Teacher Licensure Process

Students in the MA in Education and Licensure Program earn licensure through the creation of two competency-based portfolios. The Pre-Placement Portfolio, usually a two-semester undertaking, addresses the seven “roles” of the teacher: Inquirer and Reflective Practitioner, Citizen, Facilitator of Student Learning, Learning Specialist and Guide, Scholar and Content Specialist (which includes meeting Vermont content knowledge standards for the specific licensure endorsement area), Curriculum Designer and Implementer, and Observer, Learner and Assistant. Successful completion of the Pre-Placement Portfolio allows students to enter their student teaching semester and begin their Licensure Portfolio.

The Licensure Portfolio is organized around a 15-week student teaching placement, and addresses the 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. The student teaching placement and Licensure Portfolio are usually completed in one semester.