Education Student Handbook

 

Table of Contents

WELCOME STATEMENT

 

Welcome to Southwest Minnesota State University and to the Education Department!  We are so glad that you have chosen our university and you are planning to be a teacher.  Teachers truly make a difference in children’s lives.  Choosing education as a career is a powerful decision.  The Education Department is committed to preparing you to be the best teacher you can be.

 

We know that you probably have many questions regarding the program.  The purpose of this handbook is to assist you with your questions and provide helpful information.  Our faculty is here to help and advise you.  We care about you.

 

Again, welcome and thank you for choosing Southwest Minnesota State University.

 

Education Department

 

 

 

DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY

 

            The Education Department has been historically and is currently committed to a results-oriented teacher preparation program for pre-service students.  The program is guided by the questions, “What does a teacher need to know, believe, and do to be competent?”  To fulfill this mission, the Education Department has provided a structured sequence of on-campus and concurrent field experiences, which assist pre-service teachers to develop a conceptual framework for decision making in classrooms.  The framework includes beliefs and behaviors. 

            There is consensus on the following beliefs that underlie effective teacher behaviors:

·        Knowledge as a source of enlightenment

·        Acceptance of diverse learner needs

·        Self-respect and respect for others

·        Empowerment and involvement of both teachers and students

·        Partnership with parents and community

·        The problem-solving nature of teaching and learning

·        The power of cooperative and collaborative actions

 

The effective teacher exhibits behaviors that cluster in three general areas.  First, the effective teacher creates a positive climate where all students have an equal opportunity for learning.  This teacher understands that self-esteem is the first building block of growth and development.  All transactions in the classroom communicate to students that each student is to receive equally high regard from the teacher and from other students.  Next, the effective teacher uses a variety of research-based teaching strategies that keep students actively involved in the learning tasks.  Lessons show knowledge of subjects and of an instructional model that is organized, yet permits flexibility for different learning styles and modes.  The world is brought into this classroom both in content and the interdependent relationships that are modeled.  And finally, the effective teacher is a self-renewing person, receptive to new and different ideas, able to approach teaching with the attitude that there is always more to learn.  Interactions with others show an understanding of basic human needs.  This teacher feels successful when others are successfully reaching their goals.

The SMSU Teacher Education Program is designed to involve students in a wide variety of schools and programs, including rural, urban, suburban, alternative programs, and schools with multicultural populations.  Because of Southwest Minnesota State’s location, the University has a mission to prepare students to work in rural schools and communities.  Rural education has unique characteristics that influence staffing, delivery of curriculum, and finances.  Field experiences in small schools provide a laboratory for working on the solutions to problems of small schools.

 

 

 

DESCRIPTIONS OF PROGRAMS

 

The Southwest Minnesota State University Education Department offers three unique licensure programs for the undergraduate student, with an emerging fourth program.  Each of these programs is briefly described here to give an idea of the ages and subjects it covers.  Further questions about each program may be answered by looking at the packets in this handbook or contacting an Education advisor regarding the program you are interested in.

 

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education

The program is designed to give licensure for instruction of children ages Birth to Grade 3.  It includes field experience opportunities at the Pre-School aged and Elementary School levels.

 

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

This program is designed to give licensure for instruction in Grades K – 6 with a specialty in one of the following five areas: Communication Arts/Literature grades 5 – 8, Mathematics grades 5 – 8, Social Science grades 5 – 8, World Languages and Cultures grades 5 – 8, or Preprimary Education ages 3 – 5.  It includes field experiences at the K – 6 level as well as the level of the chosen specialty.

 

Bachelor Science in Secondary/K-12 Education

The program is designed to give licensure for instruction in either Grades 5 – 12 or K – 12 depending on the area of specialization.  The 5 –12 license is available for Communication Arts/Literature Education, Health Education, Mathematics Education, Science Education, and Social Science Education.  The K – 12 license is required for Music Education, Physical Education, Visual Arts Education, and World Languages and Cultures – Spanish Education.  This program includes field experiences at the Middle School/Junior High level as well as the High School level.  For K – 12 licensure an Elementary element will also be added.

 

Minor in Special Education

This is an 18 credit non-licensure minor designed to build the foundation for licensure in an area of specialty.  See the special education link for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Education Minnesota Student Program (EMSP)

Education Minnesota Student Program is to “interest capable young men and women in education as a life-long career and to encourage careful selection of persons admitted to approval programs of teacher education.”  It also “provides students preparing to teach a voice in matters affecting their interests in education and the teaching profession.”

EMSP members benefit with:

·        $1,000,000 professional liability insurance

·        Opportunities to attend workshops at the campus, state, and national levels

·        Information regarding professional issues

The membership year runs from September 1 through August 31.  Student membership is available for students who are preparing for a career in teaching.  The NEA professional $1,000,000 liability insurance coverage for student members is for “teaching or related activities in an educational unit as required in the educational program.”  This would be when a class requires a lab experience in classrooms.  Under the NEA rebate program, a student member is eligible for a $10 rebate for each year of student membership when he/she joins the local education association in his/her first year of teaching.

 

How to Contact us?

Email address: ssu_emsp@lycos.com

Website: http://ssu_emsp.tripod.com

 

To join the EMSP listserv:

1. Prepare an email message to: lyris@ssulist.southwestmsu.edu
2. In the subject type: subscribe emsp
3. Do not type anything in the body of the message
4. Send the message
5. You will soon receive two automated responses.  One, “Re: your email message,” letting you know the list has received your command.
6. The second message, “Welcome to EMSP,” is letting you know you are subscribed to the list.  READ THIS ONE! SAVE IT! It has valuable information about the list commands --- like how to unsubscribe later --- and how to send a message from this list at this time.
7. You are now subscribed, ENJOY!
8. Problems? Send an email to ssu_emsp@lycos.com

 

Family and Child Educators (FACE)

The primary purpose of the club is to develop awareness and knowledge in dealing with young children, parents, and families.  The organization also helps the individual in team building, leadership skills, and to promote advocacy in the field of early childhood and family/parent education.  The FACE organization welcomes all students, faculty, staff, and community members to participate in activities. 

Past activities:

·        Workshops

·        Conferences

·        Social Events

·        Week of the Young Child activities

 

 

 

 

 

CLASS SCHEDULE FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM

Given below is a tentative 4-year course schedule for a student majoring in Early Childhood Education who starts as a freshman at SMSU.  Transfer students will meet with an advisor to determine a program plan.  For more comprehensive Program requirements and information see the Advising Information for B.S. in Early Childhood Education (Birth to Grade 3) or call the Early Childhood Education Program at 537-6135.

 

FRESHMAN YEAR

The Freshman Learning Community Block in Education is taken one semester and Liberal Arts courses are taken the other semester:

 

	Fall or Spring
	EDFN 102 Technology: Classroom Applications	1 cr Fr Block
	EDFN 111 Human Relations I	2 cr Fr Block
	EDFN 111 Human Relations I Lab	0 cr Fr Block: Advisory Groups
	EDFN 201 Introduction to Education	2 cr Fr Block
	EDFN 201 Introduction to Education Lab	0 cr School/ Classroom Visits
	ENG 102 Rhetoric: The Essay	3 cr Fr Block
or	(ENG 103 Spring Sem)
	PSYC 101 General Psychology	3 cr Fr Block
	Liberal Arts Core Course	3 cr
	HLTH 110 First Aid and Safety	2 cr
	Total	16 cr
	Fall or Spring
	Liberal Arts Core Courses	15 cr
	Total	15 cr

                                                                                               

 

SOPHOMORE YEAR           

	Fall or Spring
	Liberal Arts Core Courses/Grad Requirements	6 cr
	SOPHOMORE BLOCK
	ED 112 Human Relations II	2 cr
	ED 112 Human Relations II Lab	0 cr
	ED 251 Intro to Child Growth/Dev: Birth – Grade 8	3 cr
	ED 280 Educational Diversity	3 cr
	EDSP 290 Intro to Special Needs: Birth – Grade 8	3 cr
	EDSP 290 Intro to Special Needs Lab	0 cr
	Total	17 cr
	Fall or Spring
	Liberal Arts Courses	8 cr
	ED 220 Language Dev, Methods & Assessment	3 cr
	ED 275 Foundations: Parent-Child Relationships	2 cr
	SOCI 211 Marriage and Family	3 cr
	Total	16 cr

                                                                                               

 

JUNIOR YEAR

	Fall
	PSYC 341 Child/Adolescent Psychology	3 cr
	HLTH 225 Alcohol, Narcotics, and Tobacco	2 cr
	ED 315 Play and Creative Activities: Facilitating Child-Centered Learning	3 cr
	ED 316 Play and Creative Lab	1 cr
	ED 355 Dev Rdg Methods & Assessment	3 cr
	ED 355 Dev Rdg Methods & Assessment Lab	0 cr
	EDSP 370 Home-School-Community Partnerships	3 cr
	Total	15 cr
	Spring
	Liberal Arts Course	3 cr
	HLTH 290 Wellness, Safety & Nutrition	3 cr
	ED 345 Social Studies Methods & Assessment & Children’s Literature	3 cr
	ED 360 Math & Science Methods & Assessment	4 cr
	ED 360 Math & Science Meth & Assess Lab	0 cr
	ED 330 Curriculum Methods & Assessment: ECE	3 cr
	ED 333 Curriculum Meth & Assess Lab	1 cr
	Total	17 cr

           

                                                                                               

 

SENIOR YEAR 

	Fall
	ED 442 Creating Community in ECE	3 cr
	ED 474 ECE Student Teaching: Gr 1-3	6 cr
	and one of the following:	6 cr
	ED 470 ECE Student Teaching: PreK
or	ED 472 ECE Student Teaching: K
	ED 471 Seminar in Action Research	1 cr
	Elective Credit	1 cr
	Total	17 cr
	Spring
	Liberal Arts Core courses	6 cr
	ED 455 Leadership Issues in ECE	3 cr
	ED 456 Leadership Internship	2 cr
	EDSP 331 Prog & Assess: Infant/Toddler	3 cr
	EDSP 335 Prog & Assess: Infant/Toddler Lab	1 cr
	Total	15 cr

                                                                                               

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLASS SCHEDULE FOR ELEMENTARY EDUCATION PROGRAM

Given below is a tentative 4-year course schedule for a student majoring in Elementary Education who starts as a freshman at SMSU.  Transfer students will meet with an advisor to determine a program plan.  For more comprehensive Program requirements and information see the Advising Information for B.S. in Elementary Education (K – 6 plus a Specialty).

 

FRESHMAN YEAR           

The Freshman Learning Community Block in Education is taken one semester and Liberal Arts courses are taken the other semester:

	Fall or Spring
	EDFN 102 Technology: Classroom Applications	1 cr	Fr Block
	EDFN 111 Human Relations I	2 cr	Fr Block
	EDFN 111 Human Relations I Lab	0cr	Fr Block: Advisory Groups
	EDFN 201 Introduction to Education	2 cr	Fr Block
	EDFN 201 Introduction to Education Lab	0 cr	School/Classroom Visits
	ENG 102 Rhetoric: The Essay	3 cr	Fr Block
or	(ENG 103 Spring Sem)
	PSYC 101 General Psychology	3 cr	Fr Block
	Liberal Arts Core Course	6 cr
	Total	17 cr
	Fall or Spring
	Liberal Arts Core courses	12 cr
	Specialty course	3 cr
	HLTH 110 First Aid & Safety	2 cr
	Total	17 cr

                                                                                               

 

SOPHOMORE YEAR

	Fall or Spring
	Liberal Arts Core Courses/Grad Requirements	6 cr
	SOPHOMORE BLOCK
	ED 112 Human Relations II	2 cr
	ED 112 Human Relations II Lab	0 cr
	ED 251 Intro to Child Growth/Dev: Birth-Gr 8	3 cr
	ED 280 Educational Diversity: B-Gr 8	3 cr
	EDSP 290 Intro to Special Needs: Birth – Gr 8	3 cr
	EDSP 290 Intro to Special Needs Lab	0 cr
	Total	17 cr
	Fall or Spring
	Liberal Arts Courses	8 cr
	Specialty course	3 cr
	ED 220 Language Dev, Methods & Assessment B – Gr. 8	3 cr
	MATH 128 Math for Elem Teachers II (Prerequisite: Math 127: Concepts in Math)	3 cr	offered Fall only
	Total	17 cr

                                                                                               

                                                                                               

 

JUNIOR YEAR

	Fall
	Liberal Arts Core courses	3 cr
	Specialty courses	6 cr
	HLTH 225 Alcohol, Narcotics, and Tobacco	2 cr
	ED 355 Dev Rdg Methods & Assessment	3 cr	offered Fall only
	ED 355 Dev Rdg Methods & Assessment Lab	0 cr	offered Fall only
	MUS 391 Teaching Music in Elementary School	3 cr
	Total	17 cr
	Spring
	Specialty courses	3 cr
	ED 345 Social Studies Methods & Assessment & Children’s Literature	3 cr	offered Spr only
	ED 360 Math & Science Methods & Assessment	4 cr	offered Spr only
	ED 360 Math & Science Meth & Assess Lab	0 cr	offered Spr only
	ED 372 Elem Clinical in Team Tching	2 cr	offered Spr only
	PE 381 Elem School Physical Education	2 cr
	Total	14 cr
	May Interim
	ED 422 Pre-Student Teaching Experience	1 cr

                                                                                               

 

SENIOR YEAR

	Fall
	Specialty courses	6 cr
	Liberal Arts Core courses	6 cr
	ED 425 Health Meth & Assessment: Performance Assessment	2 cr
	ART 270 Art Education Elementary	3 cr
	Total	17 cr
	Spring
	Two half-semester placements	12 cr
	ED 496 Student Tching Sem: ELEM	1 cr
	ED 439 Philosophy of Ed/Action Research	2 cr
	Total	15 cr

                                                                                               

                                                                                               

 

Elementary Education Majors must choose from one of the following Specializations:

·        Communications Arts/Literature, Grades 5 – 8

·        Mathematics, Grades 5 – 8

·        Social Science, Grades 5 – 8

·        World Languages and Cultures – Spanish, Grades 5 – 8

·        Preprimary Education, Ages 3 – 5

 

More detailed information on each specialization is available from an Education advisor or Joyce Persoon, the Education Department Secretary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLASS SCHEDULE FOR SECONDARY/K-12 EDUCATION PROGRAM

Given below is a tentative 4-year course schedule for a student majoring in Secondary/K-12 Education who starts as a freshman at SMSU.  Transfer students will meet with an advisor to determine a program plan.  For more comprehensive Program requirements and information see the Advising Information for B.S. in Secondary/K-12 Education.

 

Licensure in the State of Minnesota is available in these areas as follows:

            Secondary (grades 5 – 12) licensure fields:

            Communication Arts/Literature Education

            Health Education

            Mathematics Education

            Science Education

            Social Science Education

 

            K – 12 Licensure Fields:

            Music Education

            Physical Education

            Visual Arts Education

            World Languages and Cultures – Spanish Education

 

In this program, it is recommended that the Freshman and Sophomore years be primarily Liberal Arts core courses and those from your major area of study, supplemented by the following education courses, with the Junior and Senior years be primarily Education courses supplemented by any remaining Liberal Arts or Major area courses.  The recommended Education courses for each year are as follows:

 

FRESHMAN YEAR

	Freshman Learning Community Block
	EDFN 102 Technology: Classroom Applications	1 cr	Fr Block
	EDFN 111 Human Relations I	2 cr	Fr Block
	EDFN 111 Human Relations I Lab	0 cr	Fr Bl: Adv. Groups
	EDFN 201 Introduction to Education	2 cr	Fr Block
	EDFN 201 Introduction to Education Lab	0 cr	School / classroom visits

                                                                                                                       

 

SOPHOMORE YEAR

	ED 112 Human Relations II	2 cr
	ED 112 Human Relations II Lab	0 cr
	HLTH 225 Alcohol, Narcotics, and Tobacco	2 cr

                                            

            Apply to Teacher Education Program: See Admissions Criteria in Education Office.

 

 

JUNIOR YEAR

	ED 301 The Teaching and Learning Process			3 cr
	ED 301 The Teaching and Learning Proc. Lab			0 cr
	ED 422 Pre-Student Teaching Experience			1 cr
	Special Methods Courses
	5 – 12	Licensure (ONE Methods class)		4 cr
		ED 405 Sec. Methods: Lang. Arts	3 cr
		ED 405 Lab	1 cr
		ED 406 Sec. Methods: Mathematics	3 cr
		ED 406 Lab	1 cr
		ED 407 Sec. Methods: Science	3 cr
		ED 407 Lab	1 cr
		ED 408 Sec. Methods: Soc. Sciences	3 cr
		ED 408 Lab	1 cr
		ED 409 Sec. Methods: Foreign Lang.	3 cr
		ED 409 Lab	1 cr
or	K – 12	Licensure (TWO Methods classes)		6 – 8 cr

                                                       

 

SENIOR YEAR

	ED 465	Student Teaching (10 weeks/one major)	12 cr
	ED 467	Advanced Student Teaching	6 cr	(optional – double major)
	PSYC 341	Child and Adolescent Psychology	3 cr	(5 – 12 lic. ONLY)
	ED 280	Educational Diversity B – Gr. 8	3 cr	(K – 12 lic. ONLY)
	EDSP 290	Introduction to Special Needs B – Gr. 8	3 cr	(K – 12 lic. ONLY)
	EDSP 290	Introduction to Special Needs Lab	0 cr	(K – 12 lic. ONLY)

 

 

 

 

SPECIAL EDUCATION

The Education Department at Southwest Minnesota State University currently offers a non-license minor in Special Education.  The core classes in the minor are the foundation for the emerging degree/licensure program.  Areas of licensure being developed for the graduate level include: Developmental Disabilities (DD), Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD), and Learning Disabilities (LD).  An undergraduate licensure is being pursued in Developmental Adaptive Physical Education (DAPE).  The core classes are required for all specialty areas and are offered at the undergraduate and graduate level.  For more information please contact Dr. Verna Nassif, IL 232, 537-7671.

 

Southwest Minnesota State University

Special Education Minor

18 total credits required

 

This is a non-licensure minor that may lead to teaching licensure in special education

 

Prerequisites		3 credits
EDSP 290	Intro to Special Education	3 credits
EDSP 290	Lab	0 credits
EDSP 400	Lab (May be needed for transfer students without a lab experience)	0-4 credits
Special Education Core - 9-12 credits chosen from the following:
EDSP 403	Behavioral Theories and Practices in Special Education	3 credits
EDSP 423	Integration of Methods, Materials, & Technologies for Diverse Populations	3 credits
EDSP 440	Assessment	2 credits
EDSP 441	DD Assessment Lab	1 credit
EDSP 442	ECSE Assessment Lab	1 credit
EDSP 443	EBD Assessment Lab	1 credit
EDSP 444	LD Assessment Lab	1 credit
EDSP 470	H-S-C: Partnerships in Consultation/Collaboration	3 credits
EDSP 480	Legal/Professional Issues in Special Education	3 credits
Elective Courses - 3-6 credits chosen from the following:
EDSP 331	Programming & Assessment of Infants & Toddlers	3 credits
EDSP 335	Programming & Assessment of Infants & Toddlers	1 credit
HLTH 210	Survey of Handicapping Conditions	2 credits
BADM 105	Personal Development	1 credit
HRUM 1112	Sanitation and Safety	2 credits
HRUM 1123	Fundamentals of Nutrition	3 credits
PHIL 103	Ethics	3 credits

 

 

 

 

 

 

Admission to Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 3)

 

Approval by the Teacher Education Screening Committee is required for acceptance into the Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 3) Education major. Each applicant must meet the following criteria:

1. Have completed at least 32 semester credits of Liberal Arts Core courses, or show evidence that a minimum of 32 credits will be satisfactorily completed at the end of the term in which application is being made.
2. The minimum GPA requirement can be met by option A or B:
   A. 2.8 cumulative GPA from all transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. The cumulative GPA requirement for admission to Teacher Education is different from the transfer of credits and grades for admission to Southwest Minnesota State University. Students may plan with an Education advisor to retake at SMSU courses taken at SMSU or other colleges or universities in order to improve the cumulative GPA.
   B. 2.8 GPA for at least two of the most recent four terms of college or university work. These two terms must each have a minimum of 10 semester credits of letter graded non-education courses. To be eligible for this option, the cumulative GPA from all transcripts must be at least 2.0.
3. Have completed ENG 101 Fundamentals of College Writing (if applicable)with a minimum of "B-" grade, and the following courses (or the equivalents) with a minimum grade of "B-" in each: ENG 102: Rhetoric the Essay, ENG 103: Rhetoric Critical Writing, SPCH 110: Fundamentals of Public Speaking.
4. Present biographical data.
5. Demonstrate competency in written communication by writing an essay, which describes his/her commitment to teaching. The essay will be reviewed for correctness in mechanics and spelling as well as for the ability to express ideas clearly.
6. Receive three positive recommendations, one from an academic advisor; one from a supervisor where the applicant has worked with infants, toddlers, or very young children; and one from a supervisor where the applicant has completed the diversity field experience (see item #10 below.)
7. Complete the Teacher Education Readiness Inventory.
8. Present evidence of liability coverage.
9. Become a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
10. Submit verification of 15 hours of experience with students and/or families from a culture different from one's own. The purpose of the experience is to build rapport with one student and/or family. Verification must be from a supervisor/professional who is familiar with you and your goals for this experience. (Transfer students may present verification of experience for review during the application process, or may be given an Individualized Education Plan for this experience during the first semester at SMSU.)
11. Submit results of Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST).
12. Students who meet criteria #1 - 11 will be asked to come to a fifteen-minute interview with the Teacher Education Screening Committee.

 

 

 

 

Admission to Elementary/Secondary (5-12)/K-12 Education

Approval by the Teacher Education Screening Committee is required for acceptance into the program. Each applicant must meet the following criteria.

1. Have completed at least 80 quarter credits or 54 semester credits toward graduation and be currently enrolled in at least 10 semester credits, or show evidence that a minimum of 96 quarter credits or 64 semester credits will be satisfactorily completed at the end of the semester in which the application is being made.
2. The minimum GPA requirement can be met by option A or B:
   A. 2.8 cumulative GPA from all transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. The cumulative GPA requirement for admission to Teacher Education is different from the transfer of credits and grades for admission to Southwest Minnesota State University. Students may plan with an Education advisor to retake at SMSU courses taken at SMSU or other colleges or universities in order to improve the cumulative GPA.
   B. 2.8 GPA for at least two of the most recent four terms of college or university work. These two terms must each have a minimum of 10 semester credits of letter graded non-education courses. To be eligible for this option, the cumulative GPA from all transcripts must be at least 2.0.
3. Have completed ENG 101 Fundamentals of College Writing (if applicable) with minimum of a ÒB-Ó grade, and the following courses (or the equivalents) with a minimum of ÒB-Ó in each:
   ENG 102 Rhetoric: The Essay,
   ENG 103 Rhetoric: Critical Writing, and
   SPCH 110 Fundamentals of Public Speaking (or the equivalents).
4. Present biographical data.
5. Demonstrate competency in written communication by writing an essay, which describes his/her commitment to teaching. The essay will be reviewed for correctness in mechanics and spelling as well as for the ability to express ideas clearly.  This essay needs to be written on unlined paper and also in cursive.
6. Receive three positive recommendations, one from an academic advisor, and one from a supervisor where the applicant has worked with children or adolescents, and the diversity field experience (see item #10 below).
   Many departments at Southwest Minnesota State University require a departmental recommendation for the application to Teacher Education. Therefore, all applicants for Secondary (5-12)/K-12 Education are required to make an appointment with the department chair for the major prior to submitting an application to Teacher Education. Before the interview (see #11), the Education Department will request from the department chair (of the major) confirmation of a meeting with the applicant.
7. Complete the Teacher Education Readiness Inventory.
8. Present evidence of liability coverage.
9. Submit examination results of the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) with the application materials. (Does not apply to persons already holding Minnesota licensure.)
10. Submit verification of 15 hours of experience with students and/or families from a culture different from one's own. The purpose of the experience is to build rapport with one student and/or family. Verification must be from a supervisor/professional who is familiar with you and your goals for this experience.   You will complete this by taking Human Relations II Lab.  (Transfer students may present verification of experience for review during the application process, or may be given an Individualized Education Plan for this experience during the first semester at SMSU.)
11. Students who meet criteria #1Ð10 will be asked to come to a fifteen-minute interview with the Teacher Education Screening Committee.

GPA in Program/Major: Secondary applicants for social science licensure and secondary applicants for a B.S. degree in Mathematics-Education must also fulfill a GPA requirement and course requirements set by the program/major. Consult the appropriate department.

 

 

 

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the first thing I should do if I am interested in being and Education Major?

The first thing you should do is enroll in Introduction to Education (EDFN 201). This is

usually taken during your freshman or sophomore year before formal admission to the  teacher preparation program. It is offered every semester and sometimes during the summer. This course will help you explore your potential for teaching and also focus on many different education topics that will give a broader idea of the education profession.

 

When will I have my first experience in the classroom?

Introduction to Education has a lab requirement that allows you to be in a classroom in one of the area schools. During this lab you can observe and assist a teacher with classroom routines, help students, or teach a lesson under a licensed teacher’s supervision. This experience takes a half-day per week for 10 weeks.

 

What is Freshman Learning Community Block?

Freshman students interested in an Education Major or and Education-related major take the Learning Community Education Block. This is a block of courses that includes Liberal Arts Core courses and Education courses for a total of 16 credits. The Education courses introduce you to themes that continue throughout the program: developing communities of teachers and learners, content knowledge, inquiry into teaching and learning (action research), diversity, technology, learning/teaching processes, decision-making, ethics, school and society, the MN graduation standards, and advisory groups. Provision is made for transfer students to take these required courses in a non-block format if necessary.

 

What is a portfolio?

All students in the SMSU Teacher Education Program are required to complete a portfolio for demonstration of program outcomes and for reflection on development as a teaching candidate.  The portfolio will contain material that you have collected throughout your pre-licensed experiences that will give examples of you as a professional in the teaching field. The portfolio will presented during a peer review, and exit interview with faculty, and the student teacher evaluation conference.

How do I get an advisor?

When you are enrolled at SMSU, you are assigned an advisor in your major. You will have time to meet your advisor during orientation. Please feel free to contact your advisor at any time to discuss your progress at SMSU or other concerns. If for some reason you are not assigned an advisor, or you need to change to an advisor from the Education Department please see Joyce Persoon in the Education Office.

 

What do I talk about when I meet with my advisor?

The best way to have a productive meeting with your advisor is to come prepared with any questions or concerns that you have, along with all the necessary materials to show that you have begun making an informed decision. These items may include your registration materials and the draft of your planned schedule, a copy of the grade you may be questioning, or a copy of your transcript.

 

 

 

 

 

 

EDUCATION PORTFOLIO

 

What is it?

--An education portfolio is an organized documentation of your achievements related to the field of teaching.  SMSU requires all education students to create one, and this will accompany you to interviews for teaching positions.

 

How is it organized?

--Although you may organize your portfolio in any way you wish, it is recommended that you organize it by the ten standard system.  (If you have already done a portfolio with the old four standard system, this is OK).  The standards are listed below.  What you will want to do in the portfolio is to include two examples of your best work that illustrate your experiences with each standard.

 

The 10 Standards

 

1. Knowledge of Subject Matter

2. Knowledge of Human Development & Learning
3. Adapting Instruction for Individual Needs
4. Multiple Instructional Strategies
5. Classroom Motivation & Management Skills
6. Communication Skills
7. Instructional Planning Skills
8. Assessment of Student Learning
9. Professional Commitment & Responsibility
10. Partnerships

 

 

* For more information on the standards:

                        website: http://www.ccsso.org

                        SMSU Bookstore: How to Develop a Professional Portfolio

                        SMSU Course: Professional Development, offered Wednesday nights

 

 

 

PORTFOLIO TIPS

 

·     Save everything because you may later decide it would look good in your portfolio!

 

·     Be neat and organized – don’t just slop it together at the last minute.

 

·     Know your portfolio well so that when you bring it to an interview, you can use it as a quick reference.

 

·     Include your resume and philosophy of education

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIST OF GENERAL CLASSES REQUIRED FOR

EDUCATION MAJORS

 

This is a list of classes that all students in any type of Education Licensure Program must take. Those in bold are required to be completed before a student can be accepted into the SMSU Education Program.

 

Rhetoric: The Essay	ENG 102	3
Rhetoric: Critical Writing	ENG 103	3
Fundamentals of Public Speaking	SPCH 104	3
Alcohol, Narcotics, and Tobacco	HLTH 225	2
Introduction to Education	EDFN 201	2
Introduction to Education Lab	EDFN 201	0
Technology: Classroom Applications	EDFN 102	1
Human Relations I	EDFN 111	2
Human Relations I Lab	EDFN 111	0
Human Relations II	ED 112	2
Human Relations II Lab	ED 112	0
First Aid & Safety	HLTH 110	2
General Psychology	PSYC 101	3