2009-2010 Undergraduate Catalog - Belmont University


School of Education

Trevor F. Hutchins, Associate Dean

Department of Education

Sally Barton-Arwood (Department Chair),  Trevor F. Hutchins (Assoc. Dean, School of Education), Rachael Flynn-Hopper, Joy Kimmons, Merrie King, Lauren Lunsford, James C. Stamper, Cynthia Watkins Myron Oglesby-Pitts.


Faculty from other academic areas: Sharon Crumpton, Maggie Monteverde, Steven Murphree, Robbie Pinter.

Vision:

As a central part of a premier teaching university, the unit provides the knowledge, skills, and experiences for a person to pursue a life-long commitment to quality teaching. Our vision is for educators who see teaching as an integral human activity that both imparts and facilitates the gaining of knowledge. We want educators who not only facilitate student learning but who enjoy what they are doing and are energized by creatively employing a variety of educative processes. We envision graduates who are positive role models in all senses and who continually reflect on their role and performance as an educator.

This vision, facilitated through and supported by Belmont University’s vision of a consistently caring Christian environment, and enacted through our Conceptual Framework will enable the individual to build toward becoming an effective educator.

Purpose:

To provide the knowledge, skills and experiences for a person to pursue a life-long commitment to quality learning and teaching and allow graduates to be licensed as teachers in the State of Tennessee.

Goals:

  1. Develop skills for effective teaching of prospective teachers for kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary schools.
  2. Provide a conceptual framework reflecting what is known about how learners learn best.
  3. Promote Christian values and ethics as they relate to teaching students from various cultures and backgrounds.
  4. Emphasize application of sound educational principles.
  5. Provide opportunities for extensive field work.
  6. To provide a basis for life-long development as a educator.

Accreditation

Belmont University is a member of the National Council for Accredition of Teacher Education, the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education and the Association of Liberal Arts Colleges of Teacher Education. It has the approval of the State Board of Education of Tennessee as an authorized teacher education institution.

Licensure

In completing the requirements for a major in education and licensure, the regulations which are in effect at the time the student is admitted to the Teacher Education Program shall be considered binding unless directed otherwise by the licensure office of the Tennessee State Department of Education. Passing scores on the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) and the appropriate tests from (Praxis II), as prescribed by the State Department of Education, are required for Tennessee licensure. Students are required to have successfully completed appropriate tests of the Praxis II prior to commencing student teaching. Completion of the specified courses in the Teacher Education Program does not guarantee a recommendation for licensure and/or a teaching position.

A professional semester of enhanced student teaching is required for all students seeking a major in education and licensure. During this semester the student may enroll only in the courses approved for the student teaching semester semester. Only education courses completed at Belmont can be counted for licensure.

Gateway 2

Admission to the Teacher Education Program

All undergraduate students who desire a major or minor in education and/or licensure/certification are required to apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program when enrolled within the first six hours of professional education coursework. The application will be submitted to the Department of Education for review and recommendation(s). The department recommendation(s) will be forwarded to the Teacher Education Council for formal acceptance into the program.

To be accepted into the Teacher Education Program, a student must have:

  1. completed at least twenty-nine (29) semester hours (must include EDU 2100 with a grade of "C" or higher);
  2. achieved a cumulative grade point average of 2.75;
  3. have a satisfactory dispositional profile as completed by candidate and faculty;
  4. prior to any clinical placements, complete a background check and provide documentation of professional liability insurance;
  5. successful defense of portfolio at interview for admission to Teacher Education Program;
  6. received a recommendation by the Department of Education to the Teacher Education Council. (Written notification of the recommendation by the Department of Education will be made. In case of denial, an appeals process enables candidates to reapply for screening.);
  7. approval of the Teacher Education Council, Belmont University. (Written notification of the decision by the council will be made. In case of denial, an appeals process enables candidates to reapply for screening.)

Admissions reviews are important steps in the screening process; admission to the Teacher Education Program and/or to student teaching are not automatic with the attainment of required grades, minimum grade point averages, or the completion of required courses.

Satisfactory progress through the program: Failure to satisfy any requirement at a second opportunity is deemed as an appropriate circumstance to exclude the candidate from the program. Candidates have a right of appeal (in writing) to the Associate Dean of the School of Education.

Gateway 3

Admission to Student Teaching

All candidates who are working toward a major or minor in education and licensure/certifaction must complete the enhanced student teaching or internship requirement. Formal application must be completed on the appropriate form and submitted to the Department of Education.

To be eligible for student teaching, the candidate must have met the following requirements:

A. Prior to the Department of Education student teacher interview:

  1. attained admission to the Teacher Education Program;
  2. maintained a cumulative 3.0 GPA in all Education courses;
  3. completed all technical requirements for relevant licensure area;
  4. achieved a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 in all courses taken at Belmont University.

Gateway 4

B. Prior to being permitted to register for the final professional semester:

  1. passed portfolio assessment and review;
  2. Passed all relevant sections of the Praxis II test/s.

A review of the candidate's record(s) to verify the above requirements will be completed prior to registration for the professional semester.

Satisfactory progress through the program: Failure to satisfy any requirement at a second opportunity is deemed as an appropriate circumstance to exclude the candidate from the program. Candidates have a right of appeal (in writing) to the Chair of the Department of Education.

Placement of Interns / Student Teachers

The placement of student teachers / interns is determined by the Belmont Department of Education. Every candidate is placed in two different schools based on grade level, student demographics, and location for their enhanced student teaching experience. In this way, the department ensures that the licensure candidates participate in experiences with culturally diverse and exceptional populations. This program is in conformity with the regulations for licensure of teachers in the state of Tennessee and meets the requirement of the teacher’s license.

In addition to fulfilling the General Education core requirements and the Professional Education requirements, candidates must have an academic major in addition to education, referred to as the partnering major in order to become teachers. Candidates will not be placed in schools where family memebers attend / work.