Frequently Asked Questions by School of Education Students

 

The Student Concerns Committee strives to be as helpful to School of Education students as possible. Following is a list of FAQ’s and appropriate responses.  If you have other questions to add, please contact the Student Concerns Committee via the Digital Suggestion Box.

 

What are the requirements for admission to TEP and the alternative masters programs (ATEP)?

Application for Admission to TEP

Alternative Masters Information Packet

 

What scholarships are available and how do I apply?

·           School of Education Scholarships 

 

If I attempt to register for a required education course and there are no seats left, what should I do?

If you must have that particular course, contact the instructor to see if he/she will add you. If the course is not required for your major, meet with your advisor to see what other course options you have. 

 

What are the total number of field hours required during Pre-TEP and TEP?

This number will vary from program to program and should be addressed through the department that your major is in.

 

Where do I get certain School of Education forms such as the application for degree, certification, drop/add, and permission to take a course at another institution?

You must go to the Office of Student Services, located in room 100 of the Education Building. Please call (205) 934-7530 if you would like an appointment.

 

Where do I go to get information about financial aid?

Contact the Financial Aid Office

 

How do I study for comps – any tips? How are comps graded and what happens if I fail comps?

Each Department may have different requirements; contact the department that your major is in for tips, study guides, deadlines for sign up, re-taking comps as well as other related questions.

 

What is the Alabama Prospective Teacher Testing Program (APTTP) and who has to take it?

Most every APTTP question can be answered on the Alabama Department of Education website.

 

What is Praxis II and which test do I need to take? When do I take it?

Complete information may be found at the Alabama Department of Education website.  Students should take PRAXIS II during the semester before they student teach

 

Where do I go to express a frustration or to make a request/recommendation?

This will depend on the type of the frustration/request/recommendation. Formal UAB procedures for academic and nonacademic grievances can be found on page 44 of the current catalog.

 

If I relocate and I am due to student teach, can I student teach outside the Birmingham area?

You will need to contact the Office of Clinical Experiences, EB 222, (205) 975-5777 for further information.

 

When do I need to complete my fingerprinting and background check?

For those graduating in May or August 2007, anytime before graduation. For everyone who will be admitted to TEP or ATEP for Spring 2007 or Summer 2007, you must be cleared before student teaching. For everyone ready for TEP or ATEP admission Fall 2007 or beyond, you must be cleared before admission to TEP or ATEP.

 

How do I get fingerprinted and apply for a background check?  How much does it cost?

Go to Education Building Room 100 for required forms, then go to any police department for fingerprinting. The state currently needs a $49 postal money order (made out to them) to process the prints. Some police departments may charge a fee.  You may set up an appointment with the UAB Police Department for finger printing services.

 

If I have an Alabama teaching certificate, will it be good in other states?

Likely, but not always…and sometimes states “add” other requirements (acceptable Praxis II score could be different). Contact the Department of Education fand inquire about the state's individual requirements.

 

How much do the following cost?

• Internship application? $0

• Registering for PRAXIS/APTTP? Check PRAXIS/APTTP webpage for current pricing

• Certification application? $20 per certificate in postal money order form (early childhood/elementary get two certificates) + $5 personal check to UAB for official transcript to go with application

• Degree application? $50 diploma fee billed to student

Deadlines for the following?

• Applying for graduation? undergrads – no later than the 10th day of the semester in which they wish to graduate; graduate students – varies by term but 6 months in advance is the best rule of thumb
• Applying for comps? Contact your department for deadlines
• Submitting portfolios? Contact your department for deadlines
• Registering for the PRAXIS? The  semester before you student teach

Suggested UAB website for help:

Ask Blaze!