2014-2015 Academic Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2014-2015 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Education, B.A.


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Teacher Education Program

Program Accreditation and Institutional Report Card

As a university preparing students for careers in public education and related professions, Furman is subject to regulations and guidelines established and implemented by the United States Department of Education, the South Carolina Board of Education and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Furman meets the national and state standards for “program approval” status. Students who satisfactorily complete the requirements for licensure become eligible for a teaching license in South Carolina and other states with reciprocal arrangements. In efforts to continually renew and improve teacher education, regulations and standards governing teacher preparation programs periodically change, and the programs of students admitted into the Teacher Education program are subject to those changes.

Vision Statement

The Teacher Education program at Furman prepares educators who are scholars and leaders.

Mission of the Program

Furman University prepares teachers and administrators to be scholars and leaders who use effective pedagogy, reflect thoughtfully on the practice of teaching and promote human dignity. Furman is committed to a program of teacher education that calls for collaborative, interdependent efforts throughout the academic learning community.

The Teacher Education program is anchored in the university’s commitment to the liberal arts-encompassing the humanities, fine arts, mathematics, and social and natural sciences as the essential foundation for developing intellectually competent educators. Furthermore, candidates develop the following proficiencies as they progress through the teacher education program:

  • mastery of subject matter
  • mastery of pedagogical knowledge
  • the ability to teach diverse learners
  • the ability to reflect on scholarship and practice
  • the belief that all learners can succeed
  • fair and respectful behavior

Licensure Options

The Teacher Education Program at Furman satisfies licensure designations stipulated by the South Carolina Board of Education. At Furman University, teacher licensure programs are offered in the following areas:

  • Elementary Education (2-6)
  • Languages - French, Latin, Spanish (PK-12)
  • Music (PK-12)
  • Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Physics, Social Studies (9-12)

Additional licensure areas available on the graduate level include:

  • Early Childhood Education (PK-3)
  • English for Speakers of Other Languages (PK-12)
  • Literacy (PK-12)
  • Special Education (PK-12)

For purposes of the Institutional Report Card, “program completers” are candidates who satisfactorily complete the requirements of the major in Education or in another approved academic discipline for grades 2-6, PK-12, or 9-12, as specified by Furman’s Teacher Education Program. The Music Education licensure program may be completed within the four year undergraduate baccalaureate program. All other teacher licensure programs must be completed on a post-baccalaureate basis. This means the teacher candidate will graduate after four years with a baccalaureate degree in the major. Completion of the Teaching Internship (EDEP-670) occurs on the graduate level during the fall semester of the following year. Graduate credits accrued during the post-baccalaureate year may be applied toward a master’s degree.

Candidates are required to pass the Praxis II, Subject Assessments/Specialty Tests and Principles of Learning and Teaching Tests (PLT), administered by the Educational Testing Service. Passing scores must be on file at Furman before a recommendation for a teaching license can be made.

Admission and Performance Assessment

For purposes of gauging the entrance level and continued growth of candidates toward proficiency in the knowledge, skills and dispositions espoused by the Teacher Education program, a system of periodic performance assessments is used, the first of which is the formal application for admission to the program. The performance assessments are described in detail in the Teacher Education Program Guide and on the Education Department website. All students wishing to major in Education, or seeking licensure in grades 2-6 or in the approved subject areas for grades PK-12 or 9-12, must be formally admitted to the Teacher Education Program after completing the prerequisite requirements. These requirements must be met prior to enrolling in upper-level education or subject-specific methods courses and the teaching internship. Application materials are available in the Education office suite and should be submitted for review in November or April of the sophomore or junior year. Transfer students considering a major in education should meet with the department chair to assess their eligibility.

In order to be admitted into the Teacher Education program, applicants must:

  • satisfactory complete (grade of “C” or greater) EDU-111 , EDU-120 , and their associated field experiences.
  • meet minimum scores mandated by the South Carolina State Board of Education on pre-professional skills tests (PRAXIS Core) in reading, mathematics, and writing,
  • obtain recommendations from the major department (for PK-12 and secondary candidates only)
  • maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.60 and a grade point average of at least 2.60 in the major
  • demonstrate ethical and professionally responsible behavior
  • receive clearance based on reports from Student Life and Academic Affairs (undergraduate students only)

Candidates with sufficiently high scores on standardized examinations required for admission to Furman (a combined score of 1100 on the Math and Verbal section of the SAT prior to March 2005, a combined score of 1650 or greater on the Critical Reading, Math, and Writing sections of the current SAT, or a combined score of 24 on the ACT) are exempt from meeting the PRAXIS Core prerequisite.

Continuation in the Teacher Education program is based on periodic performance assessments. The faculty has the responsibility to both the public and the profession to award a degree or licensure only when the candidate has demonstrated a satisfactory level of professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions as judged by the program faculty. Further, candidates must exhibit integrity and character consistent with the Standards of Conduct for South Carolina Educators as set forth by the South Carolina Department of Education and the standards of ethical principles established by appropriate professional associations. See the Teacher Education program guide for more information.

Early Teaching Experience:


In August, prior to the senior year, all candidates seeking licensure participate in an early teaching experience on a full-time basis. This experience provides an opportunity for direct involvement in the opening of school when classroom routines and procedures are established. Candidates seeking licensure are expected to assume some teaching responsibilities.

Senior Block:


During the spring of the senior year, majors enroll in four courses that are team-taught by Education faculty in one block:

Additional Information:


Candidates who satisfactorily complete all Senior Block courses, to include the Practicum experience, and are eligible to enroll in the Teaching Internship (EDEP-670) may gain provisional graduate admittance for study in summer session prior to the completion of the teaching internship. Successful completion of all Senior Block courses is required before students are allowed to enroll in graduate level courses.

Education Major without Licensure as Preparation for Non-Teaching Fields


Students who seek non-teaching careers related to the education of children and youth (e.g. child life, camps, religious education) may choose to major in Education without completing the licensure program. As part of the application for admission to the Education major for non-teaching fields, students write a letter to the department chair indicating why the non-teaching major is necessary to achieve their career or educational goals involving work with children and youth. The letter should include a description of the procedure followed to investigate the proposed focus of study and a tentative list of courses to be included in the program. EDU-001 , EDU-111 , EDU-120  and EDU-221  are required. A minimum requirement of five additional professional education courses and any other courses that fit the career or graduate study goals of the student will be determined, under the advisement of the department chair and with the approval of the Education faculty.

Licensure for Teaching in Other Subject Areas


Students wishing to pursue teaching licensure for grades 9-12 or PK-12 licensure in Music or Languages complete majors in those academic disciplines. Additionally, they enroll in a series of pre-professional courses through Education. Please refer to the appropriate departmental sections of this catalog for additional information.

Students seeking secondary licensure for teaching in non-science disciplines (English, Mathematics, or Social Studies) or Languages (grades PK- 12) must complete two science courses with one having a lab experience. Students seeking licensure in Music (grades PK-12) must complete one science course with a laboratory component.

Early Teaching Experience:


In August, prior to the senior year, all candidates seeking a teaching license participate in an early teaching experience on a full-time basis. This experience provides an opportunity for direct involvement in the opening of school, when classroom routines and procedures are established. Candidates seeking a teaching license are expected to assume some teaching responsibilities.

Senior Block:


Spring semester senior year, students who pursue a teaching licensure in grades 9-12 and languages PK-12 enroll in

Additional Information:


Candidates who satisfactorily complete all Senior Block courses, to include the Practicum experience, and are eligible to enroll in the Teaching Internship (EDEP-670) may gain provisional graduate admittance for study in summer session prior to the completion of the teaching internship. Successful completion of all Senior Block courses is required before students are allowed to enroll in graduate level courses.

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