76 | COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY 2018-2019│COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
TEACHER EDUCATION MAJOR
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 with an undergraduate core in Bible and a major in 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 will be recommended for initial
licensure in early childhood and elementary education. CIU Education Programs are endorsed by the Higher Education
Approval Program (HEAP) of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). M.A.T. program graduates who
meet specific requirements are eligible to apply for appropriate ACSI teacher or administrator certificates. ACSI waives the
certification fee when applying at the time of CIU graduation.
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 that they are:
•
Learners who explore educational concepts related to content, children, and pedagogy.
•
Designers who identify components of effective planning and preparation for instruction.
•
Presenters who develop effective educational methodology, communication, and technology techniques.
•
Evaluators who observe classroom practice to contextualize theoretical understanding.
•
Managers who build a theoretical foundation for effective student engagement and nurturing environments.
•
Partners who develop peer collaborative skills with a view toward future professional relationships.
•
Professionals who are reflective, responsible learners preparing for an advocacy role in the life of children.
Admittance and Continuation Requirements
Freshman Year
Students will interview with a faculty advisor concerning interest in the Teacher Education program, enroll in their first
semester of EDU 3135 Contemporary Educational Issues, enroll in EDU 2110 Foundation of Education, 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 158, Math 142)
or
ACT or SAT scores with prescribed minimum scores (two-part SAT 1100, three-
part SAT 1650, ACT 22) by October 1 or April 1 (depending on fourth semester), enroll in their second semester of 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), enroll in their third semester of EDU 3135
Contemporary Educational Issues, successfully complete required classes (see “Course of Study”) with a minimum of a 2.7
GPA, and complete an application to the M.A.T. program.
Senior Year
Before the RAMP semester, students will complete a minimum of 106 hours that meet the bachelor’s degree requirements
for the Bible and Theology core, general education, leadership development and Christian Service Learning, and practical
skill development requirements as prescribed by the Teacher Education program, enroll in EDU 3720 Instructional Design
and Assessment, enroll in their final semester of EDU 3135 Contemporary Educational Issues, complete the CIU
dispositional requirements, maintain a minimum 2.7 GPA, meet all M.A.T. program acceptance requirements, and be