Office of Teacher Certification

The OTC, or Office of Teacher Certification at Plymouth State University, is primarily responsible for the field and clinical experiences that lead to teacher certification in New Hampshire. PSU’s teacher certification programs are approved by the New Hampshire Department of Education and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). We are also a member of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE).

The OTC works with the Council of Teacher Education to ensure the effectiveness, accreditation and approval of teacher preparation programs. The Council is responsible for the development, administration, revision and assessment of all teacher education programs.

Assessments used in student teaching indicate that our teacher candidates meet and exceed professional, state and institutional standards and have a positive effect on student learning, K-12. The OTC collaborates with school district partners, the state department of education and other educational agencies to maximize the learning experiences of teacher candidates. Our clinical experiences are characterized by collaboration, accountability and professionalism in continually improving learning environments.

Road to Teacher Certification

Student Gate Requirements

Access Student Gate System HERE

Program Coordinators HERE

Gate 1: Teacher Certification Candidacy

Freshman or Sophomore year

1. Teacher Certification Candidacy Application
2. Passing Praxis 1 Scores    —    Praxis information HERE
3. Faculty Evaluation of Teacher Candidate (2 required)   ( DO NOT PRINT OUT THIS FORM. Please ask faculty to fill out online form)
4. Cumulative GPA of 2.5

Gate 2: Student Teaching Application
(one year prior to student teaching)

End of Junior year/Start of Senior year

1. Student Teaching Application
2. Curriculum Planning Guide (make an appointment at Undergraduate Advising Mary Lyon 034 )
3. Cumulative Department GPA of 2.5/2.7 (GPA Requirements)

Gate 3: Acceptance into Student Teaching

Senior year

The Student Teaching Application Packet, requirements 1-3, must be completed by the Student Teacher Candidate before placement is considered.

1. Resumé (email to: teacher_cert@plymouth.edu)
2. Professional Statement (email to: teacher_cert@plymouth.edu)
3. Placement Information Sheet (Word) (Fill In)  (Signed by department coordinator)
4. Department Approval
5. Cumulative GPA of 2.5/2.7  (GPA Requirements)
6. Seminar 1 – Preparing for Student Teaching
7. Seminar 2 – Student Teaching Rules and Regulations
8. Student Teaching Registration
9. Placement Confirmation One () (PDF)
10. Placement Confirmation Two (if applicable)

Gate 4: Student Teaching and Program
Completion
Senior year

1. Observation Form One – Clinical Faculty Forms
2. Observation Form Two – Clinical Faculty Forms
3. First Site/Midterm Evaluation – Clinical Faculty Forms
4. Second Site/Final Evaluation – Clinical Faculty Forms
5. First Site/Midterm Evaluation – Mentor Teacher Forms
6. Second Site/Final Evaluation – Mentor Teacher Forms
7. Seminar 3– Preparing for Employment
8. Seminar 4 – Program Assessment, Closure to Student Teaching, and Certification
9. Eligible for Certification (See requirements listed below)

Upon completion of Gates 1-4

Degree Statement

NHDOE Requirements

Gate: The term gate is commonly used by NCATE accredited colleges and universities to describe their decision points in their candidate and unit assessment systems. A gate is a level of attainment that clearly communicates how far you have progressed on the road to certification.