The Transition to Teaching program (TTT) in the Department of Elementary Education is a 3-semester program designed for those who seek an Indiana teaching license, but have earned a baccalaureate degree in another field of study.  The intensive 24-credit hour program combines course work on the Ball State campus and distance learning with supervised teaching and field learning experiences.

Prospective candidates are expected to have a general content knowledge base.  Coursework in TTT focuses on teaching methods, child development and required reading courses.  The program is developed for the highly motivated individual.  Guided field experiences are intended to expose students to best-teaching practices and to prepare them to serve all students effectively.
 
The program begins with summer semester on the Ball State campus. The initial courses are developed to teach skills and techniques that emphasize application to the classroom. Students will attend both summer sessions to complete courses in the educational psychology of child development, methods courses for math and science education, and the first of two reading courses. Some of the coursework is delivered online, while the methods courses are on-campus learning experiences.

Fall semester includes field experiences and coursework in lesson planning, classroom management and social studies methods. Students observe and participate in a classroom as well as create and implement lesson plans. This is a part-time practicum experience, typically with students in the field 2 days each week. Participants work with a supervised cohort group at a school site near the Indianapolis or Muncie area. The socials studies course is taught during 6 full-day sessions at the BSU Fishers Center. The full days allow for collaborative and hands-on learning combined with field trips and activities.

During the spring semester, students will be in a full-time student teaching placement. The final on-line reading literacy course will be taken concurrently with the student teaching.

Student teaching experiences will be scheduled at various locations throughout our field placement region. Individual situations will be considered in placing students. Highly qualified teachers and university faculty supervise teaching and learning experiences.

Although it is not mandatory, students are encouraged to continue their graduate work to earn a master's degree. Of the graduate level coursework completed in the TTT program, 9 credit hours may be applied toward the master's degree.

Students are selected for the TTT Program based on their application materials, writing skills, and interviews with the Department of Elementary Education.

Admission Requirements

• Hold a bachelors' degree or graduate degree from an accredited university.
• Have a GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) OR a 2.5 or higher GPA plus 5 years of work experience in a field related to your degree.
• Earned passing scores on PRAXIS I (Reading, Mathematics and Writing).
  o Go to www.ets.org and link to PRAXIS for more information.
• Meet all requirements for admission to Ball State University Graduate School. 
  o Go to www.bsu.edu/gradschool for more information.

Admission Procedures

To be considered for candidacy in the TTT Program, an applicant must submit the following:

• Letter of application describing career goals and any life experiences that were the motivation to apply to the program.
• A vita or resume showing career experience since receiving a bachelor's degree.
• A copy of the Praxis I Preprofessional Skills test report confirming passing scores on the reading, mathematics, and writing sections.
• Three (3) letters of references, preferably from those who have directly observed you working with children or youth.  Letters should include how long and in what capacity the writer has known you, your strengths and weaknesses, and any aspects of your background that might contribute to or hinder work as a teacher.
• Official transcripts from all institutions for all completed undergraduate and graduate work, showing a balanced distribution of general knowledge.
• Evidence of acceptance to the Ball State University Graduate School.
• **Prior to any field experiences, a state approved criminal background check www.in.gov/isp.
  

Send all application materials to: Transition to Teaching Teachers College 1008 Ball State University Muncie, IN  47306-0625