The mission of the Department of Education is to provide effective and affective educational leaders for global learning communities.
Our candidates, both undergraduate and graduate, are prepared to be:
All Marymount University teacher education programs are approved by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Virginia State Department of Education. Program requirements are subject to revision based on changes in the Commonwealth of Virginia licensure requirements. More than 30 other states share reciprocity with Virginia.
In October 1998, the U.S. Congress enacted amendments to the Higher Education Act (HEA). As amended, Title II of the HEA addressed the issue of the quality of teacher preparation by including new accountability measures including reporting requirements for institutions and states on teacher preparation and licensing. As required by the Act, the results of those who completed the Marymount University Education program during the 2002-2003 academic year (graduated in December 2002, spring 2003, and summer 2003) are listed here.
Elementary Education (PK-6)
Secondary Education (6-12)
English as a Second Language (K-12)*
Learning Disabilities (K-12)
School Counseling (elementary, middle, or secondary)
*Note: The ESL program is offered in cooperation with the School of Arts and Sciences.
Formal application for admission to the teacher education programs is required. In addition to the Universitywide graduate admission requirements, applicants to the M.Ed. program must submit the following items to be considered for acceptance:
The Education programs require completion of all methods coursework, presentation of a professional portfolio, a successful student-teaching experience, and passing scores on the Praxis I and appropriate Praxis II specialty area tests.
The University does not accept credit on standardized tests such as the CLEP toward coursework required for any graduate Education program.
Upon completion of all licensure requirements, students submit an Application for Initial Virginia Licensure to the School of Education and Human Services and are recommended by the faculty to the Commonwealth of Virginia for endorsement.
Note: Once admitted to a master's program, a maximum of five years is allowed for completion.
Education students must achieve satisfactory progress each semester. Failure to meet requirements for progression to any course or portion of the program will result in review by the Admissions and Academic Standards Committee and may result in dismissal from the program.
Student teaching is the culmination of the Marymount teacher-education program and reflects the degree to which a student will be effective as a classroom teacher. Students register for student teaching through Marymount University irrespective of the geographic location of the placement site.
Student-teachers are supervised by a faculty member in the School of Education and Human Services and by an on-site cooperating teacher. The student-teaching experience requires full-time commitment during the student-teaching semester. Students should consult the Marymount University Student-Teaching Handbook for full information on student teaching.
Placement is available in public schools in Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, and Prince Williams counties; Alexandria, Falls Church, and the District of Columbia; the Diocese of Arlington; the Archdiocese of Washington; and in other accredited private schools. Placement is made in conjunction with the local school districts and no particular placement can be guaranteed. Transportation to and from the cooperating school is the responsibility of the student. If student teaching out of the local area is necessary, the student must meet the written requirements available from the coordinator of Clinical Experiences.
Placement for student teaching is dependent upon the School's and faculty's judgement regarding the student's performance in both coursework and field placement.
The practice of teaching is regulated by state laws. Questions concerning licensure in a specific state should be directed to that state's Board of Education. Students may be required to submit a national criminal background check before being placed as a student-teacher. The cost of the investigation (approximately $50) may be borne by the student.