Undergraduate Programs - Introduction

 

Goal

 

The goal of the undergraduate programs in teacher education is to prepare teachers who are reflective about their work to be able continually to assess and improve their own teaching through scholarly inquiry and collaboration with colleagues. Education courses are, therefore, tightly integrated with field experiences. The culmination of the program is student teaching, an intensive, one-semester off-campus experience for which the candidate earns 12 credits. The candidate may take only one other course during that semester.

 

Programs

 

The Department of Education offers 4-year programs in early childhood education, elementary education, secondary education, and education studies (a non-teaching major). Secondary education is available through joint programs with the departments of art, biology, chemistry, drama, English, history, mathematics and modern languages. All teacher education programs have been accredited by the National Council for Accreditation for Teacher Education (NCATE) and maintain state approval for licensure.

 

Choosing a Program

 

Those interested in teaching the Pre-K-third grades should major in early childhood education. Candidates who are interested in teaching young children (PreK-3rd grade), should select the early childhood education major. Those who want to teach in self-contained classrooms (grades 1-6) should major in elementary education. Those who want to teach in a departmentalized classroom setting (grades 7-12) should select the joint major with secondary education in the subject area they wish to pursue. These candidates should inform their academic adviser in order to receive the correct program of studies and should also consult with the coordinator of secondary education. Information sheets are available in the Department of Education.

 

Acceptance to Teacher Education

 

To be accepted as a major in any of the teacher education certification programs, a candidate must have recommendations from two education professors who have had the candidate in class. They must also have passed the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PRAXIS I). A 2.5 cumulative GPA and a 2.75 Education GPA are required. Those pursuing one of the secondary certification programs must also have a 2.75 GPA in courses in the content (major) field, and one letter of recommendation from a professor in that field. Candidates in the joint secondary education programs must apply to and be accepted by both the Department of Education and their specialty area department.