In the School of Teacher Education and Leadership, students in our Teacher Education (Interdisciplinary Studies) degree learn to become highly skilled educators through hands-on, practical experiences. With five concentrations, our students are prepared to become teachers of children from birth through grade 12. Our reputation is nationally renowned for preparing responsive and engaged professionals who teach, lead, and serve.
Internship Experience:
All IDS (Education) majors are required to complete internship experiences in their concentration. The College of Education and Human Development Office of Field Experience coordinates the these experiences. Internships take place in public-school classrooms and state-approved agencies and typically require 20 hours per week each semester in which they are required. For students seeking teacher licensure, a semester-long, full-time student teaching experience is also required.
Graduates of our program are recognized for their:
Educator Career Outlook:
Graduates of our program have a near 100% job placement rate within 6 months of completion.
Starting pay varies by region. $48,000 is the common average salary for teachers with a bachelor’s degree in the first year of their career.
This degree also prepares you to enter graduate programs to become literacy specialists, educational leaders, or curriculum specialists.
Admission requirements for the Teacher Education Program varies by concentration. Refer to the course catalog for concentration-specific requirements.
Students planning to become teachers can be part of the Schoolhouse Living and Learning Community as early as freshman year, join the Student Virginia Educator’s Association, and be inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi honor society.
While studying the fundamentals of teaching, you’ll apply your learning in a variety of teaching contexts—from after-school tutoring and reading programs to formal internship and student teaching experiences. You will assist in a classroom for about 20 hours per week during formal internships and your final semester will culminate with full-time student teaching.
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