Problem
Each member of a research group visited either the Virgin Islands or Hawaii...
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GET GOOD GRADES
The country is in dire need of teachers, but that doesn't mean grad schools will throw open their doors to anyone who can complete the application on time. The top schools like to see an undergraduate grade-point average above 3.5 and some subject specialty. Other schools don't require such stellar grades and put more emphasis on experience. Hint: Undergraduates who pick up a math or science major and then go into teaching should have beaucoup job offers.
EXPERIENCE COUNTS
Ph.D. and Ed.D. candidates should have a clear sense of what they want to study and some experience in the field. Generally, this means two or three years of classroom teaching and a highly focused line of inquiry for their research. For other grad students, Teach for America and similar fellowship programs are obviously valuable experience and resume builders, while other jobs, like social work, are good ways to catch an admissions dean's eye.
BE COMMITTED
Graduate programs aren't just looking for applicants with strong transcripts; they are also looking for individuals committed to education. Whether you're a midcareer professional looking to change jobs or an experienced instructor seeking to take your career to the next level, a demonstrated commitment to education can speak volumes about your potential to be a great teacher.
CHOOSE WISELY
Just as with undergraduate programs, finding the right place to study is a key to success. Investigate the school to which you are applying. Does it have good relationships with the local public schools? Will there be classroom teaching options or just education theory? How will the school prepare you for the job market? Try talking to current students, and get a sense of the campus climate from someone outside the admissions department.
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