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Undergrad Catalog 2010


School of Education

Bryce Sullivan, Dean - College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

Department of Education

Cynthia Watkins (Department Chair),  Sally Barton-Arwood, Rachael Flynn-Hopper, Joy Kimmons, Lauren Lunsford, James C. Stamper, 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 Accreditation 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. Only education courses completed at Belmont can be counted for licensure.

Teacher candidates are required to successfully pass through four Gateways in completing the requirements for licensure. Gateway 1 is Admission to the University. Gateways 2-4 are as follows:

Gateway 2

Acceptance into Teacher Education Program

Gateway 2 occurs at the completion of the Professional Core courses. Requirements of passing Gateway 2 include a minimum EDU GPA of 3.0, minimum score of 1.5 on Gateway 2 interview, passing score on the Praxis II Content tests, background check, liability insurance, and exhibit appropriate professional dispositions. The department makes a recommendation to the Teacher Education Council (TEC) for formal acceptance into the program.
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.

Gateway 3

Retention in Reflection Professional Practice

Gateway 3 occurs prior to student teaching or 2nd semester of internship (or end of phase 1 methods for MASE). Requirements of passing Gateway 3 include a minimum EDU GPA of 3.0, minimum score of 2.0 on Gateway 3 interview, passing score on the Praxis PLT test, background check, liability insurance, and exhibit appropriate professional dispositions. The department makes a recommendation to the Teacher Education Council (TEC) for formal acceptance into Gateway 4.

Gateway 4

Completion of Reflection Professional Practice

Gateway 4 occurs at the completion of the program. The requirements for passing Gateway 4 include a minimum EDU GPA of 3.0, exhibit appropriate professional dispositions, and a satisfactory teaching evaluation. The department makes a recommendation to the Teacher Education Council (TEC) for formal approval of completion of program.

The regulations which are in effect at the time the student is admitted to the Teacher Education Program (Gateway 2) shall be considered binding unless directed otherwise by the licensure office of the Tennessee State Department of Education. Candidates must complete all technical requirements relevant to licensure area and appropriate Praxis tests, as prescribed by the TN Department of Education. Completion of the specified courses in the Teacher Education Program does not guarantee a recommendation for licensure and/or a teaching position.

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 members attend / work.