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 its graduates to develop professionally in an environment that emphasizes Christian ethical values.

Self-development encourages and guides students in 1) developing positive self-concepts; 2) understanding and accepting others; 3) improving communication skills; and 4) developing and refining those attributes that enhance effectiveness in a caring approach to teaching and/or working with others.

Professional development guides students 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), collaborative special education (K-6), music (P-12),  physical education (P-12), and health education (6-12) 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; and
• know subject matter.

Programs

The School of Education offers majors with teacher certification including early childhood education (P-3), elementary education (K-6), collaborative special education (K-6), physical education (P-12), and health education (6-12) and physical education (P-12). Certification is also offered in music (P-12). Approved secondary certification areas (6-12) include biology, English language arts, history, mathematics, and social science.  A major in Child and Social Development without certification is also available.

Eligibility Criteria for Teacher Education

Students planning to complete the teacher education program should be aware of various state laws and regulations governing teacher certification. Professional field experiences are required in most teacher education courses.  No transfer credit for teacher education courses will be accepted from other post-secondary institutions.

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.

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 40 semester hours; 2) a minimum 2.75 GPA in professional studies courses, a minimum 2.75 GPA in teaching field courses, and a minimum 2.75 GPA in all college courses; 3) a successfully completed interview; 4) a successfully completed essay prior to the interview; 5) completion of a teacher education application form (found in the Undergraduate Teacher Education Handbook); 6) passing results for the Praxis Core Academic Skills Test; 7) passing results for the appropriate Praxis II content knowledge exam (applies to elementary and early childhood education majors only); 8) ABI and FBI fingerprint clearance from the Alabama State Department of Education; and 9) field 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 program.
• Prior to student teaching, all students must successfully complete: 1) the appropriate Praxis II content knowledge exam; 2) the PRAXIS II Reading exam (for elementary or early childhood majors); 3) the Praxis Core Academic Skills Test, and 4) passing results on edTPA - Educator Teacher Performance Assessment during student teaching.
• 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.
• Students must earn a “C” or higher in all professional studies (teacher education) and teaching field courses.

Student Teaching

Prerequisites to student teaching and enrollment in the edTPA Professional Development Seminar include: 1) admission into the Teacher Education Program; 2) a minimum 2.75 GPA in professional studies courses, in teaching field courses, and in all college courses, earning a “C” or higher in each; 3) a completed application; 4) approval by the Teacher Education Council; 5) satisfactory completion of approved field experience hours; 6) a passing score on the Praxis Core Academic Skills Test; 7) a passing score on all the appropriate Praxis II exams; and 8) edTPA - Educator Teacher Performance Assessment.

During the student teaching academic period (semester), a student may take only one additional course (TE 433), 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. Student teaching placements are within 50 miles of the university.  Out-of-state and out of approved areas are not allowed.

Prior to admission to the 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

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 as well as those who are actively engaged in the teaching profession.

The University of Mobile Reading Council is open to all Teacher Education Program students who have a particular interest in promoting the dispersion of reading materials and generating a wider knowledge of techniques in teaching reading.

Degree Audit for 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 will be reflected in a degree audit requested by students (form on MyUM) at the beginning of the 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 the Teacher Education Program, to recommend programs within the educational field at the University of Mobile, to give guidance and support, and to promote and evaluate all aspects of the Teacher Education Program.

Secondary Certification

A Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree is offered in the major discipline approved for the secondary education student. The professional education component consists of knowledge and performance skills demonstrated in the areas of foundations, curriculum, technology, methods and strategies, evaluation, and teaching. Knowledge of and competency in theoretical foundations will be demonstrated through directed experiences in laboratory situations. The general education component includes study in the areas of humanities, social sciences, science, and mathematics.

The student may be required to challenge specified education courses. The vice president for academic affairs determines course equivalency upon recommendation by the dean of the School of Education.

Areas Approved for Secondary Education (6-12) Teacher Certification

Approved secondary certification areas are: biology, English language arts, history, mathematics, and social science (6-12). Students should refer to the major discipline sections of this catalog for specific information about each certification area.  Certain teacher education courses are offered only during the summer and only once a year.

Requirements for Secondary Certification (6-12 Teacher Certification)

The following courses are required for all secondary certification areas (6-12 certification) regardless of the major: TE 201, TE 301, TE 304, TE 306, TE 405, TE 470 (and either TE 471, TE 472, TE 473, or TE 474), TE 412, TE 417, TE 421, TE 422, TE 423, and TE 433. Students must be admitted into a Teacher Education Program to take the courses in bold print. Most teacher education courses require professional field experiences in school settings. Students must earn a “C” or higher in all teacher education and teaching field courses.

Requirements for a B.S. Degree with a Kinesiology Major - Physical Education (P-12 Teacher Certification)

This degree requires: KIN 211, KIN 212, KIN 213, KIN 214, KIN 218, KIN 301, KIN 309, KIN 332, KIN 341, KIN 351, KIN 403, KIN 404, KIN 407, KIN 409, KIN 421, MA 211, plus TE 201, TE 301, TE 304, TE 306, TE 405, TE 417, TE 422, TE 423, and TE 433. Students must be admitted into the Teacher Education Program to take the courses in bold print. Students must earn a “C” or higher in all teacher education and teaching field courses.

Requirements for a B.S. Degree with a Health Education (6-12) and Physical Education Major (P-12 Teacher Certification)

This degree requires: KIN 211, KIN 212, KIN 213, KIN 214, KIN 218, KIN 301, KIN 309, KIN 332, KIN 341, KIN 351, KIN 403, KIN 404, KIN 406, KIN 407, KIN 409, KIN 421, MA 211, plus TE 201, TE 301, TE 304, TE 306, TE 405, TE 417, TE 422, TE 423, and TE 433. Students must be admitted into the Teacher Education Program to take the courses in bold print. Students must earn a “C” or higher in all teacher education and teaching field courses.

Requirements for a Music Certificate (P-12 Teacher Certification)

In addition to the courses required for the music majors, the following courses are required for all music certification students: TE 201, TE 301, TE 304, TE 306, TE 417, TE 422, TE 423, TE 433, MU 325, and MU 425. Students must be admitted into the Teacher Education Program to take the courses in bold print. Students must earn a “C” or higher in all teacher education and teaching field courses. Students should refer to the music section of this catalog for information about required courses. Students should see their advisor for course schedule information.