Education

Professors: Heath, Hecker (Chair), Henderson, Jennings, Lipscomb, Svec, P. Thomas
Associate Professors: Bidjerano, DeJong, Kelly, Siefert, Stuart

Clinical Faculty: Prosser, Virani
Executive Director of Graduate and Evening Studies: Terry

The Education Department offers a major in Education, preparation for teacher certification in grades 2-6 and in approved secondary academic disciplines for grades 9-12 or PK-12. The department also offers a major in Educational Studies designed for students who wish to pursue careers in non-traditional environments, such as non-profit organizations, advocacy, or policy. Graduate level fields of study in education are offered through the Office of Graduate Studies.

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 Department of Education and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Furman meets national and state standards. Students who satisfactorily complete the requirements for certification become eligible for a teaching certificate 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 requirements for students admitted into the Teacher Education program are subject to those changes.

Vision Statement

The Education Preparation program at Furman University 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. Specifically, educators who are scholars and leaders have in-depth knowledge and understanding of their discipline; use evidence-based practice for effective teaching and communication; and are caring and thoughtful individuals who respond sensitively to the needs and experiences of all students and others with whom they interact.

Furman is committed to a program of educator preparation that calls for collaborative, interdependent efforts throughout the academic community. Furman’s Education Preparation 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.

Teacher Certification

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

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

Additional certification 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)

Undergraduates who have completed, or are completing, a bachelor’s degree in a content area but did not pursue certification may consider a certification option on the graduate level:

Master of Arts in Teaching:

English (9-12)

Biology (9-12)

Chemistry (9-12)

Physics (9-12)

Mathematics (9-12)

Social Studies (9-12)

French (PK-12)

Spanish (PK-12)

Candidates are required to pass the Praxis Subject Assessments, 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 certificate 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 teacher preparation guides available via the Education Department website.

All students wishing to major in Education, or seeking certification in grades 2-6 or in the approved subject areas for grades PK-12 or 9-12, at the undergraduate level 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.

Admission requirements for the graduate level M.A.T. are detailed in the graduate catalog. In order to be admitted into the Teacher Education program offered at the undergraduate level, applicants must:

satisfactorily complete (grade of “C” or higher) EDU-111 , EDU-120 , EDU 121, and their associated field experiences.
meet minimum scores mandated by the South Carolina State Department of Education on pre-professional skills tests (PRAXIS Core) in reading, mathematics, and writing
obtain recommendations from the major department (for grades PK-12 and 9-12 secondary candidates only)
maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 and a grade point average of at least 2.75 in the major
demonstrate ethical and professionally responsible dispositions
receive clearance based on reports from Student Life and Academic Affairs (undergraduate students only)

Candidates with sufficiently high scores on standardized examinations (ACT or SAT) may be exempt from meeting the PRAXIS Core prerequisite. See the Application Checklist.

Continuation in the Teacher Education program is based on periodic performance assessments (transition points). The faculty has the responsibility to both the public and the profession to award a degree and/or recommended that certificates be issued only when candidates have 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.

Program requirements for the graduate level M.A.T. are detailed in the graduate section of the catalog.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Teacher Certification

Teaching in Grades 9-12 or PK-12

Courses

Education

Geography