The faculty of education offers a major in elementary/collaborative education for students who wish to teach grades Kindergarten through six. Certification programs are offered for students who wish to teach secondary grades 6 12, middle level grades 4 8 in English language arts and general social science, or for students who wish to teach art, dance, or music in preschool through grade twelve. An educational services major is offered for students who wish an alternative to acquiring a teaching certificate. These students may choose educationally related careers in industry, business, community service, and government. This program also prepares students for graduate study in careers that require advanced study such as religious education, special education, library science, counseling and guidance, and administration in higher education.

Teacher Education Program

The College's Teacher Education Program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Alabama State Department of Education. The Education Division offers programs that lead to teacher certification by the State of Alabama in secondary education (6 12); endorsement for middle level specialist in English language arts and general social science (4 8); art, dance, and music in all grades (P 12); and a combined major that leads to teacher certification in both elementary and collaborative education (K 6).

Eligibility for Teacher Education

Students who wish to pursue a teaching career must make formal application for admission to the Teacher Education Program after completing at least 15 units of work. Applications must be approved by the Teacher Education Committee before students may enroll in advanced courses in education.

General education requirements for one unit in the humanities may be met during interims only for students intending to gain certification.

The criteria for admission to and continuation in the Teacher Education Program are as follows:

1. Completion of at least 15 units of credit or the equivalent.
2. A grade point average of 2.50 or higher on all college work, on all work at Birmingham-Southern College, and in the major. It should be noted that only grades of "C-" or higher will be accepted toward teacher certification.
3. Recommendation by a member of the Education Division and satisfactory interview with two or more members of the faculty.
4. Completion of one or more of the following courses to show evidence of teaching aptitude and professional behavior:
   • ED 201
   • ED 210
   • ED 199/299
   • EPy 223
   • EPy 260
     or documented experience with children
5. A passing score on the Alabama Basic Skills Test, taken within five years prior to entrance into the Teacher Education Program.

Application for Approval to Student Teach

Students who wish to student teach must make formal application for approval. The student's application must be approved by the Teacher Education Committee prior to the term when student teaching will be done. The criteria for approval to student teach are as follows:

1. A grade point average of 2.50 or higher on all Birmingham-Southern work and on all cumulative college work.
2. A grade point of "C-" or above on all courses in the major and related education courses.
3. Removal of any deficiencies which were noted on the oral language checklist.
4. A satisfactory interview with two or three members of the faculty to assess performances in field experiences.

Eligibility for the Teaching Certificate

The Teacher Education Committee has the authority to change requirements in the Teacher Education Program in order to comply with regulations and policies of the Alabama State Board of Education, which grants the teaching certificate. Students should consult a faculty advisor or certification officer in education concerning certification requirements.

To be eligible for a teaching certificate a student must complete an approved course of study in one of the following programs:

Elementary/Collaborative Education
Secondary Education/Middle Level Specialist in English Language Arts or General Social Science
Secondary Education
Art Education
Dance Education
Music Education

Each program has three components: general studies, professional studies, and major studies. Completion of a teacher education program is prerequisite to the teaching certificate but not sufficient. A student must also satisfy the following conditions:

1. Complete graduation requirements.
2. Achieve a minimum 2.50 grade point average in all College and cumulative work.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in teaching by achieving a grade of "B-" or better in all student teaching internships.
4. Pass written comprehensive examinations on knowledge of the major(s) and knowledge of professional education practices.

Field Experiences

Each student enrolled in the Teacher Education Program participates in three levels of field experiences. The first level involves primarily observation as part of courses in education numbered at the 200 level and/or exploratory experiences during interim.

The second level is found in the methods courses within a major. These field experiences involve working with children and youth in a specified area such as reading, mathematics, social studies, science, etc.

The third and most in-depth experience is student teaching, a series of internships in two or more different schools on a full time basis. Student teaching is the best means of measuring if a student has synthesized all course work.

Elementary/Collaborative Education -- Professors Kersting Bell, Kirkpatrick, Moore, and Williams advisors

(This section has been updated. Click here for details.)

1. General Studies: The student must meet the general education requirements of the College. Additional courses in mathematics and science are also required as specified.
2. Professional Studies:

   ED 201 Introduction to Education
   ED 210 Teaching the Young Child
   EPy 223 Human Growth and Development
   EPy 260 Survey of Exceptional Children
   ED 199 or 299 Exploring Teaching
   EPy 320 Educational Psychology
   ED 275 Curriculum Design

3. Major Studies:

   ED 209 Creative Arts in Teaching
   ED 315 Teaching Reading I
   ED 316 Teaching Reading II
   ED 317 Teaching Social Studies
   ED 318 Teaching Reading III
   ED 320 Teaching Mathematics
   ED 324 Teaching Science and Health
   ED 410 Internship II
   ED 411 Internship III
   ED 470 Seminar in Teaching I
   ED 471 Seminar in Teaching II
   ED 499 Internship I

The major in elementary/collaborative education prepares students to teach children in grades Kindergarten through six. The program leads to State of Alabama Class B teaching certificates in collaborative education and in elementary education

Secondary Education -- Professor Turner, advisor

The Secondary Education program leads to State of Alabama Class B certification for grades six through twelve. Candidates for this certificate must complete coursework in general studies, professional studies, and a major. They may select single majors or interdisciplinary majors.

Single majors are available in biology, French, German, history, mathematics, and Spanish.

Students who wish to be certified to teach more than one subject in high school have two options. They may choose either two interdisciplinary majors or one of the comprehensive majors listed below under major studies.

I. General Studies: Students must complete the general education requirements of the College.

II. Professional Studies:

ED 201 Introduction to Education
ED 199 Exploring Teaching: Secondary
EPy 223 Human Growth and Development
EPy 260 Survey of Exceptional Children
EPy 320 Educational Psychology
ED 319 Teaching Reading IV
ED 323 Teaching in High School
ED 470 Seminar in Teaching I
ED 471 Seminar in Teaching II
ED 499 Senior Project in the Major
ED 412 Internship IV
ED 413 Internship V

A. Single majors -- A student may select a single major in biology, French, German, history, mathematics, or Spanish. The requirements for these majors are listed under their respective disciplines elsewhere in this catalog, and they may be viewed by following the links above.

B. Interdisciplinary majors -- A student may select a combination of any two disciplines listed below:

Biology
Chemistry
French
German
History
Mathematics
Political Science
Spanish

C. Comprehensive majors-A student may select a comprehensive major in English Language Arts or General Social Science. Middle Level Specialist Endorsement (grades 4 8) and Secondary Certification (grades 6 12) are offered in both areas. One of the following options should be selected:

Option I: General Social Science-Middle Level Specialist (Grades 4 8)
HI 151 and 152, 499, two units at or above 300 level including one non western course; PS, two units with one at or above the 300 level; EC, one unit; SO, two units with one at or above the 300 level; geography, one unit; EPy, three units with one at or above the 300 level; ED 314 in addition to the regular Professional Studies courses. Students seeking secondary certification only (grades 6 12) should take an additional unit of history, political science, psychology, sociology, and economics at the 300 level or above, and eliminate ED 314.
.

Option II: English Language Arts-Middle Level Specialist (Grades 4 8) EH 102 or 208, 200, 204, 499, and two units distributed among categories I, II, III, and IV as listed in the English section of the catalog; SP 101; ThA 122, 215, 303; ED 314 in addition to the ED courses listed under Professional Studies. Students seeking secondary certification only (grades 6 12) should take four units of English distributed among categories I, II, III, IV as listed in the catalog and an additional elective from EH, SP, or ThA, and eliminate ED 314.

The All-Grades Programs In Art and Music

Art Education -- Professor Moore, advisor

1. General Studies:
   Students must complete the general education requirements for the B.A degree (or B.F.A. degree with additional units).
   
2. Professional Studies:

   ED 201 Introduction to Education
   EPy 223 Human Growth and Development
   EPy 260 Survey of Exceptional Children
   EPy 320 Educational Psychology
   ED 414 Internship VI (1½ units)
   ED 415 Internship VII (1½ units)
   ED 319 Teaching Reading IV or ED 315 Teaching Reading I
   ED 470 Seminar in Teaching I
   ED 471 Seminar in Teaching II

3. Major Studies:

   AR 111, 112, 114, 150, 215 or 216, 250, 350, 415 or 416, 499, plus one unit from painting, printmaking, and sculpture, and one additional unit in art history.
   

Candidates for the Preschool-12 Teaching Certificate in Dance Education must complete the general education requirements for the College and the professional studies requirements of the Division of Education. In addition, specific teaching field (dance) units are required. The Education Division Office has a list of these courses.

Candidates for the Elementary-Secondary Teaching Certificate in Music must complete requirements for the Bachelor of Music Education Degree, which may be viewed by following the link to the Music section of this catalog.

Educational Services Major

ED 201 Introduction to Education

ED 210 Teaching the Young Child

ED 275 Curriculum Design

EPy 223 Human Growth and Development

EPy 260 Survey of Exceptional Children

EPy 320 Educational Psychology

Five additional units from ED 199/299/399, ED 209, ED 317, ED 318,

ED 323, ED 324, ED 398, ED 470, and MU 136

ED 499p Senior Project in Educational Services

Courses in Education

ED 111 Golf I (¼)

Introduces students to the basic skills and fundamentals of playing golf. Students with little or no experience in playing golf may be expected to use this sport as a personal wellness and fitness activity upon the completion of this course. Fall.

 

ED 112 Golf II (¼)

An advanced course for students who have reached a basic proficiency level for playing golf. The course will increase strategies in shot making and skills in playing different strokes as well as contribute to students physical and mental health. Prerequisite: ED 111 or permission of the instructor. Spring.

 

ED 121 Weight Training (¼)

Provides students the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skill in weight training. Students benefit from increased fitness in the areas of neuro-muscular coordination, balance, flexibility, muscular endurance, postural movement, and overall improved muscle tone. Fall, Spring.

 

ED 126 Tennis I (¼)

Provides students the opportunity to develop proficiencies in game skills, knowledge of rules, selection and care of equipment, tennis etiquette, and strategy. In addition to these proficiencies, students are expected to develop basic analytical skills and to complete a series of eight annotations of articles on the game of tennis. Fall, Spring.

 

ED 127 Tennis II (¼)

An advanced course for students who have reached a basic proficiency level for playing tennis. Students are expected to improve both skills and strategies in playing tennis and to improve their strength, agility, and stamina. Prerequisite: ED 126 or permission of the instructor. Spring.

 

ED 128 Racquetball (¼)

Introduces racquetball as a lifetime sport and wellness activity. Students will learn the basic skills, rules, and etiquette of playing the game. Fall, Spring.

 

ED 199/299/399 Exploring Teaching (1)

A field-based interim project that requires observation and participation in classrooms at the elementary, middle-school, or high-school level. Specific requirements are listed in the Interim Term Bulletin, which is published every fall. Interim.

 

ED 201 Introduction to Education (1)

Surveys the history, purposes, practices, policies, functions, procedures, governance, and control of public and private schools in America as well as related issues. The student examines education and schooling from historical, philosophical, sociological, and psychological perspectives. Fall, Spring.

 

ED 209 Creative Arts in Teaching (1)

Provides pre-service teachers with techniques for integrating music, art, drama, and movement into classroom instruction in grades K-6. Prerequisite: MU 136. Fall.

 

ED 210 Teaching the Young Child (1)

Surveys early childhood education programs and methods of teaching, including history and philosophy of early childhood education, developmentally appropriate practices, evaluation, and other issues distinctive to children in grades K-3. Laboratory experience required. Fall.

 

ED 275 Curriculum Design (1)

Introduces the principles of curriculum design and development, including history, theory, process, determinants, and organization of curricula as found in public and private schools. Fall.

 

ED 310 Teaching Art (1)

Provides the pre-service art teacher with the basic attitudes, theories, and methods necessary for teaching art in grades middle and high schools. Prerequisite: Teacher Education Program or consent. Fall.

 

ED 314 Methods and Materials for Upper Elementary (1)

Theories, methods, programs, and materials necessary to teach language arts, math, sciences, and in the upper elementary grades. Field experiences are included. Prerequisite: Teacher Education Program or consent. Fall.

 

ED 315 Teaching Reading I (1)

Introduces theory, principles, and practices which serve as the foundation for teaching reading, process writing, and other language arts in an interactive, holistic manner to students in grades K-6. Attention will be given to teaching children with special needs. Laboratory experience required. Prerequisite: Teacher Education Program or consent. Fall.

 

ED 316 Teaching Reading II (1)

Expands upon theory, principles, and practices introduced in ED 315 and extends reading, writing, and other language arts to include content reading, study skills, technology, and other relevant areas. Attention will be given to teaching children with special needs. Laboratory experience required. Prerequisites: ED 315 and Teacher Education Program or consent. Spring.

 

ED 317 Teaching Social Studies (1)

Provides pre-service teachers with philosophy, content knowledge, techniques, and materials to assist them in the teaching of social studies to children, ages 5 through 12. Responsible citizenship and the importance of multi-cultural education is stressed. Attention will be given to teaching children with special needs. Prerequisite: Teacher Education Program or consent. Fall.

 

ED 318 Teaching Reading III (1)

Extends theory, principles, and practice introduced previously with emphasis on children's literature, working with children with special needs, and literature-based thematic teaching. Attention will be given to teaching children with special needs. Laboratory experience required. Prerequisite: Teacher Education Program or consent. Spring.

 

ED 319 Teaching High School Subjects I: Content Reading (1)

Provides theories, methods, and materials necessary to teach reading in the content areas to students ages 9 through 16. Improvement and remediation of reading are emphasized, especially in relation to middle and secondary school students. Laboratory experience required. Prerequisite: Teacher Education Program or consent. Spring.

 

ED 320 Teaching Mathematics (1)

Develops techniques, materials, and methods for teaching mathematics to children ages 5 through 12. Attention will be given to teaching children with special needs. Prerequisite: Teacher Education Program or consent. Spring.

 

ED 323 Teaching High School Subjects II (1)

Designed for teacher education students who seek certification at the secondary level, grades 6-12. Students develop strategies, techniques, methods, and materials necessary to direct learning within respective content areas. Pre-service teachers are required to make decisions about their teaching fields in relation to planning, presenting, and assessing subject matter. Prerequisite: Teacher Education Program or consent. Fall.

 

ED 324 Teaching Science and Health (1)

Provides pre-service teachers with philosophy, content knowledge, techniques, and materials to assist them in the teaching of science and health to children ages 5 through 12. Attention will be given to teaching children with special needs. Laboratory experience required. Prerequisites: Teacher Education Program or consent. Spring.

 

ED 410 Internship II (1½)

Full-time student teaching in grade one, two, or three for six weeks under supervision of a certified teacher and a college supervisor. Student must also enroll in ED 411 and ED 471. Prerequisites: Teacher Education Program and faculty approval. Fall, Spring.

 

ED 411 Internship III (1½)

Full-time student teaching in grade four, five or six for six weeks under the supervision of a certified teacher and a college supervisor. Student must also enroll in ED 410 and ED 471. Prerequisites: Teacher Education Program and faculty approval. Fall, Spring.

 

ED 412 Internship IV (1½)

Full-time student teaching in grade seven, eight or nine for six weeks under the supervision of a certified teacher and a college supervisor. Student must also enroll in ED 413 and ED 471. Prerequisites: Teacher Education Program and faculty approval. Fall, Spring.

 

ED 413 Internship V (1½)

Full-time student teaching in grade ten, eleven or twelve for six weeks under the supervision of a certified teacher and a college supervisor. Student must also enroll in ED 412 and ED 471. Prerequisites: Teacher Education Program and faculty approval. Fall, Spring.

 

ED 414 Internship VI (1½)

Full-time student teaching in art in grades K-6 for six weeks under the supervision of a certified teacher and a college supervisor. Student must also enroll in ED 415 and ED 471. Prerequisites: Teacher Education Program and faculty approval. Spring.

 

ED 415 Internship VII (1½)

Full-time student teaching in art in grades seven through twelve for six weeks under the supervision of a certified teacher and a college supervisor. Student must also enroll in ED 414 and ED 471. Prerequisites: Teacher Education Program and faculty approval. Spring.

 

ED 470 Seminar in Teaching I (1)

Designed to help students to apply technology, media, audio/visuals, and a variety of community resources to instruction in the classroom. Prerequisite: Teacher Education Program or approval. Fall, Spring.

 

ED 471 Seminar in Teaching II (1)

Designed to increase the competencies and knowledge base of the student teacher with regard to legal issues, crisis management, parent-teacher conferencing, ethical considerations, diversity, classroom management, and professional development. This seminar must be taken in conjunction with student teaching. Prerequisites: Senior standing and approval for student teaching internship. Fall, Spring.

 

ED 499 Internship I (1)

A capstone experience in teaching that involves full-time assignment to a collaborative classroom for four weeks under the joint supervision of a certified teacher and two college supervisors. Students design, plan, and implement coordinated learning experiences for special-needs children, attend regular seminars, engage in independent conferences, and participate in the development of Individualized Education Programs for special-needs students. Students also prepare a notebook that includes assigned observations, school-related information, and a daily reflective journal. Prerequisites: Senior standing and approval for student teaching internship. Interim.

 

ED 499p Senior Project in Educational Services (1)

A research project for the professional studies major, pursued independently or corporately, that demonstrates the student's accumulated knowledge in the discipline. A substantial paper is required. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. Interim.

Courses in Educational Psychology

EPy 223 Human Growth and Development (1)

Theories of human growth and development to help students understand the mental, social, and emotional patterns of development from conception to late adulthood. Fall, Spring.

 

EPy 260 Survey of Exceptional Children (1)

The role and scope of educational programs for exceptional children including etiology, identification, and incidence. An overview of how individualized programs are developed and planned is also included. Fall, Spring.

 

EPy 320 Educational Psychology (1)

Theories and practices in human learning to help students develop an understanding of the nature of learning as applied in nursery schools, kindergartens, elementary grades, and high school grades. Prerequisite: Teacher Education Program or consent. Fall, Spring.