Why Do I Need To Complete a Canvas Checkpoint?
Canvas checkpoints were created to replace the previous zero credit courses that students were required to complete. These checkpoints are important to ensure that students are on track with their teacher preparation in order to be ready when student teaching finally comes. Each checkpoint requires a “packet” of paperwork to be completed, as well as the attendance at one mandatory meeting. The specific information required for each checkpoint is set up as an assignment in your Canvas shell, so be sure you check it as soon as possible.
There is a total of 3 checkpoints that must be completed prior to entering student teaching. Their purpose is explained below.
Initial Admission to PTEP – 1st checkpoint
When should I take this? You should complete this 1st checkpoint the semester before your first field experience. If you are unsure when that will be, check with your content advisor and/or your 4-year plan.
The Initial Admission to PTEP checkpoint is your initial entry into teacher preparation. In fact, PTEP stands for Professional Teacher Education Preparation. The most important part of this 1st checkpoint is getting your fingerprint criminal background check completed. This background check will follow you through your time at UNC and then once you become a licensed teacher. Our partner school districts rely on this step being completed before you can enter any of their schools. Completing the background check is a 3-step process, so be sure to pay close attention to the assignments in your Canvas shell.
Once you have successfully completed this 1st checkpoint, you will be enrolled in the next one automatically by Educator Preparation Office staff.
Full Admission to PTEP – 2nd checkpoint
When should I take this? You should complete this 1st checkpoint the semester before your first practicum experience. If you are unsure when that will be, check with your content advisor and/or your 4-year plan.
The Full Admission to PTEP checkpoint is the 2nd checkpoint and you will be automatically enrolled in this checkpoint after successful completion of the 1st checkpoint. The most important part of this 2nd checkpoint is working on or having already passed your Praxis test for your content area. You must successfully pass your content specific Praxis test before you will be allowed to student teach.
Once you have successfully completed this 2nd checkpoint, you will be enrolled in the next one automatically by Educator Preparation Office staff. Depending on your content area, you will either repeat this checkpoint (Elementary education majors only) or move to the 3rd checkpoint
Application for Student Teaching – 3rd (and final) checkpoint
When should I take this? You should complete this 1st checkpoint the semester before you plan to student teach. This should follow your practicum experience(s).
The Application for Student Teaching checkpoint is the 3rd and final checkpoint. In this checkpoint you must have successfully completed both the 1st and 2nd checkpoints. This checkpoint will verify that you have successfully completed your content specific Praxis test. This checkpoint is the final step before you will be allowed to move forward for student teaching.
Once you have successfully completed this 3rd and final checkpoint, you will be ready for student teaching. Your placement will be completed by the Educator Preparation Placement Officer and you will be notified once it is confirmed.
