Philosophy
The School of Education, in keeping with the general philosophy of the University of Mobile, seeks to change the world through its students who are prepared academically, socially, and spiritually.
The primary concern of this school is to provide quality academic programs that encourage self-development and enable our graduates to develop professionally in an environment that emphasizes Christian ethical values.
Self-development encourages and guides the student in 1) developing a positive self-concept; 2) understanding and accepting others; 3) improving communication skills; and 4) developing and refining those attributes that enhance one’s effectiveness in a caring approach to teaching and/or working with others.
Professional development guides the student in 1) developing a philosophy of education; 2) acquiring knowledge of the principles of human growth and development; 3) acquiring knowledge of the principles of learning and teaching; 4) acquiring skill in design and use of varied evaluation techniques; 5) developing competencies in content and content strategies; 6) recognizing and providing for individual needs; and 7) developing professional attitudes.
Theme
Preparing competent, committed, and caring teachers to change the world one student at a time.
Purpose
The purpose of the School of Education is to offer programs leading to class B certification in the areas of early childhood education (P-3), elementary education (K-6), music (P-12), and physical education (P-12). Approved secondary class B certification areas (6-12) are biology, English language arts, history, mathematics, and social science. Class A and Alternative Class A certification are offered in early childhood education (P-3) and elementary education (K-6).
Mission
The mission of the School of Education is to prepare competent, committed, and caring professionals who foster academic, physical, social, and spiritual development in every student.
Vision
The School of Education at the University of Mobile promotes a vision for all teacher education candidates to become competent, committed, caring, lifelong learners who:
- understand and use a variety of instructional strategies
- practice critical thinking and reflective thinking
- communicate effectively
- use and integrate technology to enhance student learning
- understand and respect the diversity of students and all persons within the learning community
- use formal and informal assessment strategies
- know subject matter
Programs
The School of Education offers majors in athletic training, human performance and exercise science, and early childhood education (P-3) without teacher certification. Majors offered with teacher certification include early childhood education (P-3), elementary education (K-6), and human performance and exercise science (P-12). Certification is also offered in music (P-12). Approved secondary certification areas include biology, English language arts, history, mathematics, and social science (6-12).
Eligibility Criteria for Teacher Education
The student planning to complete the teacher education program should be aware of various state laws and regulations governing teacher certification. Professional laboratory field experiences are required in most teacher education courses. Transfer credit for teacher education courses will be evaluated by the certification officer and the dean of the School of Education. No transfer credit for teacher education courses will be accepted from post-secondary institutions outside the state of Alabama.
Although the administration of the University attempts to incorporate all such laws and regulations within the programs described in this catalog, there always exists the possibility that the State Board of Education will take action on teacher certification matters after the catalog has been published. Students are encouraged to discuss teacher certification with their advisors on a regular basis.
Prospective Educators Program
Adults enrolled in this program can complete a bachelor of science degree in elementary and/or early childhood education by attending evening and Saturday classes. Requirements for admission to Prospective Educators Program include the following: 1) application for admission to the Prospective Educators Program; 2) 48 hours of general studies completed toward basic core requirements; 3) 2.75 GPA for all courses counted toward the major; 4) minimum 2.50 GPA in all college courses.
Admission to the Teacher Education Program
Admission to the teacher education program is required and must be approved by the Teacher Education Council. Requirements for admission are: 1) completion of 60 semester hours 2) a minimum 2.75 GPA overall, in professional studies, and in teaching field with an overall 2.50 GPA in all college courses; 3) a current photograph; 4) an essay successfully completed prior to the interview; 5) an interview successfully completed; 6) completed application form; 7) passing the Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program (AECTP); 8) passing the Praxis II appropriate content exam (Elementary/Early Childhood Education majors only); 9) cleared fingerprints; and 10) experience in schools.
Please note the following:
- Upon admission to the teacher education program, students are required to complete the current State Department of Education approved programs, which meet federal No Child Left Behind standards.
- The appropriate Praxis II content exam, for HPE, Music, and secondary majors, the PRAXIS II Teaching Reading exam (Elementary/Early Childhood majors), as well as the appropriate Principles of Learning and Teaching exam (PLT) and the Alabama Education Certification Testing Program (AECTP), must be successfully completed as a pre-condition for certification in the State of Alabama.
- Official admission into the teacher education program is required prior to enrollment in restricted professional teacher education courses. Students who are admitted to the teacher education program will be subject to ongoing evaluation.
Student Teaching
Prerequisites to student teaching and seminar include: 1) admission into teacher education; 2) a minimum 2.75 GPA overall, in professional studies, and in teaching field; 3) a completed application; 4) an autobiographical sketch; 5) approval by the Teacher Education Council; 6) satisfactory completion of a minimum of 205 hours of approved field experience; 7) passing score on the Alabama Educator Certification Program (AECTP); 8) passing score on all the appropriate Praxis II exams; and 9) successful completion of the professional teacher education courses.
During the student teaching academic period (semester), a student may take only one additional course unless the dean of the School of Education grants written approval to take other courses.
Special Note: Student teachers begin their assignments when local school systems start even though this date may be prior to the start of the university semester. Out-of-state assignments are discouraged.
Prior to admission to teacher education program, students’ fingerprints must be submitted for approval. The fingerprints will be checked by the Alabama Bureau of Investigation and by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. If one has ever been “arrested for, convicted of, or entered a plea of no contest to a felony or misdemeanor other than a minor traffic violation,” the record will be reviewed by the State Superintendent of the Department of Education prior to issuance of a teaching certificate.
Educational Organizations
Students in teacher education are encouraged to become active members of the University of Mobile chapter of the Student Leaders Association of Teacher Educators (SLATE). This organization will help students in developing professional competency.
Upsilon Chi Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi is a professional education honor society. Kappa Delta Pi recognizes outstanding students preparing to enter the teaching profession and those actively engaged in the teaching profession.
The University of Mobile Reading Council is open to all education students with a particular interest in promoting the dispersion of reading materials and generating a wider knowledge of techniques in teaching reading.
Degree Audit for the Teacher Education Students
Students pursuing a degree from the University of Mobile in an approved area for teacher education must meet all requirements for the degree as well as for certification. Requirements for the degree and certification will be reflected in a degree audit requested by the student in the registrar’s office at the beginning of his or her junior year. Students must have an approved degree audit prior to student teaching.
Teacher Education Council
It will be the responsibility of the Teacher Education Council to approve students to teacher education, to recommend programs of teacher education at the University of Mobile, to give guidance and support, and to promote and evaluate all aspects of the teacher education program.
