<p>My D, graduating in '11 has been told by her counselor that her PSAT scores/grades… will more than likely qualify her to be national merit scholarship finalist. I started looking online to see how that might help with scholarships and found out about UA national merit scholarship. Being from Ohio, had never considered Alabama before, but after several hours reading all the UA threads on CC, checking out UA website and virtual tour, I am really impressed - so much so we are planning a visit in October. My concern is I haven’t seen any posts from students studying education and we have a few questions.
Does anybody know how the elementary ed program fits in with honors college? </p>
<p>Also, is anyone familiar with H.O.S.T, the student teaching abroad program at UA? This is one of the big selling points for her, and anyone’s experience with it would be helpful. </p>
<p>Finally, anyone have experience with getting a teaching position/ license in another state after graduating from UA?</p>
<p>In addition to seeking answers to your questions from the CC family, may I suggest you pose them directly to Dr. Shane Sharpe, the Dean of the Honors College? Dr. Sharpe is very approachable and would be thrilled to know that yet another potential NMF is seriously considering UA. If he can’t answer a question to your satisfaction, he’ll most likely put you in touch with someone who can.</p>
<p>He and Jami Gates will put together a truly meaningful itinerary for your October visit with advanced notice. His e-mail address is <a href=“mailto:ssharpe@cba.ua.edu”>ssharpe@cba.ua.edu</a>.</p>
<p>It is certainly possible to be an education major and complete the honors college program (UHP,IHP, and/or CBHP) requirements. You won’t see as many education majors in honors when compared to business or arts and sciences majors because the College of Education is a smaller college enrollment-wise. I’ve been in the College of Education buildings a few times and considered some of the programs (honors actually offers a minor in education, but it doesn’t lead to certification).</p>
<p>I remember reading about H.O.S.T., but I don’t know any program specifics. I do know that UA is really trying to get students accepted into Teach for America and a similar program that operates in the Mississippi Delta.</p>
<p>Each state has different certification requirements and I suggest that your D look up the requirements for the state(s) she would like to be licensed in now so she knows what to ask colleges when she visits. UA will gladly help her complete the requirements and relevant paperwork for the teaching license(s). I don’t know how it works for elementary education, but your D should also look into alternative certification.</p>
<p>If your D does decide to attend UA, I highly suggest that she participates in Alabama Action since it involves volunteering in an AL public school. Additionally, UA has many programs that go out and work with kids in local elementary schools that your D might be interested in.</p>
<p>Thanks - everyone’s responses have been helpful. Looking forward to visiting campus, as we are coming up with a whole list of questions. And, as RobD asked - the international student teaching program is C.O.S.T., not HOST as I had mistakenly typed in the first thread. I would love to hear from someone who participated in it.</p>