would a double major, or a major in another field with some emphasis on education be a better choice? What is the balance among required courses in the liberal arts, teaching methods, and major subject area? Between requirements and electives? What courses are available in areas of interest such as special education or technology?
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Is the school regionally accredited? Is the program professionally accredited? How well-funded and supported is the program?
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Who teaches education classes: tenured faculty, part-time faculty, graduate students? What is the number of full-time faculty and what is the student-faculty ratio in the program? What percentage of faculty have experience teaching in elementary or secondary schools and how much time do they generally spend in such schools each year?
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What level of facilities and resources can the program offer—for instance how current are the computers and educational technology resources being used? How available are they to education students?
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What links exist between the institution's school or department of education and other academic units? How do departments work together to coordinate instruction for students preparing to teach?
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How international is the program's instruction? To what extent do courses examine education and teaching outside the U.S. context? Are potentially more "international" majors such as TESOL and international education offered, and how does the school define these majors?
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What links exist between the college or university and area elementary/secondary schools?
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What field experiences are involved in the program? How many and in what range of classroom environments? What support does the school provide with field work placement and during the experiences? Is there support from a mentoring or cooperating teacher at the school? How is field work integrated with academic study?
- How long does the program last? What degree, degrees, or other credentials will you receive?
