Teacher Education Programs with Preparation for Certification*
1. Child Development Major – Preparation for Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Education (Grades P – 5)
2. Secondary Education – Preparation for Teacher Certification (Grades 6–12) in Chemistry, Economics, English, History, Mathematics, Physics and Political Science
3. Preschool–12th Grade Education – Preparation for Teacher Certification in Art, French, Spanish, and Music
4. Child Development Minor without Teacher Certification
*Please visit the Education Studies Program for the most up-to-date information.
Teacher Education Programs
The Education Studies Program offers Teacher Education Programs that are approved by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. All program coursework complies with specific coursework requirements of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission and prepares students for certification to teach in public and private schools in Georgia and other states.
Programs build upon liberal arts coursework aimed at developing multicultural and international perspectives. The programs include study of general principles of human growth and development, the relationship of teaching and learning theories to physical, social, intellectual, and emotional growth, and courses complemented by planned programs of field and clinical experiences. Programs are designed to develop scholarly teachers and Education leaders who will be innovative role models and leaders in academic communities throughout the world with special emphasis on urban environments.
The curriculum is designed to prepare individuals to guide the growth and development of children, through instruction, in an academic environment. The major coursework emphasizes teaching content, child and adolescent development theories, and appropriate instructional methods that are used to enhance and promote the developmental stages of children preschool through grade 12. The curriculum provides a major in Child Development with preparation for certification to teach at the Early Childhood Education level. The curriculum also provides Teacher Education Programs that prepare students for teacher certification in Secondary Education (6–12th grades), and Preschool through Grade 12 Education.
The Child Development Minor Program
The Child Development Minor program (without certification preparation) is designed for students seeking to expand their knowledge base in the area of Teacher Education relating to early Childhood Education. The minor program provides a focus for content areas complementing a student’s major area of study. The minor program also facilitates student options for continuing education and/or graduate study.
Field Experience
Most courses in the Education Studies Program have a field experience component. The accompanying field experience component for designated courses may include a variety of activities. Students must have on file a Criminal History/Arrest Record Verification form to engage in any field experience activities. Any information identified as an infraction on the Criminal History/Arrest Record Verification may result in the following:
- The student will not be permitted / allowed to participate in field experience activities, which are requirements for successful completion of designated courses in the Education Studies Program.
- The student will not be admitted to the Education Studies Program.
Student Teaching Experience
Student teaching is the culminating activity that provides an opportunity for the student to demonstrate appropriate dispositions and the ability to utilize knowledge, skills, and experiences acquired in the Teacher Education Program required for a successful teaching career. This 12-week clinical experience is significant in enhancing the development of all children, facilitating candidate learning and preparing teacher-leaders.
Admission to Student Teaching requires the following:
- Admission to a Teacher Education Program
- Submission of the Student Teaching Application
- Overall GPA of 2.5 or above
- GPA of 2.5 or above in professional studies courses and major courses
- Completion of all course requirements.
- Verification of a clear Criminal History/Arrest Record
- Proof of Liability Insurance (GAE-SP)
