Teacher Licensure Process

The licensure process requires three semesters of studies, and students earn licensure through the creation of two competency-based portfolios. The first portfolio, The Pre-Student Teaching Portfolio, is a two-semester undertaking during which students document their general education knowledge and the content knowledge for their chosen endorsement area. Successful completion of the Pre-Student Teaching Portfolio allows students in Goddard’s low residency Education and Licensure Program to enter their student teaching semester.

Licensure candidates student teach for 13-weeks in their home area under the guidance of a licensed mentor teacher and with the support of their Goddard faculty advisor. Student teaching culminates in each licensure candidate successfully completing a second portfolio, The Final Licensure Portfolio. This performance-based portfolio addresses the licensure student’s relationship to self, others, and society, as well as their mastery of Vermont teacher content area and performance standards. The Licensure Portfolio includes documentation of: teaching episodes, an understanding of how students learn, ability to modify instruction, accommodation of special needs students, teaching over time, colleagueship and advocacy experiences, and self-reflection and vision, including a personal educational philosophy.

Goddard’s licensure process balances a student-centered program of studies with the state and national requirements for initial teacher licensure. Goddard’s low residency formats underscores the importance of placed base education, supporting working adults to remain in their community to complete undergraduate or graduates degree with licensure.