Education
Bruce Weitzel, Ph.D., director
Faculty: Anctil, Arwood, Carroll, Christen, Egby, Eifler, Greene, Grote, Hood, Ilosvay, Kalnin, Merk, Morrell, Thacker, Waggoner, Watzke, Weitzel
The School of Education offers advanced teacher preparation leading to a doctorate of education (Ed.D.), a master of education (M.Ed.) degree as well as initial teacher preparation for graduate candidates leading to the master of arts in teaching (M.A.T.) degree. Professional multidisciplinary studies preparation may be found with the master of arts (M.A.) degree. All graduate degree programs within the School of Education are designed to include a sequence of courses and field experiences that focus on student learning and development, pedagogical knowledge, an understanding of cultural and special needs diversity, the use of technological skills, an integration of foundational theory with practice, a strong emphasis on reflection and inquiry, a research component, and a capstone exit project or thesis.
The School of Education offers courses in professional development for which credit is given but which are not applicable to requirements for degree programs. Such courses are indicated on individual transcripts with the prefix CED.
Federal law requires that all schools of education report required teacher licensure exams and the percentage of graduates from our programs passing these exams. Testing requirements vary depending upon program. Please see the Graduate School Academic Regulations section of the Bulletin for specific details.
Any school of education graduate program which includes field work in schools requires a fingerprint clearance.
Program Objectives
The objective of all programs in the School of Education stem from the mission statement to create teachers and administrators who exhibit the characteristics mentioned in the following principles of the conceptual framework and allow these principles to guide their practice.
- Exceptional professional educators are lifelong learners.
- Exceptional professional educators are empathetic and respectful.
- Exceptional professional educators communicate and work effectively with others.
- Exceptional professional educators have a broad knowledge about the diversity of individuals and world around them.
- Exceptional professional educators have deep knowledge about content.
- Exceptional professional educators have deep knowledge about how people learn.
- Exceptional professional educators have deep knowledge and skills necessary to use instruction and the organization of classrooms, schools, and school systems to assist all learners to succeed.
- Exceptional professional educators fuse theory and practice.