Educator Preparation

Individuals interested in programs leading to licensure and who are seeking teaching as a career must formally apply for admission to the Educator Preparation Program at Cumberland University. The following outlines the progression candidates must follow:

STEPP I:

Undergraduate candidates consult with their advisors to schedule an interview upon successful completion of ED 201 and ED 230.  MAT candidates consult with their advisors and schedule an interview upon successful completion of MAT 5180 and MAT 5080 or at the end of the first semester of coursework.  STEPP I ratings are based on expectations outlined by the InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards and Learning Progressions for Teachers 1.0. 

Undergraduate eligibility requirements:

  • minimum ACT of 21+ or SAT1080+ or passing scores on PRAXIS Core Academic Tests
  • minimum cumulative GPA 2.75
  • clear criminal background check
  • two disposition ratings (ED 201 and ED 230 instructors) Transfer students should obtain one from a professor from former institution and one from a field experience hosting teacher. (Transfer students should contact khobson@cumberland.edu to obtain the link for the rating forms.)
  • candidate Writing Sample (minimum score of 3 on 5-point scoring rubric)

Graduate eligibility requirements:

  • full admission to Cumberland University
  • Miller’s Analogies or Graduate Record Exam
  • minimum cumulative GPA 3.0
  • clear criminal background check
  • two disposition ratings (MAT 5180 and MAT 5080 or first two courses). Candidates should contact khobson@cumberland.edu to obtain the link for the rating forms.
  • candidate writing sample (minimum score of 3 on 5-point scoring rubric)

STEPP II:

Traditional undergraduate and graduate candidates participate in the STEPP II process during the semester prior to their student teaching semester.  All candidates must be approved for student teaching through the STEPP II process.  STEPP II ratings are based on expectations outlined by the InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards and Learning Progressions for Teachers 1.0.  Each candidate must meet with his or her advisor to  determine eligibility and apply for STEPP II.

STEPP III:

Traditional undergraduate and graduate candidates participate in the STEPP III process at the end of their first placement of student teaching. All candidates must be approved to continue to their second placement in student teaching through the STEPP III process.

Required Background Check:

Prospective licensure candidates entering a school-based field experience must present a clear background check/fingerprinting report to the Educator Preparation Program that is current within a two year time frame. For more information about the process of obtaining a new or renewal background check/fingerprinting report, contact Karen Hobson (khobson@cumberland.edu).

Disposition Ratings:

Ratings of critical dispositions are obtained and reviewed during the STEPP I and STEPP II transition points. The critical dispositions ratings are based on expectations outlined by the InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards and Learning Progressions for Teachers 1.0.