Application Information

Before students may take upper-division education courses, students must apply to be admitted into Teacher Education. Applications are accepted twice per year, and are submitted through Taskstream. Instructions for creating a Taskstream account will be available on this page during specific windows of time (August/September and January/February). Students must meet required admission criteria (GPA, coursework, test scores, etc.) to be considered for admission. 

• Admission for Fall semester: Applications due first Friday in February.
• Admission for Spring semester: Applications due third Friday in September.

Application and Interview workshops, designed to support students through the process, will be conducted prior to the application deadline. Please check your Boise State email for days and times of these workshops. Flyers will also be posted throughout the Education building.

The following materials are required to be included with the application into Teacher Education.  These admissions materials will be submitted electronically through Taskstream. Additional items will be required through Taskstream. 

1) Application Questions – approximately 1 page addressing the following questions:

• What knowledge, skills and dispositions have you obtained in your college experience so far that will make you a strong candidate for the program?
  
• How do you envision your future self as a learner, educator and citizen?
  
• What do you still need to learn in order to achieve your future goals?

2) Written case study response: details will be provided on Taskstream.

If you meet all admission requirements (coursework, GPA, test scores, etc.), you will be invited to participate in a structured interview with members of the Teacher Education Program Admissions Committee.  You will be contacted via email to set up your interview date/time.  Following the interview, you will be notified of the Committee’s decision through a letter posted on Taskstream. 

If you have any questions about the teacher education application process, please contact Shelley Jund (208) 426-2708, shelleyjund@boisestate.edu.

*Please note that the interview process may vary within the Secondary Education programs. Please contact the respective program coordinator for more information.

The interview will consist of two parts: 1) your prepared statement and 2) committee questions. A typed outline of your prepared  statement must be uploaded to Taskstream AT LEAST 24 HOURS prior to your scheduled interview. Assessment criteria for the interview are available on Taskstream.

You will present a clear, concise oral statement of no more than EIGHT MINUTES addressing the following questions:

1. Why do you want to teach?
2. What goals should a good educator attempt to accomplish with students?
3. Which areas of professional skills development do you identify as your strengths and which need more work?
4. What are your future professional goals?

Following your statement presentation, the committee will discuss with you the areas they feel will be most helpful to your professional development. This may involve, but is not limited to, asking questions related to your presentation. The interview is designed to offer you the opportunity to:

• Reflect seriously on the profession of teaching
• Organize and express your thoughts into a personal goal statement
• Exhibit professional behavior and temperament
• Examine indicators for your future success as an educator

Be sure to practice your oral statement so you cover everything you hope to within the time allotted. Clarity and organization are key to a successful presentation. Feel free to discuss any aspect of the interview process with your advisor prior to your interview.

The following information will be evaluated during the Teacher Education interview:

Presentation Skills

Content: Addressed topics assigned; discusses philosophy and reasons for teaching: thoughtful statement with attention to issues of personal and professional value.

Quality: Prepared; properly paced; compelling speaker and insightful communicator; responsive to interview committee questions/comments

Knowledge

Progress in program of study to date: GPA; required coursework; adjudication

Case Study Response: Demonstrates creativity and critical thinking;; organized; connects to self, others, and practice; genuine and purposeful response

Dispositions

Character: Exhibits self-awareness, balance, and humility

Care: Exhibits receptivity, connectivity, and inclusivity

Pedagogical Stance: Exhibits educator identity, adaptability, and capacity for change

Professional Commitment: Exhibits advocacy, professionalism, and dedication

Application Information

To continue to advance through and complete the program, students must apply for admission to the Professional Year. Applications are accepted twice per year, and are submitted through Taskstream.

• If you applied for Teacher Education in Taskstream, you will just log-in to your Taskstream account and go to the “Applications” program. The Professional Year application is in the same area as where you applied for Teacher Education (left-hand column).
• If you did not apply for Teacher Education through Taskstream, but already have a Taskstream account from a course, you will need to follow the “Self-Enrollment” instructions. Instructions will be posted during the open application session.
• If you do not have a Taskstream account at all, you will need to follow all of the previous instructions for applying to Teacher Education.

Students must meet required admission criteria (GPA, coursework, test scores, etc.) to be considered for admission.

• Admission for Fall semester: Applications due first Friday in February.
• Admission for Spring semester: Applications due third Friday in September.

The following materials are required to be included with the application into Professional Year:

1. Background Check and Fingerprints: students can pick up and drop off background check forms at the Office of Teacher Education on the 7th floor of the Education building. There are packets and a drop off box on the outside door of the Education department. If you believe that you have clearance from another agency, please confirm with the Office of Teacher Education. Documentation must be submitted to the Office of Teacher Education by the application deadline.
2. Praxis II scoresheets: Each degree will have a specific set of Praxis II exams to be taken. Please confirm the appropriate exam numbers with your advisor. Praxis II exams must be completed/passed PRIOR to applying for professional year. Note that receipt of official scores can take up to four weeks following the test date.

If you have any questions about the professional year application process, please contact Lori Pierce-French (208) 426-1528, lfrench@boisestate.edu.