Post Baccalaureate
Certification Program

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.5.
• Grade Point Average of 2.5 in desired teaching field. (If one is eligible in more than one field, a single field must be selected for initial licensure in this program.)
• Bachelor’s degree received at least 12 months prior to beginning the program.

Rich Clinesmith, Education Liaison/Certification Officer, Box 2980, Buena Vista University, 610 W. Fourth Street, Storm Lake, IA 50588

Email - ClinesmithR@bvu.edu
Phone - 712.749.2241

The Education Liaison/Certification Officer will review the transcripts to ensure that:

• The bachelor’s degree meets the Iowa Department of Education content requirements for certification in the secondary field.
• The coursework dated 10 years old or older is relevant and current.

After Steps One and Two have been cleared, the candidate must successfully complete the Praxis I Academic Skills Assessment Test.

The School of Education at Buena Vista University requires successful completion of the Praxis I exam for acceptance to the BVU Post Baccalaureate Certification Teacher Education Program. The Praxis I exam is part of the Praxis Series, an Educational Testing Service (ETS) program, that provides tests and other services for states to use as part of their teacher certification process. The School of Education’s policies on Praxis I apply to this program.

Each site Education Coordinator provides Praxis Registration Bulletins which include complete information regarding registration forms, registering online, test sites, test preparation, special accommodations and much more. Please see our Praxis I page for more information.

After successful completion of Praxis I, complete the admission process for Buena Vista University and begin coursework.

Students who take coursework in anticipation of admission to this program do so at their own risk. Post Baccalaureate Certification licensure students may be eligible for financial aid. Students interested in financial aid should contact the Financial Aid office.

Apply for formal admission to the BVU Post Baccalaureate Certification Teacher Education Program.

The following materials are part of the admission application packet:

• Two Professional Reference Reports
• Signed Confidentiality Statement
• Signed Good Conduct Policy Statement
• Completion of Universal Precautions Workshop prior to EDCO 290

NOTE: No more than six hours of EDCO courses can be taken at BVU before being admitted to the BVU Post Baccalaureate Certification Teacher Education Program.

• All EDCO and Methods course requirements with a minimum grade of C-.
• Minimum Grade Point Average of 2.5 in the BVU Post Baccalaureate Certification Teacher Education Program.
• Successful completion of remaining non-student teaching Key Assignments.
• Formal application for student teaching. The Teacher Education Subcommittee will review the candidate’s file and will either accept or deny the student’s admittance to student teaching.
• After being admitted to student teaching, complete the field experience.

Apply for Licensure.

Before the University will sign a licensure request, the following must be achieved:

• Completion of the BVU Post Baccalaureate Certification Teacher Education Program that Buena Vista University has on file with the Iowa Department of Education.
• A minimum Grade Point Average of 2.5 in the BVU Post Baccalaureate Certification Teacher Education Program.
• A minimum grade of C in student teaching placement. (If two placements have been accomplished, a minimum grade of C in each placement is required.)
• Successful completion of all Key Assignments.
• Fingerprinting/Background Check (10-12 weeks prior to completion of student teaching).
• Successful completion of the Praxis II exams per state requirements (for those seeking licensure after January 1, 2013.  See the Praxis II page for more information.
• Teacher Education Subcommittee endorsement.