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Teacher candidates must register for EDU 102 E-Folio and EDU 203 Instructional Technology as the first courses in the program. These courses are prerequisites for all other education courses. 

Teacher candidates must complete all requirements associated with the Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education K-6, including all course work and clinical experiences. The College of Education and Liberal Arts sets a required minimum grade of “C-” for all Education core courses (ECE, EDU, RDG, and EPY) and an overall cumulative GPA (grade point average) of 3.0 or higher.

The College of Education and Liberal Arts at Wilmington University reserves the right to modify requirements to comply with any licensure/certification changes mandated by the Delaware State Department of Education

Teacher candidates must pass Praxis II Content Knowledge examinations (as noted above) for licensure/certification as an elementary teacher (grades K-6), prior to receiving a student teaching/internship placement and to register for EDU 451. The Praxis II Content Knowledge examinations must be taken by EDU 391, Practicum II. Taking the Praxis II Content Knowledge examinations is a requirement of registration into EDU 392, Practicum III.

Teacher candidates must designate Wilmington University and the Delaware Department of Education as score recipients at the time the tests are taken.

Fieldwork Requirements

All fieldwork placements are arranged by the Office of Clinical Studies in accordance with school district partnership agreements and placement protocols. However, final placement decisions are made by school district officials in coordination with clinical coordinator and are based on school and district needs and the availability of school-based mentors who are rated as highly qualified and effective. Candidates are not permitted to seek their own placements.

Practicum Courses (Practicum I, II, III)

Each of these three courses requires 60 hours of field experience in an approved school setting plus 30 hours of required seminars. Although Practicum courses only require candidates to register and pay for one (1) credit for each course, the courses are structured as three (3) credit courses. The reason for this approach is to keep the total credit hours required for the degree as low as possible and still meet state certification requirements. Otherwise, candidates would have to register and pay for an additional 6 credits. This benefit represents a tuition cost savings of more than $2,000.

All practicum placements are arranged by the Office of Clinical Studies in accordance with school district partnership agreements and placement protocols. Final placement decisions are made by school district officials in coordination with the Office of Clinical Studies placement specialists. Candidates are not permitted to seek their own placements.  The 60 hours of field experience required for each practicum will usually take place in the county where the candidate resides, although this may vary depending on availability of practicum placement classrooms.

To be considered for placement in a K-6 school setting, teacher candidates must complete the Practicum Fieldwork application in SL&L (Student Learning and Licensure) by the deadlines of February 1 for placement in Fall (September) and August 1 for placement in Spring (January).  At the time of application, a Federal and Delaware CBC (Criminal Background Check) Report, a recent TB/PPD, and a completed CPR (Child Protection Registry Form) are required.  To be eligible for registration into Practicum III, all required Praxis exams must have been attempted.

Capstone Clinical Experience (Student Teaching/Internship)

The capstone clinical experience is a full-time, full-day, Monday through Friday, placement of 80 school days in an approved setting and in a content area/grade level that corresponds to a candidate's program concentration. A full immersion, Yearlong Residency option may also be available. Check with a Program Advisor or Program Chair for more information.

Teacher candidates must apply to the Office of Clinical Studies for a Student Teaching/Internship placement for the Fall semester (September) by February 1 or for the Spring semester (January) by August 1. Student Teaching/Teaching Internship applications are to be submitted electronically in SL&L (Student Learning and Licensure). Applications do NOT take the place of registering for Student Teaching/Internship. Registration and payment of all fees, including laboratory fees for Student Teaching/Internship, are still required. At the time of application, a new Federal and Delaware CBC (Criminal Background Check) Report, a new TB/PPD, and a completed CPR (Child Protection Registry Form) are required. Clearances submitted for Practicum I hold firm for all three Practica: I, II, and III; unless required more frequently by the school or district.   

Placement and registration requirements include the following: Passing and/or Qualifying scores (see above) on the relevant PRAXIS II examinations, a 3.0 grade point average, completion of all teacher preparation and content coursework, a completed application in SL&L (Student Learning and Licensure), and all required clearance items.  All placements are arranged by clinical coordinators in the WilmU Office of Clinical Studies in accordance with school district partnership agreements and protocols. However, final placement decisions are made by school district officials in coordination with the Office of Clinical Studies placement specialists and are based on school and district needs and the availability of school-based mentors who are rated as highly qualified and effective. Candidates are not permitted to seek their own placements.