Program for the Preparation of Secondary Teachers
Students preparing for secondary teaching acquire a major in one of the following: biology, chemistry, English, history, or mathematics (see major requirements under separate departments).
Required Courses for Secondary Education (38 crs)
Education Courses Required for Secondary Program (23 crs):
| ED 250 | Teaching as a Profession Seminar | 2 |
| ED 301 | Foundations of Education: Social, Cultural, Philosophical, and Historical Perspectives | 3 |
| ED 302 | Introduction to Educational Technology | 3 |
| ED 324 | Psychological Foundations of Education | 3 |
| ED 326 | Education Exceptional Children and Youth | 3 |
| ED 376 | Teaching Reading in the Content Areas | 3 |
| ED 420 | Methods for Teaching Diverse Learners | 3 |
| ED 489 | Secondary Methods: Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment | 3 |
Final Semester (12 crs):
| ED 590 | Seminar III: Professional Collaborations | 1 |
| ED 594 | Classroom Management and Student Motivation | 3 |
| ED 596 | Student Teaching - Secondary | 8 |
Required Supporting Course (3 crs):
| PY 290 | Psychology of Childhood & Adolescence | 3 |
Enrollment in Education Courses
Enrollment in education courses above ED 302 requires acceptance into the Teacher Education Program (TEP) and maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.75. Candidates must achieve at least a grade of “C” in the education courses previously listed and all specified content coursework.
Admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP)
Four-year students should apply to the Teacher Education Program (TEP) before or during the second semester of their sophomore year. Junior level transfer students should apply after one semester at the University of Saint Mary. Students should consult with the education department advisor to ensure they are meeting the requirements for teacher licensure. Admission to TEP includes but is not limited to:
- A cumulative GPA of 2.75, acceptable recommendations, and dispositional scores are required for admission into the program and student teaching.
- Academic performance, ability to work with others, and demonstrated awareness and representation of the University of Saint Mary philosophy and objectives are strong considerations in admission both to the TEP and student teaching.
The Teacher Education Committee reviews the student applications and informs students of its decision within two weeks after meeting. Students should obtain specific information concerning application for admission into the TEP from the education department.
NOTE: Enrollment in education courses does not necessarily guarantee acceptance into the program. Admission information is available in the Education office.
Admission to Student Teaching
Students formally apply for admission to student teaching at a date set by the department midway through the semester prior to student teaching. The Teacher Education Committee evaluates applications. The department informs students of the decision and placement requests are submitted. Teacher candidates may indicate up to three locations and grade preferences for consideration in student teacher placement. Further information concerning student teaching is in the Education Department Policies and Procedures Handbook.
Exit Criteria
To successfully complete the TEP and be eligible for licensure, all required course work, successful student teaching, and a passing score on the Kansas Teacher Work Sample (KTWS) along with passing scores on the Praxis II content area tests and appropriate Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) licensure exams are required.