Teacher Education

Undergraduate

Dana Kennamer, Chair
ACU Box 29008
Abilene, Texas 79699-9008
Education Building, Room 101

Phone: 325-674-2112
Fax: 325-674-2123
Email: dlp94a@acu.edu
Web: www.acu.edu/education

Faculty

Mitzi Adams, Instructor
Kristen Babovec, Assistant Professor
Julie Douthit, Instructor
Kim Hardin, Assistant Professor
Katie Hathorn, Clinical Assistant
Andrew Huddleston, Associate Professor
Dana Mayhall, Assistant Professor
Dana Kennamer, Professor and Chair
Jenn Rogers, Instructor
Jill Scott, Associate Professor
Sam Stewart, Associate Professor
Stephanie Talley, Associate Professor

Majors:

The Department of Teacher Education offers the Bachelor of Science degree with majors in interdisciplinary studies. Degrees are available leading to certification at the following levels: Age 3 through Grade 6, Grades 4 through 8, Grades 6 through 12, Grades 7 through 12, and Age 3 through Grade 12. Supplements that may be added to a teaching field include English as a Second Language (ESL) and Special Education.

Introduction

The goal of the Department of Teacher Education is to prepare educators who will have the professional knowledge and skills to work in a wide range of roles in elementary and secondary schools both public and private. Approximately 300 students each year prepare for certification in some aspect of professional education. A capable faculty provides a rich background of practical experience and academic preparation.

The Teacher Education Program is accredited by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification. Abilene Christian University is a member of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the Texas Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the Association of Independent Liberal Arts Colleges for Teacher Education, the Education Deans of Independent Colleges and Universities in Texas, and the International Christian Community for Teacher Education.

Criteria for Admission to ACU Teacher Education

In accordance with Texas state law, the ACU Teacher Education Program has established the following criteria for admission to Teacher Education. Before taking more than 6 hours EDUC a student must first be admitted to the Teacher Education Program. To be admitted to the Teacher Education Program, a student must:

Complete and submit an application for admission into the Teacher Education Program;
Have completed the first 45 semester hours of credit;
Successfully complete with a C or better 15 hours in the candidate’s chosen content field;
Have a minimum overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.75 and a GPA of 2.75 or higher in 15 hours of the chosen content field;
Complete 6 hours of University English requirements with no grade lower than a “C” (In order to maintain admission status, the candidate must earn a C or better in all university required English courses.);
Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and math through one of the following:
- ACT: Composite score of 23 or higher with at least a 19 on the English portion and at least a 19 on the math section.
- SAT: Combined critical reading and math score of 1070 with a minimum of 500 on the critical reading portion and a minimum of 500 on the math portion.
- Successful completion of University Requirements in mathematics and English with a grade of C or higher.
Successfully complete (C or better) EDUC 211 - Introduction to Education: Culture and Contexts ;
Successfully complete the Teacher Education Dispositions Review as described in the ACU Teacher Education Student Handbook;
Declare a major that includes certification;
Successfully complete a student life review;
Receive approval from the Teacher Education Admissions and Review Committee. An interview with the committee may be required.

Any exemptions or modification to the above requirements due to special circumstances must be requested through the chair of the Department of Teacher Education. All requests will be reviewed and must be approved by the Teacher Education Admissions and Review Committee. In addition, admission to Teacher Education is not the final step in the process. In order to remain in the program, the prospective teacher must continue to meet the GPA requirement (2.75).

Note: Candidates must meet criteria for admission in place at the time of application to Teacher Education.

English Language Proficiency Assessment Requirement:

International students with primary languages other than English must demonstrate English language proficiency by an official TOEFL score of at least 600 (computer-based score of 250, iBT of 100).

Additional program requirements:

In order to remain in the Teacher Education Program, an overall GPA of 2.75, 2.75 in the content filed, and continued approval of the Teacher Education Admissions Committee must be maintained. If the GPA falls below the standard, the candidate’s admission to Teacher Education will be revoked. If the GPA later meets the standard, the candidate must reapply to the program and meet the standards at the time of reapplication. If the GPA falls below criteria again, the candidate’s admission to Teacher Education will be permanently revoked.
In order to maintain eligibility, candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of teaching as outlined in the ACU Teacher Education Handbook.
A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the candidate’s teaching field, all professional education courses, and all courses in the major.
All professional education courses (EDUC, READ, SPED, and EACH) must be taken in residence.
Junior and senior transfer students must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and math through scores on the ACT, SAT, or successful completion of appropriate English and math courses as outlined above.
Any appeals related to admissions will be directed first to the chair of Teacher Education. If the candidate does not feel the issue is resolved, the appeal will be forwarded to the Dean of the College of Education and Human Services.

Note: A candidate who does not have an overall GPA of 2.75 or higher may be admitted to the program if all other admissions criteria are met and if all of the following are true;

An overall GPA of 2.75 or higher in the last 60 hours;
A GPA of 2.75 in the teaching content field with no grade lower than a C;
No university disciplinary actions filed - academic or otherwise;
A formal letter of request submitted to the admissions committee describing the candidate’s academic history and articulating motivations for wanting to enter the teaching profession.
An interview with the Teacher Education Admissions Committee.

Integrated Plan: Fifth-Year Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teaching and Learning

ACU offers a fifth-year M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning. The degree is designed as a one-year master’s program for students currently enrolled in ACU’s undergraduate teacher education program, allowing students to complete their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years. Students participate in a year-long clinical teaching placement, providing them with extensive hands-on experience.

Admission requirements for the fifth-year M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning include the following:

Candidates must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree that includes teacher certification. The GPA requirement will be 3.0 overall and 3.0 in the content field.
Candidates must have earned no grade lower than a B in any undergraduate professional education courses (EDUC, READ, EACH, SPED).
Candidates must have no score below 3 on the Dispositions Review completed by three ACU faculty members (two from the Department of Teacher Education and one from the content area department for middle school, high school and all-levels applicants or three from the Department of Teacher Education for all other applicants).
A completed application to the Fifth-Year Master’s in Teaching and Learning Degree sequence with a statement of purpose and philosophy (maximum of two pages with 12-point font, double-spaced) addressing one’s motivation for pursuing the degree and describing one’s current philosophy of education. No score below a 3 on any category of the essay rubric.

Note: Candidates who do not meet these criteria may still be considered through an interview process. Once accepted, these qualifications must be maintained to remain in the program.

Teacher Certification

Students who complete the Teacher Education Program and who wish to obtain Texas teacher certification must pass the appropriate exams in professional education and in the appropriate teaching fields as required by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). Approval to take the certification exams must be obtained from the Department of Teacher Education. Additional information is available from the certification officer in the Department of Teacher Education. Those who do not complete the certification process within a year after program completion may be subject to additional requirements.

All students who plan to complete the Teacher Education Program at ACU are advised that the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) at times revises its certification rules, regulations, and procedures. Since ACU’s Teacher Education Program is accredited by the SBEC, some changes in the requirements and procedures contained in this catalog may be necessary. Students seeking certification will be expected to meet the requirements in program admission as well as certification and degree plans that are in effect at the time they graduate even if they are different from those in this catalog. Students are encouraged to contact the Department of Teacher Education on a regular basis and to maintain close communication with their academic advisor to learn of changes as they occur. Advisors will make every effort to substitute courses for students as requirements change while continuing to prepare students for successful completion of the certification exams.

Except with prior approval of the chair of the Department of Teacher Education, individuals who complete their degree program at ACU must take all required professional education courses in residence.

Elementary and Special Education Teacher Certification

The ACU Teacher Education Program offers two degrees for certification in teaching ages 3 through 6th grade.

Early Childhood/Elementary Certification (IDSC)
Special Education with Early Childhood and Elementary (SPEL)

Middle School Teacher Certification

Degrees for teaching grades 4-8 are offered in the following areas:

Middle School Education - Lanugage Arts (MSLN)
Middle School Education - Mathematics (MSMT)
Middle School Education - Science (MSSC)
Middle School Education - Social Studies (MSSO)

High School Teacher Certification

High school teacher certification is offered in the following areas:

High School Teacher Certification - Life Sciences (BIOT)
High School Teacher Certification – Biology Composite (BTCS)
High School Teacher Certification - Chemistry (CHMT)
High School Teacher Certification - Physical Science (CPST)
High School Teacher Certification – Chemistry Composite (CMST)
High School Teacher Certification - Social Studies (HSST)
High School Teacher Certification - History (HSTT)
High School Teacher Certification - Computer Science and Mathematics (CSMT)
High School Teacher Certification - Physics and Mathematics (PHMT)
Convergence Journalism/Multimedia Teacher Certification (JMCT)
English Teacher Certification (ENGT)
Mathematics Teacher Certification (MATT)
Spanish Teacher Certification (SPNT)

Information on degree requirements for these high school teaching fields can be found in the appropriate catalog section for those departments.

All-Level (EC through 12) Certification

All-Level teacher certification is offered in the following areas:

Art (ARTT)
Music (MTIA or MTVA)
Theatre (THED)
Language and Literature: Spanish (SPNT)

For requirements in All-Level teaching certification degrees, see the catalog section of the appropriate department.

Supplemental Certifications

English as a Second Language

All ACU teacher candidates are prepared to add this supplemental certification to their primary credential. This supplement will certify an individual to teach English as a Second Language at the level and in the field of the primary certification.

Special Education (GSPE)

Adding Supplemental Special Education Certification to an Initial Elementary, All-Level, Middle School, or High School Teacher Certificate

This supplement will certify an individual to teach special education at the level and in the field of his/her certification. In addition to the requirements of the degree plan for their initial teacher certification, students will be required to take the following courses:

Complete student teaching and courses in an approved teaching field.

Total Required Credit Hours: 9

Study Abroad Expectations

All students are encouraged to participate in ACU’s Study Abroad program. Classes offered at Study Abroad sites vary depending on the site. Academic advisors can assist students in planning ahead for their Study Abroad experience and should be consulted regarding this during the freshman year.

Graduate

Dr. Andrew Huddleston, Director

ACU Box 29008
Abilene, Texas 79699-9008
Education Building, Room 101

Phone: 325-674-2112
Fax: 325-674-2123
Email: dlp94a@acu.edu
Web: http://www.acu.edu/education

Faculty

Kipi Fleming, Assistant Professor
Kim Hardin, Assistant Professor
Andrew Huddleston, Associate Professor
Dana Mayhall, Assistant Professor
Dana Kennamer, Professor
Jill Scott, Associate Professor
Sam Stewart, Associate Professor
Stephanie Talley, Associate Professor

Introduction

The Abilene Christian University Department of Teacher Education offers a Master of Education (MEd) in Teaching and Learning with two track options. The first track is available to high performing teacher candidates completing their initial Texas teacher certification program through Abilene Christian University. Candidates will matriculate into the program in the final spring semester of their undergraduate program, taking 6 graduate-level hours as part of the undergraduate program.

The MEd in Teaching and Learning, Initial Certification track includes an emphasis on inquiry-based practice, providing teacher candidates with the skills needed to make instructional decisions informed by valid assessment data. The degree will equip graduates to meet the needs of diverse student populations and to serve in various curriculum leadership roles in schools.

The Abilene Christian University Teacher Education program is accredited through the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

Admission Requirements for MEd in Teaching and Learning - Initial Certification Track

Admission requirements for the MEd in Teaching and Learning, Initial Certification track are as follows:

Candidates must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree that includes teacher certification. The GPA requirement will be 3.0 overall and 3.0 in the content field.
Candidates must have earned no grade lower than a B in any undergraduate professional education courses (EDUC, READ, EACH, SPED).
Candidates must have no score below 3 on the Dispositions Review completed by three ACU faculty members (two from the Department of Teacher Education and one from the content area department for middle school, high school and all-levels applicants or three from the Department of Teacher Education for all other applicants).
A completed application to the Fifth-Year Master’s in Teaching and Learning Degree sequence with a statement of purpose and philosophy (maximum of two pages with 12-point font, double-spaced) addressing one’s motivation for pursuing the degree and describing one’s current philosophy of education. No score below a 3 on any category of the essay rubric.

Note: Candidates who do not meet these criteria may still be considered through an interview process. Once accepted, these qualifications must be maintained to remain in the program. The Office of Graduate Programs requires that students maintain a 3.0 grade point average in graduate courses to avoid probation and suspension. Because the M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning is a cohort-based degree, students who are suspended are permanently removed from the program and will not be granted readmission.

The second track offered as part of the MEd Teaching and Learning program is the Master Reading Teacher track. This track will prepare practicing public school teachers to be literacy leaders at the classroom, campus, and district level. Teachers participating in this program will qualify for the Texas Master Reading Teacher graduate level credential. Established by Texas House Bill 2307, the purpose of the Master Reading Teacher is to increase the reading ability of Texas school children and prepare teachers to serve as mentors to other reading teachers.

This program will utilize a cohort model, fostering professional learning communities. The degree can be completed in 15 months while including a full semester of instructional coaching in the classroom from ACU faculty. Teachers will be trained to then serve as instructional coaches for their peers. All students will conduct an action research project and will be encouraged to present at a state or national conference or publish in a professional journal.

Admission Requirements for MEd in Teaching and Learning - Master Reading Teacher Track

Admission requirement for the MEd in Teaching and Learning Master Reading Teacher track are as follows:

A minimum of two years teaching experience.
Candidates must be currently teaching reading as part of their instructional assignment.
Recommendation from candidate’s instructional supervisor.
Submit any/all official transcript(s) in English (or translated to English) of all previous college work (official means an original with the seal that comes directly from the issuing institution to ACU). The transcript must indicate a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Writing Sample/Purpose Statement.
Interview with a committee comprised of faculty in the Department of Teacher Education.

Candidates’ interviews and writing samples will be evaluated using rubrics designed by faculty in Teacher Education. Applicants not accepted into the cohort will be retained on a waiting list and encouraged to reapply for the next cohort.

The Abilene Christian University Teacher Education program is approved by the Texas Education Agency.

Programs

Master of Education

Bachelor of Science

Courses

Early Childhood

Education

Reading

Special Education

Technology

TECH 210 - Technology in Education