200

Candidates will complete a minimum of 50 hours of field experience in a public or private school where they will have an opportunity to participate in the development and delivery of lesson plans. Candidates will examine theories of classroom management, analyze classroom scenarios and formulate a plan that supports a positive learning community. Candidates will reflect on their educational experiences, field experience observations and current research in education as they familiarize themselves with reflective practice.

This course examines the framework that establishes the foundation and structure of American education. Students will learn about the various types of schools/schooling and examine social issues and the interrelationships of schools, the community and legal issues how these impact American education. Current issues, the role of professional organizations, including unions, as well as the expectations, stereotypes and characterizations that define the teaching profession will be reviewed. Students will use reflection and experiences to define the knowledge, skills and dispositions are needed to be a successful educator. A 25- hour field/site visit is required.

This course introduces theories and models for teaching literacy across the content areas to middle school students.  It develops familiarity with issues related to vocabulary, word analysis, comprehension, fluency and motivation.  It examines teaching methods that develop strategic reading of both narrative and informational texts as well as the development of written and spoken language.

This course is designed to prepare educators with an understanding of the characteristics and developmental issues of the middle school students. The course will emphasize methods and strategies middle school teachers can use to meet the emotional, social and academic needs of young adolescent learners. Curricular design, instructional models, reading in the content area and assessment strategies will be discussed and applied enabling the candidate to be successful with the knowledge and skills needed for the multifaceted role of the middle school teacher.

The nature of language and language learning processes with specific focus organizational patterns and teaching methods for the elementary classroom is addressed in this course.  Particular emphasis is placed on designing, presenting and evaluating classroom practices and attention to cultural diversity of students and the needs of the exceptional learner. Additionally, the course will discuss how recent developments in the fields of linguistics, psychology and technology impact the teaching of foreign language. 

This course explores the field of education from a historical, social, economic, political, legal, ethical and moral perspective.   The rewards and challenges of the teaching professional will be emphasized along with an overview of the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to be an effective teacher.   Working with unique learners including those with disabilities and non-English speakers will be introduced along with a brief overview of standards-based education, assessment, instructional technology, and differentiated instruction.  Participants will complete observation hours in an elementary, middle or high school as well as articulate their personal philosophy of the purpose and obligations of public and private education.  This course is highly recommended for declared education majors and those considering a career in the education field.