Current Student Resources

If you are a high school student taking dual enrollment courses with the goal of becoming a teacher candidate, we have compiled a list of courses we feel are most beneficial to help you towards this goal. Check out our Dual Enrollment Tips for High School Students page.

You will need to purchase a Tk20 by Watermark account once during your time at Alma College. The Education Department uses this system for Application to the Teacher Education Program, Application for Student Teaching,  Placement courses and during Student Teaching.

Link to Tk20

We get you into the classroom, early and often.

As a teacher candidate, you will have a minimum of three classroom placement experiences prior to student teaching. These placement courses place you in a “home” classroom where you will work closely with that teacher to observe, assist and gain hands-on experience with children. Classroom placements are typically within a half hour of our campus. Every effort is made to place students without a car close to campus where the use of public transportation is possible. Students are able to use the Alma Dial a Ride Transportation (DART) service for free by showing their Alma College ID.

A few things you will need for your placements…

• Medical Insurance
• Classroom appropriate attire (teacher clothes)
• Background check*
• Name badge*
• Transportation plan
• An active account with Tk20 by Watermark
• An eagerness to learn and to teach!

*For your placements, you will need to complete an annual background check through DHHS and purchase a name badge to wear while in the schools. The DHHS check is free of charge and the Education Department will assist you with this process. Name badges are purchased once in the financial services offices for a cost of $2.50.

Program Specific Placement Information

• Early Childhood Field Placements
• Elementary Education Field Placements
• Secondary Education Field Placements
• Special Education - Learning Disabilities Field Placements

Additional information about placements is available on Almapedia (AC log-in required).

We are excited you want to be a teacher!

If you wish to be considered as a teacher candidate, you must complete an Application for Admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP). Students are usually sophomores when they apply. If you are a transfer student, check with the Education Department. We may want you to apply during your first year on campus.

Application process

Watch your AC email account for information about the application process. We usually gather interested applicants in a meeting in November. If you bring your laptop, you will be able to complete most of the application during the meeting session.

• Attend the applicant meeting
  • Bring your laptop
  • Must have an active Tk20 account for application
• Review requirements:
  • Admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP)

    The Education Department reviews all applicants and judges their suitability for entrance to the program during the student’s sophomore year; students who decide to seek teacher certification after the sophomore year can be admitted late but may require extra time to complete the program. For full approval students must have the following:

    1. A completed application (on Tk20) for admission to the TEP submitted by the deadline.
    2. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
    3. Demonstrate proficiency in writing and mathematics as determined by Alma College.
    4. Provide scores in reading, math, and writing on a nationally normed assessment.
    5. Evidence that the applicant has dispositions conducive to success in the teaching profession (as indicated by disposition assessment forms, Student Life reports, the recommendation of the Education Department, and a Felony Conviction Statement confirming that the student has not been convicted of any act contributing to the delinquency of a minor or involving moral turpitude).
    6. Good standing - student life. 
    7. All majors(s) and minor(s) must be declared through the Registrar’s Office at the time of TEP application.

    Be aware that these requirements are subject to change in accordance with state or national accreditation mandates. 

• Submit your application by the January 15 deadline.

• Application Review
  • We will review your application and make sure you meet the requirements for approval. The Education Department typically meets in late February to make TEP application decisions.
• Application Results
  • Watch your inbox for an email informing you that your Report of Action is available to review in Tk20.

Here is some additional Teacher Education Program Information that we share with applicants.

Planning to Student Teach during the next academic year?

You will need to complete an Application for Student Teaching. Most students apply during their Junior year, but check with your advisor or with the Education Department.

Application Process

Watch your AC email account for information about the application process. If you completed a TEP Application last year, we will have you on our email list. There are two application forms to complete on Tk20, so make sure you pay attention to deadlines.

• Application Review
  
  • We will review your application and make sure you meet the requirements for approval. The Education Department typically meets in late February to make application decisions.
• Application Results
  • Watch your inbox for an email informing you that your Report of Action is available to review in Tk20.

Student teaching is one full semester after completion of all of your education courses. It can be done within 90 minutes of the campus or with the Chicago Center program.

Elementary and Secondary Education

• Student Teaching Handbook

Early Childhood Education

• Early Childhood Student Teaching Handbook

Special Education - Learning Disabilities

• Special Education Student Teaching Handbook