2014-2015 Catalog > Academics > Academic Programs and Courses > Programs of Study > Education Studies

Education Studies

Division VI Chair: M. Mendel-Reyes

Program Chair: Y. Carter

Faculty: Y. Carter, C. Richardson, J. Saderholm, B. Starnes, W. Warren, P. Wong and A. Webb

http://www.berea.edu/eds/

Education Studies currently offers the following major programs: the B.A. in Education Studies for students interested in pursuing the study of education without certification; the B.A. in Education Studies with Elementary Certification P-5 for those who wish to become certified to teach at the Primary (P) through 5th grade level; the B.A. in Education Studies with Middle Grades Certification 5-9 for those who wish to become certified to teach at the 5th through 9th grade level in the areas of Mathematics or Science; and the B.A. in Teaching and Curriculum with Certification for students wishing to receive certification in the areas of art (P-12), biology (8-12), chemistry (8-12), English (8-12), history (8-12), mathematics (8-12), physics (8-12), social studies (8-12 for those wishing to major in sociology or history) or technology education (5-12).

Students interested in teaching may also pursue certification in the areas of vocal or instrumental music (P-12) and physical education and health. Specific requirements for these programs are listed under the appropriate academic program elsewhere within this Catalog, in addition to the information in the “Requirements for All Students Seeking Certification”, which follows.

Students seeking certification at all levels conclude their preparation with a professional Fall Term of Student Teaching and related activities.

Requirements for all Students Seeking Certification

Becoming a teacher requires that candidates meet specific criteria at stated points during the preparation process:

1. admission to one of Berea’s Teacher Education Programs (TEP) typically in the fourth (4th) term and coinciding with admission to major;
2. admission to Student Teaching in the eighth (8th) term;
3. successful completion of Student Teaching in the ninth (9th) term; and
4. recommendation for certification at the end of Student Teaching.

Criteria at these checkpoints include a Written Assessment or Portfolio that satisfactorily demonstrates students’ developing understandings, skills, and dispositions as they pertain to Berea’s TEP goals and to the Kentucky Education Professional Standard Board’s (EPSB’s) Kentucky Teacher Standards .

Specific Criteria for Admission to the Teacher Education Programs (Fourth Term)

For admission to a Teacher Education Program (TEP) at Berea, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Submit a full application by September  29^th, 2014 for the fall semester and February 23^rd,  2015 for the spring semester.
2. Submit a satisfactory TEP Written Assessment typically in the 4^th term, representing the candidate as an individual who intends to become a teacher. (The TEP Written Assessment guidelines and rubric can be found on the Teaching and Learning Resources  page of the Education Studies website).
3. Attend a mandatory admission to TEP workshop  which includes instructional information on all requirements for admission.
4. Possess a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or above and earn at least a “B-” in EDS 150 and EDS 227/or equivalent. 
5. Successfully complete all sections of the pre-professional skills assessment of basic knowledge delivered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) in the areas of mathematics, reading, and writing.
6. Submit a Character and Fitness Form.
7. Submit a signed Student Curriculum Contract.
8. Submit a Signed Kentucky Code of Ethics Commitment Form and demonstrate no evidence of willful failure to maintain that commitment.
9. Sign 3 waivers allowing the unit to check academic, labor, and student life for clearance of infractions.
10. Exhibit proficiency in communication in all areas essential to teaching as displayed in classes, course work, written statements, and interviews.   Candidates must also exhibit proficiency in the areas of critical thinking, communication, creativity and collaboration.
11. Receive a favorable recommendation from the Education Studies Department which includes a consideration for candidate dispositions. 

Specific Criteria for Admission to Student Teaching (Eighth Term)

1. Submit a full application by March 16^th.
2. Submit a satisfactory Student Teaching Portfolio for the major teaching field in which certification is sought.  (The Student Teaching Portfolio guidelines and rubric can be found one the  Teaching and Learning Resources  page of the Education Studies website).
3. Admission to a Teacher Education Program, and continued meeting of all requirements for admission to the TEP.
4. Possess a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 and a minimum 2.50 in major, collateral, specialization, and Education Studies courses.
5. Demonstration of moral, social, and ethical behavior consistent with the values and commitments of Berea’s Teacher Education Programs and with the Kentucky Education Professional Standard Board’s Code of Ethics .
6. Receive a favorable recommendation from the classroom teacher with whom candidate worked during pre-professional placement. (To be placed in Student Teaching Portfolio.)
7. Receive a favorable recommendations from: A) Education Studies ; B) the Education Advisor on behalf of the content area program; and C) the Berea College Labor and Student Life Office.

1. Grade of B- or higher in each EDS course taken in the pre-professional 
2. Complete a minimum of 200 hours of field experiences in a variety of P-12 school settings.
3. Evidence that the Praxis Content test(s) and Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test have been taken no later than the end of June. A passing score on the appropriate Praxis content test(s) and the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test is required for certification.
4. Verification of a current medical examination, including a negative tuberculosis test. (This must be submitted to the Education Studies administrative assistant by mid-May.)
5. Criminal Background Check clearance (national and state checks initiated by mid-May through assigned student teaching placement).    

Criteria for Recommendation for Certification:

1. Favorable recommendations from cooperating teachers and College Student Teaching supervisor(s) based upon performance in meeting the Kentucky Teacher Standards and Berea College’s Teacher Education Program Goals.
2. Favorable recommendation from Education Studies based upon the candidate’s reflection of the values and commitments that underlie Berea College’s Teacher Education Programs and adherence to the Kentucky Education Professional Standard Board’s Code of Ethics .
3. No grade lower than a B- in any Student Teaching course.
4. Evidence of having passed the Praxis Content test(s) and Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT).
5. Satisfactory Exit Eligibility Portfolio demonstrating competency in each field in which certification is sought that meets all Kentucky Teacher Standards (The Exit Eligibility Portfolio guidelines and rubric  can be found one the  Teaching and Learning Resources  page of the Education Studies website)
6. Completion of application for certification and related materials.

Education Studies Course Sequencing Table:

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