T
E A C H E R
E
D U C A T I O N
M
A J O R
Overview
The College of Education (COE) offers an early childhood (PreK-3
rd
grade) and elementary (2
nd
-6
th
grade)
education licensure program that leads to a bachelor’s degree in Bible and Teacher Education and a Master of Arts
in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree in five years. During the undergraduate program, students may explore other fields of
study by choosing a minor to fill their electives.
The major in Teacher Education will lay a foundation and provide experiences for the profession of teaching. This
major will be partially accomplished in the last undergraduate term when students will register for 14 hours of
graduate classes in the Rapid Advancement for Ministry/Marketplace/Missions Placement (RAMP) semester in
which competencies will be used in the M.A.T. program (see M.A.T. Program 2).
Students who complete the M.A.T. program and specific South Carolina state requirements may be recommended
for initial licensure in early childhood and elementary education. Graduates of the M.A.T. program are also eligible
for Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) certification in elementary education with endorsement in
early childhood. For those completing designated courses, ACSI endorsements in ESOL and/or Bible are available.
Purpose
The Teacher Education program focuses on equipping Christian educators to think, teach, and lead biblically in
educational settings throughout the world. This approach provides a biblical foundation for a career in teaching.
Graduates of the five-year, two-degree program will think biblically about the profession of teaching as well as the
nature and needs of children. They will be equipped to serve in Christian, international, public, mission, home,
charter, and private schools.
Objectives
Upon completion of the five-year, two-degree program, candidates will demonstrate they are becoming discerning
educators when they exhibit the competencies that illustrate they are:
•
Learners who know content, children, and pedagogy.
•
Designers who demonstrate effective planning and preparation for instruction.
•
Presenters who model effective educational methodology, communication, and technology techniques.
•
Evaluators who assess, diagnose, and monitor individual needs to implement differentiated instructional
opportunities.
•
Managers who create and effectively manage a nurturing environment.
•
Partners who collaborate with the child, family, community, and other professionals.
•
Professionals who are committed, reflective, model educators who learn from experience and contribute to
the profession.
Admittance and Continuation Requirements
Freshman Year
Students will interview with a faculty advisor concerning interest in the Teacher Education program, discuss
supporting minor and Columbia International University Dispositions Checklist, enroll in their first two semesters
in EDU 3135 Contemporary Educational Issues, and successfully complete required classes (see “Course of Study”)
with a minimum of a 2.7 GPA.
Sophomore Year
Students will submit an official Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CORE) report with prescribed minimum
scores (Reading 156, Writing 162, Math 150) by October 1 or April 1 (depending on fourth semester), complete
CIU Dispositions Checklists for self assessment, enroll in their third and fourth semesters in EDU 3135
Contemporary Educational Issues, and successfully complete required classes (see “Course of Study”) with a
minimum of a 2.7 GPA.
Junior Year
Students will successfully complete practical skills development requirements, apply for provisional acceptance
into the Teacher Education program for the RAMP semester (due by October 1 or April 1), complete CIU
69 | Columbia International University
College of Education