Program Description
Vermont State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Inclusive Adolescent Education program is intended for students seeking licensure in Art (PK-12), Science, Social Studies, Math, English, Dance, and Theater (7-12). Students seeking recommendation for licensure in the content areas above will double major in Inclusive Adolescent Education as well as in a content area major.*
With careful planning, a full-time student can complete the degree in four years, earning recommendation for a Level I Professional Educator’s License with an endorsement in their content area issued by the Vermont Agency of Education. This license is required to work as a public-school teacher in Vermont; it also is recognized and accepted by all other states who have signed the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. By completing the program requirements, students will be on a pathway towards recommendation for an endorsement in special education (grades 7-age 21). Students interested in pursuing their special education endorsement would only need to earn an additional 6 credits to complete this path.
Careful attention is given to the growth of children as individuals whose ideas, interests, joys, strengths, and challenges are formed within a community. The program focuses on action research, collaboration, social justice, inclusivity, diversity, equity, inclusion, democracy, critical perspectives, inquiry, creativity, advocacy, theory into practice, and education as a public good.
Students declare Inclusive Adolescent Education as a second academic major to accompany their content-area major (e.g., science, math, English, art). They should apply to a VTSU Teacher Education Program after completing their first education course. Throughout the program, students enroll in a series of Teacher Education Workshops (TEWs) that outline licensure requirements, policies, and procedures. Note: Declaring a major in Inclusive Adolescent Education is not the same as being accepted into a Teacher Education Program
*VTSU students pursuing recommendation for licensure with endorsements in (a) Music Education (BM.EDU) or (b) Physical Education (BS.PED) or (c) Health Promotion (BS.HLP) do not enroll in the Inclusive Adolescent Education major. VTSU students pursuing recommendation for licensure with an endorsement in Career & Technical Education do not enroll in the Inclusive Adolescent Education major.
As an Education Department, we work to design learning experiences for VTSU students based on a foundational set of values. These values include (and are not limited to): action research, community, collaboration, social justice, inclusivity, diversity, equity, inclusion, democracy, critical perspectives, inquiry, creativity, challenging the status quo, advocacy for students, theory into practice, and education as a public good.
Program Outcomes
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Analyze the inequities embedded in the US PK-12 public education system and identify strategies for action and change;
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Collaborate with community stakeholders in PK-12 educational systems to advocate for student needs;
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Use theory, inquiry, creativity, critical thinking, and research to investigate historical and contemporary problems and issues in PK-12 educational systems;
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Envision, design, and build inclusive learning environments;
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Critically reflect on their roles as advocates, colleagues, and educators in their communities.
