The Academics of the Teacher Preparation Program
The following components comprise the course requirements of the WPI Teacher Preparation Program whether it is completed by the time of graduation or in the “term-after option”:
2 Social Science (SS) Courses:
The Psychology of Education (PSY 2401)
Cross Cultural Psychology: Human Behavior in Global Perspective (PSY 2406).
These are “Category II” courses so they are offered every other year during A and B terms, alternating years).
1 Interdisciplinary (ID) Course:
Teaching Methods in Mathematics and Science (ID 3100) This course is offered D-Term.
1 Project, typically IQP or sometimes MQP
Pre-practicum 1/6 unit (Observation and Tutoring in School)
Project 1 unit (Supervised Student-Teaching
Overall, the TPP totals 2 and 1/6 units.
Program Completion by Graduation. If the program is completed by the time of graduation (freshmen, sophomores or juniors, only), the following scenarios are likely:
For students who start the program their Freshmen or Sophomore year, the typical, though by no means only, plan is:
Sophomore year: Take one PSY course in A or B term Take ID course in D term
Junior Year: Undertake a PQP during A or B term
Take other PSY course in the Fall
Undertake IQP (Student-teaching Practicum during 2 consecutive regular terms, B-C or C-D) OR Student-teach during the “term-after option” which does not count as an IQP.
For students who start the program their Junior year, the typical, though by no means only, plan is:
Junior Year: Take one PSY course in A or B term
Take ID course in D term
Senior Year: Take other PSY course in A or B term
Undertake a PQP during A or B term
Undertake MQP (Student-teaching Practicum during 2 consecutive regular term, B-C or C-D) OR Student-teach during the “term-after option” which does not count as an MQP.
Program Completion after Graduation. If the program is completed after graduation (freshmen, sophomores, and especially juniors and seniors) the typical, but by no means only, plan is:
Senior Year: Take one PSY course in A or B term
Take ID course in D term
Undertake PQP during “Term-after Option”
Take other PSY course during “Term-after Option”
Undertake Student-Teaching Practicum “Term-after Option”