Department of Collaborative Special Education

The Bachelor of Science degree is offered in Collaborative Special Education (K-6). This program aligns with the principles and ethics embodied by the Council for Exceptional Children. The Collaborative Special Education K-6 degree is for candidates who would like to teach elementary-age students with cognitive, behavioral, physical and/or multiple disabilities. The Collaborative Special Education K-6 teacher is responsible for providing detailed and developmentally appropriate instruction to students. The teacher is knowledgeable about a variety of subjects and uses a vast range of sound research-based strategies to “individualize” instruction. Collaborative Special Education K-6 teachers are often characterized as nurturing, well-organized, and creative with the ability and desire to lead students to success.

The professional preparation sequence consists of knowledge and performance skills demonstrated in the areas of foundations, curriculum, media, evaluation, and teaching. Knowledge of and competency in theoretical foundations will be demonstrated through directed experiences in field situations.

The general preparation sequence from the liberal arts includes student in the humanities, social sciences, natural and physical sciences, mathematics, and human performance and exercise science.

Certain teacher education courses are offered only during one academic period (semester) each year.

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.

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 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 II content knowledge exams for the major; 7) passing results for the Praxis II Reading exam; 8) ABI and FBI fingerprint clearance from the Alabama State Department of Education; and 9) 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 which meets federal No Child Left Behind standards.
Prior to student teaching, all students must successfully complete the Praxis II Elementary Education content knowledge exam, the Praxis II Special Education content knowledge exam, and the Praxis II Reading exam. 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; and 6) a passing score on all the appropriate Praxis II exams for this major.

During the student teaching academic period (semeser), 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.

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 actively engaged in the teaching profession.

University of Mobile Literacy 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 Teacher Education Students

Students pursuing a degree from 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 in the Registrar’s Office 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.