Teacher candidates should apply to the Education Department after completing EDUC 201: Foundations for Teaching in a Multicultural Society. Applications are available from any instructor in the Education Department, on Blackboard or from the office staff in 230 Madeleva.

STEP I - General Education and Introduction to the Profession:

Students must complete STEP 1 (Standards-Based Teacher Education Program) to be admitted to the Education Department.

  • Achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 in general education courses prior to applying for admission to the Education Department,
  • Complete EDUC 201 Foundations For Teaching in a Multicultural Society with a grade of B- or above,
  • Earn the Saint Mary's College Writing Proficiency,
  • Receive a satisfactory evaluation from the EDUC 20l field-based supervisor,
  • Demonstrate basic skills competency (contact the Education Department for specific information)
  • Pass a standardized test of basic academic subjects (English, math, social studies, science) (elementary major only)
  • Submit a formal application to the department
  • Submit acceptable dispositions evaluations

STEP II - Professional Studies and Content Preparation

Students must be admitted to the Education Department prior to beginning courses in Step II.

  • Maintain a cumulative 2.75 GPA
  • Complete all education courses with a grade of C or above
  • Earn the Advanced Writing proficiency (elementary only)
  • Complete all required field experiences at a Developing level or above (minimum five hours per week)
  • Complete and submit the application for student teaching
  • Complete requirements for the Education Portfolio at a Developing level
  • Maintain appropriate teaching dispositions

STEP III - Integrated Studies

  • Maintain a cumulative 2.75 GPA (
  • Complete all Education courses with a grade of C or above
  • Complete the yearlong internship at a Proficient level or above (fall-field/spring-student teaching)
  • Demonstrate proficiency or above in the SMC Performace-based Standards Evaluation
  • Complete the Education Portfolio at the Proficient level or above
  • Maintain appropriate teaching dispositions

License to Teach in Indiana

Completion of Education courses does not guarantee a license to teach in Indiana.
To obtain a license to teach in Indiana, the student:

  • Must have a cumulative 2.5 GPA
  • Must have completed an additional licensure area or college minor in addition to the Elementary Education majorOR the Secondary Education major in addition to a college major approved for Saint Mary's College
  • Must pass state-approved licensing assessment (contact the Education Department for specific information)
  • Must submit the online application for the Indiana original teaching license
  • Must obtain a valid CPR certificate from the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association  http:/www.doe.state.in.us/dps/cpr_certification.html
  • Must show proof of valid CPR/AED/Heimlich certification
  • Must show evidence that the applicant has successfully completed education and training on the prevention of child suicide and the recognition of signs that a student may be considering suicide.