Admission, Program, and Progression Policies

Admission/transfer requirements are noted in the front section of the University Catalog. Transfer students must be in good academic standing with a 2.75 GPA at their previous college to be accepted into Molloy University as an education major.
Teacher candidates are responsible for all transportation to and from their field school placements. All field school placements are scheduled when elementary, middle and secondary schools are in session.
In compliance with New York State Education Department criteria, at least one of the field placements will be in a high-needs diverse school district. Teacher candidates agree to accept all placements arranged by the Field Placement Office. It is the recommendation of the Field Placement Office that they seek different school districts for each placement.
Teacher candidates agree to accept all placements arranged by the Field Placement Office. It is the recommendation of the Field Placement Office that they seek different school districts for each placement.
Teacher candidates must have an overall 3.00 cumulative index and be of sophomore status prior to beginning education courses. They must maintain a 3.00 cumulative index while in the undergraduate education program.

Teacher candidates in the Dual Degree Program (5-year) must have a 3.2 cumulative index before beginning their graduate education courses.

Teacher candidates in the Baccalaureate Program (4-year) hey must maintain a 3.00 cumulative index while in the education program.

Teacher candidates in the Dual Degree Program (5-year) must maintain a 3.2 cumulative index while in the education program.

Teacher candidates must have a 2.75 GPA in their academic content major and be of sophomore status prior to beginning education courses. They must also maintain a 2.75 cumulative average in their content area while in the Education Program.
Teacher candidates must earn a minimum grade of "B" in English composition (ENG 1100). If a teacher candidate does not attain a minimum grade of "B" in ENG 1100, then they must take ENG 1200, a one-credit course in English composition, where a minimum grade of "B" is required. This writing requirement must be completed prior to taking education courses.
Transfer students must provide evidence of achievement of a grade of "B" or better for the transfer course equivalent to Molloy's ENG 1100. A photocopy of the transcript indicating the letter grade must be submitted to the advisor. (For AP Exam credits for ENG 1100, a score of 4 or better is equivalent to a "B" when ENG 1100 transfer credits are awarded).
Teacher candidates are required to have a Molloy email account and check it daily for important program announcements.
Any student not registered in the Education Program must obtain permission from the Dean and/ or Director of the Undergraduate Education Program to take any courses in the Education Program.
Prior to taking education courses, teacher candidates must attend a mandatory orientation session regarding program requirements. This orientation takes place each semester and is announced through Molloy e-mail.
All teacher candidates will be interviewed by the School of Education and Human Services faculty prior to taking education courses.
Transfer students who wish to enter either the Baccalaureate Program (4-year) or Dual Degree Program (5-year) must apply to Molloy University through the Admissions Office and have their transcripts evaluated.
All transfer students must complete one full semester at Molloy University in general education and content area courses before taking education courses. The GPA must be a minimum of 3.00 in their first semester at Molloy University.

Reading and Writing Proficiency

Teacher candidates are screened upon admission. English courses and remediation are assigned based on students’ performance.

Teacher candidates must submit writing-on-demand samples throughout the program. If the writing sample or coursework does not meet School of Education and Human Services standards for prospective teachers, the teacher candidate will be required to participate in recommended support services including, but not limited to, sessions at the Writing Center or small group tutorials.

Grading Policy

Teacher candidates in the Baccalaureate Program (4-year) must attain a grade of B- or better in all education courses. Any candidate who receives a grade lower than the required grade in any education course must repeat the course the next time it is offered. The candidate may not take any other undergraduate education courses until the required grade is achieved. A course may be repeated only once. Failure to maintain the required grade when taking a course for the second time necessitates withdrawal from the program. Failure of more than one course necessitates withdrawal from the program. Candidates who have been withdrawn from the program due to academic failure may not be readmitted to the program.

A positive evaluation must be received from the cooperating teacher of the field observation (EDU 2300) in order to receive a grade and progress to the next semester. It is the teacher candidate’s responsibility to ensure that the written evaluation from the field placement experience is collected in a timely manner and submitted to the field office.

A positive evaluation must be received from both the field supervisor and the cooperating teacher during pre-student teaching in order to be recommended for progression to the next semester.

After student teaching, positive evaluations must be received from both the field supervisor and the cooperating teachers in order to be recommended for New York State initial teaching certification. New York State Workshops titled Child Abuse Identification and Reporting, Dignity for All Students (DASA), and School Violence Prevention and Intervention must be completed to be recommended for graduation and state certification. All teacher candidates must be fingerprinted, as required by the New York State Education Department prior to starting the first field experience.

Teacher candidates are required to attend a minimum of six professional workshops prior to graduation in order to be recommended for graduation and state certification. A written critique of workshops must be submitted as evidence of attendance.

Candidates who begin the first semester of the Dual Degree Program (5-year) and do not meet progression criteria may opt to transfer into the Baccalaureate Program (4-year) if they meet the program criteria. If these program criteria are not met, the candidates will be required to return to the liberal arts and sciences content major field of study in order to complete the Baccalaureate Degree.

Teacher candidates who have not fulfilled the prerequisite and progression requirements of the program will not be admitted to subsequent classes.

Signature Assignments

All teacher candidates are to submit signature assignments on their "Anthology" electronic portfolio account in all education courses. Upon registering for their first education course, all undergraduate students will register for EDU 1000, e-portfolio, and receive a five-year subscription to "Anthology Portfolio." All signature assignments must be submitted by the due dates required by the instructor. If signature assignments are not submitted on time, teacher candidates may receive a failing grade for that assignment and will not be able to progress to the next phase of coursework.

Dispositions for Teaching

Dispositions for teaching are introduced at the beginning of the Undergraduate Education Program and are periodically assessed throughout the program with a formal assessment of disposition at the end of the program. Candidates who evidence a lack of proper dispositions for teaching may be counseled out of the teacher education program and advised to investigate other careers. If necessary, candidates will be required to meet with the School Dean, Program Director and ultimately with the Dispositions Committee. Candidates may not invite additional persons to this meeting. The decision of the Dispositions Committee is final. Candidates who consistently demonstrate a lack of dispositions needed for teaching will be required to withdraw from the teacher education program.

New York State Teaching Certification

Teacher candidates who successfully complete the requirements of the university, their specific education program and pass the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations will be eligible for initial certification to teach in New York State. Upon successful completion of the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations, a graduate degree in an acceptable field, and of three years teaching experience, the teacher may be able to apply for New York State Professional Certification.

Candidates completing the five-year dual degree program are awarded both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree and are recommended by Molloy University for Initial Teaching Certification. Upon successful completion of the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations and of three years teaching experience, the teacher may be able to apply for New York State Professional Certification.

Note: The Molloy University School of Education and Human Services reserves the right to make necessary changes in programs and courses in response to regulations received from the New York State Education Department regarding teacher certification policies. These changes become effective according to dates specified by the New York State Education Department.