Gateway

1. Throughout Your Program
   • Collect Artifacts: Your course instructors and syllabi will explicitly outline which key artifacts that will be helpful in building your presentation for your defense.
   • Plan Your Storage: Start planning early on how you will store these digital files, so they are ready when you get to your EDUC 303/400 semester.
2. The Defense Semester (EDUC 303/400)
   • Receive Training: Candidates receive formal Gateway Defense training during the semester they plan to defend (typically in EDUC 303). Note: If you cannot student teach in the semester immediately following this course, the office will contact you individually for training and scheduling.
   • Build Your Presentation: Use your Key Artifact Worksheet and the resources shared during EDUC 303 to select artifacts that highlight your proficiency in Analysis, Synthesis, and Reflection.
   • Focus on Synthesis: The defense is not a step-by-step walkthrough of every artifact. Instead, focus on explaining how these pieces of evidence collectively show your readiness to student teach.

When is it?

Gateway Defenses are scheduled during the week before finals. A finalized schedule will be distributed to candidates, clinical supervisors, and program faculty each semester by the Office of Teacher Education.

Who attends?

• Required Evaluators: Your defense will be evaluated by at least one program faculty member and one clinical supervisor.
• Guests: You are welcome to invite other guests, such as other faculty members or your Cooperating Teacher.

After your presentation, you will step out of the room briefly while the evaluators complete the assessment rubric and come to a consensus.

The 5 Core Assessment Areas

Evaluators grade your defense using a standard rubric across five categories:

1. Content & Pedagogy of the Discipline
2. Research-based Differentiation of Instruction
3. Data-Informed Decision-Making
4. Use of Technology in the Discipline
5. Reflection

Scoring Outcomes

• Pass: Upon earning passing marks, the TEP Office will complete your certificate of completion and email it to you.
• Remediation:
  • If you receive two or more ratings below "Proficient," you will be required to remediate your defense before you can begin student teaching.
  • If you receive one rating below "Proficient," remediation is at the discretion of your evaluators.
  • If remediation is required, a formal letter will be sent to you, the TEP Director, and your program coordinator. The TEP Director will coordinate a rescheduled defense date that works for you and the program.