Prepare to teach PreK-12 grades
Do you want to teach music or theatre? Spanish? Health and P.E.? Welcome to the all grades Teacher Education Program (grades PreK-12) at Bridgewater College.
Bridgewater College provides a state‑approved program for the preparation of PreK-12 teachers. If you successfully complete this program and pass the PRAXIS Core Mathematics, Virginia Communications and Literacy Assessment (VCLA), Reading for Virginia Educators (PreK–6 only) and PRAXIS II within individual content certification areas, you will receive licensure in Virginia and may receive initial licensure to teach in many other states through reciprocal certification contracts.
You should apply to the All Grades Teacher Education Program for grades PreK-12 to be licensed to teach in any of the following areas:
- Health and Physical Education
- Music, vocal and instrumental
- Spanish
- Theatre Arts
- Visual Arts
- English as a Secondary Language endorsement
Once you are accepted to the program, you major in your chosen content field, complete the general education requirements and complete the required Teacher Education Program courses.
You should apply to the Secondary Teacher Education Program for 6-12 licensure, if you wish to teach one of the following: biology, chemistry, English, family and consumer sciences, history and social studies, or physics. If you wish to teach in elementary schools, you should apply to the PreK-6 Elementary Teacher Education Program.
Candidates in any of the three programs may also seek an add-on endorsement in Algebra I and/or Driver Education.
If you are a transfer candidate, you should meet with a member of the education department as soon as you arrive at Bridgewater to plan your education course sequence.
Specific requirements for licensure can be found in the College Catalog.
Required Courses Meet the Faculty
Program Transition Points
All candidates for teacher certification must complete a series of steps called Program Transition Points.
Technology Competencies
Candidates seeking certification to teach are required to meet all minimum technology competencies identified by the Virginia Department of Education. All courses in the education department emphasize the use of instructional technology in preparing teachers for today’s schools.
Professional Student Teaching Semester
During your senior year, you will enroll in your professional student teaching experience for an entire 15-week semester. Candidates seeking an add-on endorsement in ESL will student teach in two separate placements for a total of 18 weeks.
