Applying for Supervised Teaching in Indiana

This month I'm wrapping up all the requirements to be met to submit my application to do my supervised teaching. I love it that student teaching is the only portion of the online education degree from WGU Indiana that I have to leave the house for. But, for me it's a grueling experience simply because I want to get through it a little faster than the original plan calls for.

I think that many people are under the impression that an online education degree or getting a license to teach online is an easy thing to do. Let me clear that up right now. If anything, getting a degree to teach online is more difficult than it would be if I actually attended a school. That's because there is no teacher to tell me when an assignment due or anything like that. It's a trial of self motivation. With that being said, know that WGU Indiana does a fantastic job of guiding students through the process. I don't talk to automated systems. I don't wait days for a call back, if I even have to leave a message. I get my answers the same day every time.

Just so you know basically what has to be done to apply to do the supervised teaching in Indiana, let me give you a general breakdown. Note that this is just to apply and does not include what you have to get done before you actually do the supervised teaching through WGU Indiana in an Indiana school.

Complete Praxis I and Praxis II, as well as having any other Praxis exams scheduled by the date set: For instance, I'm doubling up and becoming licensed for Special Ed. as well as Elementary Ed., so I have to take content exams for both of those. If I want to do supervised teaching in January, I have to have those exams scheduled to be taken by July 31.

Meet Basic education requirements: Basically this means that you have to have all the general ed classes done. These are classes that pretty much every student has to take, regardless of their major.

Professional documents turned in: You'll need to have submitted a resume, professional photo, thumbnail photo and your teaching philosophy. Note that the photo you submit to be approved is not necessarily the one you have to use when you apply to schools.

Specific Exams: These are exams that assess your general knowledge of the legalities and responsibilities of the education system.

Submit background check: You'll have to get a background check done and submit it to WGU Indiana. You can get your Indiana background check online for less than $20.

Pass at least one specific task: Once you get into the program, you'll be dealing with a program that lists tasks for you to do. Once you get beyond the general studies, there are specific tasks that need to be done to how your understanding not o subjects, but how to teach subjects. One of those tasks need to be done to be able to apply for the supervised teaching.

Submit application for supervised teaching: Once all of the requirements have been met, you submit your application for student teaching by the date specified. For me, it has to be done by May 31 if I want to do supervised teaching in January.

So there you have it. An education degree online isn't easy, but Indiana needs good teachers if we're going to move forward.