UT3 UToledo.UTeach.UTouch the Future
 The University of Toledo Judith Herb College of Education

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The University of Toledo
 2801 W. Bancroft St. MS 958
 Toledo, Ohio 43606

 Gillham Hall Suite 2100
 Office Ph. 419.530.2060

 Office Fax 419.530.4145

 Recruitment Specialist
 Libbey McKnight
 Phone 419.530.4967
 Email:
 Elizabeth.McKnight@utoledo.edu

   Frequently Asked Questions
 
Q: Who is eligible for UT3?

Individuals accepted or enrolled at UT that meet College of Education requirements.
 
Q: What makes the UT3 program different from attending regular education classes at The University of Toledo?
 
UT3 provides academic, professional, and financial support for students interested in becoming middle and high school science and math teachers.

UT3 students and faculty are a community, with faculty mentoring the students throughout their UT experience and into their teaching careers.

UT3 students are eligible for financial aid opportunities, internships, and scholarships.
 
Q: Do I have to pay out of state fees if I live in Michigan?

You don't have to pay out of state fees if you live in the following Michigan counties:
Hillsdale, Lenawee, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne.

Q: What are the requirements for UT3 Students?
 
A University of Toledo undergraduate or graduate student.
Admitted to the College of Education with a minimum of 2.7 G.P.A..
Maintain a 2.7 G.P.A. or higher.
Interested in science or math.
Interested in teaching in a high-need school in a high-need school district after graduation.
 

Q: What is the Application Process? 

The UT3 application process includes an application form, two essays, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts, as well as a University of Toledo Scholarship Application and FAFSA form. Application information is available at: [Click Here]

Q: What defines a high-need school district?

A high-need school district meets one of the following definitions:

A school district that has at least one school where 40% or more of the students are eligible for reduced lunch subsidies.

A school district that has at least one school where more than 34% of classroom teachers do not have significant course work in their main assignment field.
A school district that serves a school whose attrition rate among classroom teachers was 15% or more in the last three years.

Q: Where can I find a listing of high-need schools and school districts?
 

Please visit the Ohio Department of Education’s web site, and select a district and proceed: http://www.ode.state.oh.us/reportcard/
 
The following excel document lists all the high-needs schools in Ohio for the school year 2007-2008. [Click Here]
 
Q:  Will UT3 find me a job after graduation?
 
Although UT3 does not find jobs for its graduates, UT3 will prepare our students to successfully teach in urban schools. UT3 students work in urban school districts during their student teaching experiences and remain in contact with UT3 after graduation.
 
 
Q: Do I have to teach in Toledo or Ohio after graduation?
 
No, you do not have to teach in Toledo or Ohio once you graduate. You may teach in any urban school district anywhere in the country.
 
Q: How do I know if I’d be a good science or math teacher?
 

If you enjoy science or math, sharing your knowledge, and work well with young people, you may have what it takes to be an inspiring science or math teacher.

If you think teaching may be in your future, we recommend that you begin your career by taking Exploring Math/Science Teaching. This three-hour class will give you all the information and experiences you’ll need to determine if teaching science or math is right for you. You can receive an honorarium to cover the tuition for the course. Application information is available at www.TeachUT3.utoledo.edu
 
Q: What is the job outlook for science or math teachers?
 
Middle and high school science and math teachers are in high demand, especially in urban schools. New graduates with either science or math specialization can find teaching jobs throughout the country.
 
Q: What kind of career could I have as science or math teacher?

Science and math teachers interested in advancing their careers often become school administrators, research professionals, and even college professors. Other teachers choose to teach in informal settings, such as science centers and zoos.

Q. Is the scholarship money I receive in 2008 count toward my 2008 or 2009 income tax since my classes will be in 2009?

If you receive your money through December 31, 2008, it is counted in that year even though classes are not until 2009. (Note: If this is a specific concern we might be able to hold off entering your award until January, but if your bill is not paid, you will be deregistered by December 30, 2008.)

Q: Is the scholarship taxable and added to my earning?
 
Please see attached information from the IRS on this matter.
* It is recommended that you consult with your tax advisor if you are unsure.

http://www.irs.gov/faqs/faq-kw165.html
http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc421.html

Q : How do I report my UT3 scholarship/aid to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)?
It is nontaxable, like a Stafford Loan.
 
 
Topic 421 - Scholarship and Fellowship Grants
If you receive a scholarship or fellowship grant, all or part of the amounts you receive may be tax–free.

Qualified scholarship and fellowship grants are treated as tax–free amounts if all the following conditions are met:
 
You are a candidate for a degree at an educational institution that maintains a regular faculty and curriculum and normally has a regular enrolled body of students in attendance at the place where it carries on its educational activities;

Amounts you receive as a scholarship or fellowship are used for tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance at the educational institution, or for books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction; and The amounts received are not a payment for your services.

However, if you receive a scholarship award under the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program or the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship and Financial Assistance Program, the amount received is tax free without regard to any services you are obligated to perform.

You must include in gross income amounts used for incidental expenses, such as room and board, travel, and optional equipment, as well as amounts received as payments for teaching, research, or other services required as a condition for receiving the scholarship or fellowship grant.

If any part of your scholarship or fellowship grant is taxable, you may have to make estimated tax payments.

For more information refer to Topic 355 or to Publication 970 , Tax Benefits for Education. More Tax Topic Categories

Q: If I receive other U.S. Dept. of Ed loans, like the Stafford loan, will they be affected by my UT3 Scholarship?

Your other loans may be reduced since the Dept. of Ed looks at our loans first. You might want to check with Financial Aid if this is a concern.

Q: I have other student loans. Can they be forgiven if I teach in a high-needs school?
 
There are several government programs, Stafford and Perkins, which will forgive all or part of student loans for teachers. In certain circumstances, the government will cancel up to $17,500 in Stafford loans for those who teach in qualifying high-needs schools for five consecutive years. The American Federation of Teachers maintains a list of loan forgiveness programs for teachers. Also visit the FinAid organization website:  http://www.finaid.org/loans/forgiveness.phtml

Q: May I receive aid from both the Troops To Teachers program and UT3?
 
Yes a student can receive aid from both the Troops To Teachers and UT3.
Troops To Teachers Program - http://www.ed.gov/programs/troops/index.html

Q: Deferments -- How many times may a student request a deferment? Is there a limit?
 
There is no specific number of times that a student can request a deferment. Each time a student request a deferment it must be reviewed and a separate decision is made each time

Q: May I receive a deferment while obtaining my masters degree?

Students getting their masters cannot receive deferments. 

Q: Will substitute teaching count towards the service obligation?

Substitute teaching may count towards the service obligation if the individual is substituting on a semester or other long-term basis.

Q: How can I contact UT3?

Libbey McKnight
Enrollment Management Specialist
Telephone: 419-530-4967
Email: Elizabeth.McKnight@utoledo.edu 

UT3 Office: Gillham Hall 2100
Office Telephone: 419-530-2060
Fax: 419-530-4145
Email: teachut3@utoledo.edu
www.TeachUT3.utoledo.edu 

FAQ’s for LAMP
Frequently Asked Questions of Incoming Students for the
Licensure Alternative Masters Program (LAMP)

Q. What is the LAMP?
 
There are many ways to become a teacher. Some school districts will hire college graduates with degrees in an arts and sciences content area as licensed teachers on an emergency basis, but state licensure offers the best opportunity for long-term stability in a teaching career. The Licensure Alternative Masters Program is designed for someone who has an undergraduate degree in an area other than education and would like to become a licensed teacher. Our program offers courses that will lead to teacher licensure by the State of Ohio and a Master’s degree in education. Additional requirements for teacher licensure include a criminal background check and successful completion of the PRAXIS II.

Q. What steps do I have to take to complete the LAMP?
 
The program has three components:
Each student must have their undergraduate transcript evaluated, and may have to do a limited amount of content area course work to meet State Licensure requirements. (The program recognizes many of the courses completed in your first degree as counting in content area expertise.)

Graduate courses that will lead to teacher preparation and licensure by the State.
After State Licensure is completed, a limited number of additional Graduate courses will complete the Masters Degree.

Q. When can I begin the program?

Students must have their transcript evaluated to determine what content area courses are required, if any. The required content area courses must be completed prior to beginning the graduate professional education courses. Students may begin courses during any semester.

Q. How do I know which courses on my Undergraduate transcript will count toward State Licensure teaching requirement?
 
Check sheets for each licensure area describe the courses required by the state. The Judith Herb College of Education will use these check sheets to formally review your transcripts and determine which courses you will receive credit for and which courses you will need to complete.

Q. If I want to be a full time student, how long will it take to finish?
 
The completion of the program depends on the undergraduate degree and the desired licensure area. The time lines are dependent upon satisfying content area requirements. The graduate course work can be completed in as little as three semesters for licensure. Additional course work after licensure is required to obtain the Graduate Degree.

Q. I only want to take one course at a time. Is this possible?
 

During the early stages of the program, when you are enrolled in some content course, it is possible. When students begin taking Education courses, the program assumes they will take a minimum of 2-3 courses per term.

Q. When are the courses offered?
 

Courses are offered throughout the day and evening. At least two courses have a field component that requires the student to be available during the day.

Q. I have worked for many years in parochial or private schools. Can I have my Field Experience waived?
 

No. Students will gather data in Field Courses to help write academic papers in other courses. Therefore, no Field Courses can be waived.

Q. If I am currently teaching, and you will not waive Field Courses, is there any way I can remain employed and take your program?
 
Maybe. Under certain circumstances your employer can request the College of Education to use your current teaching placement as the location of your fieldwork. This arrangement is at the discretion of your employer, the University, and other parties. You can learn more about this possibility by contacting the Field Experience Office.

Q. How difficult is the program? Can I work a part time job and study at the same time?
 
The Graduate program in Education is a rigorous and demanding series of courses which will require your complete concentration. Successful students recommend working no more than a few hours per week, or they recommend delaying enrollment until adequate financial resources have been secured.

Q. What if I want to be a teacher, but do not want to earn the Graduate Degree?
 
It is possible to complete State Licensure without completing the Graduate Degree. Typically, students who choose this option complete numbers 1, and 2 of the items listed in the answer to Question 2, but do not complete number 3.

Q. If I want to complete my Graduate Degree, how much study is required beyond State Licensure?
 
Our program requires that you complete a thesis, seminar, or project beyond State Licensure to earn the Masters Degree. Candidates of the Graduate Degree must observe all requirements for the College of Graduate Studies.

Q. Is financial assistance available?
 
In addition to government assistance, the University and College have a limited number of scholarships and graduate assistantships available. Applicants should obtain scholarship applications from the Judith Herb College of Education. Graduate assistant applications are available from the College of Graduate Studies.

Q. How can I find out more?

To find out more you should:
a. Research programs in teacher education to make sure our program will best suit your needs.
b. Read the University of Toledo catalog.
c. Request an evaluation of your transcripts.

Q. How do I enroll in the program?
 
Complete the "Application for Review of Coursework" and attach official undergraduate transcripts. NOTE: (International Students must submit transcripts that have been reviewed by an organization that specializes in foreign credential evaluation such as World Education Services). Mail the application and transcripts to the following address:

LAMP
Gillham Hall, MS#914
Judith Herb College of Education
University of Toledo
Toledo, OH 43606

Review the formal evaluation of the content area courses included in your undergraduate degree against the content courses in the check sheet for licensure requirements. If you wish to begin the program, contact the Office of Student Services (419-530-2495) to schedule a meeting with the LAMP coordinator.

IMPORTANT: Students applying for LAMP must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 for all undergraduate course work and a minimum GPA of 2.7 for their content area course work. Students who do not meet the minimum cumulative GPA but meet the content GPA can be admitted after completing the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
LAMP process and procedure diagram [Click Here]
Submit your applications to College of Graduate Studies on-line.

 
     

UT3 UToledo. UTeach. UTouch the Future. is a University of Toledo program preparing science and math educators for teaching in urban schools. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education through Teacher Quality Enhancement Grants program, Title II of Higher Education Amendments of 1998. For more information call us at 419-530-2060