College of Education

Top Ten Frequently Asked Questions

  1. When and how am I admitted to Butler's Teacher Education Program?

    Near the end of the sophomore year, you must apply for admission to Teacher Education. To be admitted you must meet the following criteria:

    • Recommendation by the College Committee or the senior college
    • Cumulative grade point average of 2.5
    • Completion of approved professional education courses with a grade point average of 2.5 or better and no grade less than a C (C- is not acceptable). These courses are: ED 112, ED 245, ED 241, ED 242, and ED 244
    • Satisfactory completion of appropriate clinical and field experiences.
    • A grade of C- in the major or any education course must be repeated or with the advisor's permission, a class may be substituted and a grade of C or above attained.
    • Satisfactory progress in completing requirements for a specific major must be met.
  2. How do I know which courses to take and when to take them?

    Curriculum sheets, a four year planning sheet and regular consultation with your academic advisor will assure that you are on the right track. All program curriculum requirement sheets are available on our website under Student Resources.

  3. What is the Praxis I exam and when do I take it?

    Praxis I is the exam required by Butler University and the State of Indiana. It assesses basic proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics. It must be successfully passed by no later than the end of the freshman year in order to proceed with courses in the College of Education. Extensive information on Praxis is available at www.ets.org/praxis.

    Preparation information is also available at Indiana's virtual library "Inspire Indiana" at http://www.in.gov/library/info.html. Select "search databases" and go to "Testing and Education". Choose "Praxis" and from there you can see sample questions, study materials and even take a test in preparation for your real Praxis exam.

  4. Which Praxis II exams do I take and when do I take them?

    Praxis II exams are specialty exams based on the license you are pursuing. You must take the required Praxis II exams for all areas that will be on your original license. See the Praxis II section in Testing for the Indiana Teacher Licensing Tests required in the State of Indiana. It is recommended that tests be taken and successfully completed prior to your final semester of student teaching.

  5. How do I sign up to take the Praxis exam?

    The Praxis website is the best way to get the latest testing information, news and more. Visit www.ets.org/praxis. For Praxis I, you may also contact a Sylvan Learning Prometric Testing Center at the Sylvan site. Local ones are listed under the Praxis testing information.

  6. How do I apply to student teach?

    You file a student teaching application (see Student Teaching) with the Director of Student Personnel Services in January of the academic year prior to student teaching. It is important that you consult with your advisor during the fall advising period to be sure that you are eligible and that you establish a December date for your advisor to review your application prior to submission in January.

  7. When do I find out where I will be student teaching?

    All confirmed student teaching placements will be available at the spring orientation meeting prior to the academic year of student teaching.

  8. What is a self-managed credential file?

    All students develop and maintain their own credential file to assist them in their job search. The credential file contains a cover letter, resume, candidate's statement, two or more letters of recommendation and other documentation the student may choose to include.

  9. How do I apply for my Indiana State Teaching License?

    Submit your application online just prior to graduation at www.doe.in.gov/dps/licensing/online_licensing.html. In order to be eligible for recommendation for licensure, you must meet the following criteria:

    • Meet all university requirements for graduation or completion of a non-degree graduate licensure program.
    • Receive favorable final evaluations from the cooperating teacher and University supervisor with a grade of Pass with Validation (PV) assigned by the appropriate faculty member.
    • Attain passing scores on the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST, PRAXIS I), the appropriate Praxis II exams, and any other standardized tests that are required.
    • Complete and submit all license application materials including proof of CPR/Heimlich certification.
    • Meet all state requirements for licensure in effect at the time of program completion including the recommendation for licensure by the License Advisor for the University.
  10. How do I apply for an out of state teaching license?

    Indiana has license reciprocity with over 40 states. This means that a person holding an Indiana State Teacher's License and applies to any of the reciprocal states is granted a one-year license while the license holder's qualifications are examined and compared to the licensing requirements of the new state. Further details are available by contacting each state through the information provided under Teacher Licensing.