College of Education
Undergraduate students at the university can choose to enter one of the following initial licensure programs: the B.S. Ed. In Elementary Education program (grades Pre-K-6); the Secondary Education (grades 6-12) program in each of the following areas: Computer Science, English, History and Social Sciences, Mathematics, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics; the PreK-12 Education program in Foreign Language (French, German, Spanish, and Latin), Music Education (Instrumental, Vocal/Choral), Theater Arts, or Visual Arts ; or the Special Education, General Curriculum (K-12) program. Most of the courses students take in the programs require students to complete field experiences in the public schools.
The College of Education also offers post-baccalaureate initial teacher licensure programs designed for adults who have earned a bachelor’s degree. Candidates may elect to pursue initial licensure to complete the requirements for the Master of Education. Programs available prepare students for licensure in Elementary Education (PreK-6), Middle Education (6-8), at the secondary levels (6-12) in each of the following areas: Computer Science, English, History and Social Sciences, Mathematics, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics; PreK-12 Endorsements in Foreign Language (French, German, Spanish, and Latin), Music Education (Instrumental, Vocal/Choral), Visual Arts; and Special Education, K-12 General Curriculum or adapted curriculum. In addition, the College offers a Master of Education degree for practicing teachers who already possess initial licensure and are seeking continuing professional development, master’s level licensure, or endorsements in teaching or administration. The M.Ed. for professional development programs includes Educational Leadership, Reading Specialist, and Special Education. Students enrolling in any of these programs must possess a collegiate professional or postgraduate professional Virginia license.
The College also offers graduate-level endorsement pathways in Educational Leadership, Reading Specialist, and Special Education.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Students will apply appropriate learning theories recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas.
2. Students will design and implement developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences that include the use of technology.
3. Students will create an environment that values individual differences and diverse cultures, and communities.
4. Students will ensure inclusive learning by addressing the needs of diverse learners.
5. Students will organize and manage face-to-face and virtual environments that support individual and collaborative learning.
6. Students will encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self- motivation.
7. Students will understand the tools of inquiry and structures of the discipline.
8. Students will create learning experiences that make content accessible and meaningful for learners to ensure content mastery.
9. Students will connect concepts and use different perspectives and digital resources to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving.
10. Students will plan rigorous, sequenced instruction related to authentic local and global issues.
11. Students will use multiple methods of assessment, including digital tools, to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide teacher and learner decision making.
12. Students will use formative assessment to monitor and adjust instruction and to guide the learners’ decision making.
13. Students will plan instruction to support every learner in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of digital age technology, content areas, curriculum, crossdisciplinary skills, and pedagogy.
14. Students will effectively plan instruction based on knowledge of learners and the community context.
15. Students will understand and use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections.
16. Students will engage in ongoing professional learning.
17. Students will use evidence to continually evaluate his or her practice, particularly the effects of teacher choices and actions on others.
18. Students will adapt practice to meet the needs of each learner in an ethical and responsible manner.
19. Students will seek appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for learning.
20. Students will collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members (using digital tools and resources) to ensure learner growth and to advance the profession.