Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2017-2018
70
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Education
Bachelor of Science
Gay F. Barnes, Louanne C. Jacobs, Kelly A. Russell, Amelia G. Spencer
The idea of purposeful and intentional teaching focused through a liberal arts lens
captures the vision of teacher education shared by the education department. We believe
that purposeful and intentional teachers demonstrate intellectual curiosity and
philosophical, pedagogical, and academic grounding. We seek to develop teachers who
practice reflective and intentional teaching and advocacy for the community, profession,
and all children.
The education department offers three certification courses of study for students wishing
to pursue a teaching career: Elementary/Collaborative K-6, Secondary 6-12, and Visual
Art P-12. The elementary/collaborative education degree program offers students dual
certification endorsement in both elementary and special education. Secondary and visual
art candidates receive a degree in their subject area and take a series of education courses
to complete the College’s state-approved Teacher Education Program (TEP).
All of the College’s teacher education programs are accredited and/or approved by the
Alabama State Department of Education.
Upon completion of the teacher education program, students will be able to
•
articulate a personal philosophy of education that reflects a synthesis of current
educational theories
•
communicate effectively in writing and in oral communication showing a grasp
of discipline-specific language
•
plan instruction that activates students’ prior knowledge, builds upon that
knowledge, and assesses student learning
•
complete internships that demonstrate the ability to impact student learning
Teacher Education Program
Students who fulfill requirements for the elementary/collaborative education major are
eligible for Alabama State Department of Education dual certification in Elementary
Education and Collaborative Teacher K-6 (Special Education). Students seeking
certification in secondary education have single subject certification options in biology,
chemistry, history, mathematics, physics, and Spanish for the workplace for grades 6-12.
Comprehensive certification is offered for majors in English (English language arts), and
history (history/general social science). All certification candidates are required to meet
the requirements for a major in their chosen field as well as courses required by the
Alabama State Department of Education to fulfill the distinction of “Highly Qualified
Teacher.” For example, elementary/collaborative students are required to take three math
courses, three science courses, and three English courses. These courses may coincide
with courses taken to meet the Explorations curriculum.