Education

Professor Terry Simpson, Chair, Division of Education

Teacher Education Professional Courses

Teacher education at Maryville College is an interdepartmental function, the responsibility of the College as a whole rather than a single department. The program of preparation combines broad study in the liberal arts, specialized courses in a major field of study, and a professional education component. For students who plan to teach in the elementary grades, Maryville College offers a program designed to prepare students for licensure for grades K-6. These students complete the Major in Child Development and Learning offered through the Division of Behavioral Sciences. Those interested in teaching at the secondary level (grades 7-12) complete the appropriate major in the area in which they plan to teach.

The following secondary licensure areas are available: Biology, Chemistry, Economics/History, English, History, History/Economics, History/Political Science, Mathematics, Political Science/History, Spanish, and Theatre Studies. French and German are offered as initial licensure in conjunction with another licensure field. Music (vocal or instrumental) and Physical Education/Health, and Theatre Studies are available as K-12 licensure programs. Teaching English as a Second Language is available as a P-12 licensure program. Students must pass the Content Knowledge exams of the Praxis II Series before they are assigned to student teaching.

Additional liberal studies and professional courses designed to prepare students to meet licensure standards must also be taken. These are listed below.

Secondary Licensure: Physical Education/Health, Recreation 236, Psychology 218 and 334, (Physical Education/Health for licensure students are exempt from Psychology 334), Sociology 271, Education 301, 302, 321, 343 (two credits), 401 and 402 (may be combined with Senior Study 352). Physical Education/Health and Teaching English as a Second Language majors take two additional hours of practicum credit.

Elementary Licensure: Physical Education/Health and Recreation 236 and 331, Sociology 215 and 271, Mathematics 307 and 308, English 212, History 111, 112 or 203, Biology 311, Education 302, 303, 305, 321, 322, 323, 401, and 402 (may be combined with Senior Study 352).

Post-Baccalaureate Program for Teacher Licensure: Maryville College offers a Post-Baccalaureate Program for teacher licensure in the following licensure areas: Biology, Chemistry, Elementary Education, English, History, History/Economics or History/Political Science, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education/Health, and Spanish. Post-baccalaureate students must meet the same screening and admission standard as Maryville College baccalaureate students. In addition, post-baccalaureate students must pass the Content Knowledge Exams of the Praxis II Series before they are assigned to student teaching. The Registrar, adviser from the academic discipline, and adviser from the Division of Education evaluate academic transcripts to design an appropriate course of study. Student teaching consists of fifteen weeks of full-day responsibilities.

Additional Endorsements: Maryville College offers additional endorsements in the following licensure areas: Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Elementary Education, English, History, Mathematics, Geography, Government, French, German, Spanish and Theatre Studies. Maryville College baccalaureate students may complete an additional endorsement according to the following guidelines while completing their initial licensure:

  • Each candidate (with the exceptions noted in b., c., and d.) must complete a minor in the endorsement area as part of an individualized educational plan developed by the academic adviser. Requirements for a minor designed for additional endorsement may vary from those for a traditional minor, a larger number of credit hours may be required, and some additional endorsements may be available only to students majoring in a related area. Specific additional endorsement requirements are available from faculty advisers in the subject areas.
  • A candidate completing initial licensure in Economics/History, History, or History/Economics may complete an additional endorsement in Government with Political Science 121, 122 and one course from Political Science 211 and 212.
  • A candidate completing initial licensure in History, History/Political Science, or Political Science/History may complete an additional endorsement in Economics with Economics 201, 251 and 332.
  • A candidate completing initial licensure in Economics/History, History, History/Economics, History/ Political Science, or Political Science/History may complete an initial endorsement in Geography with Social Science 201 and two additional courses chosen from World Cultures 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, and 360.

Students are required to achieve the minimum passing score(s) on the Praxis specialty test(s) for the endorsement area.

For all teacher licensure programs, careful planning of one’s course of study is necessary to ensure that all general education, major, and professional requirements are met in a timely manner. It is particularly important to complete Psychology 101, Introductory Psychology, in the freshman year. Students should meet with the adviser for teacher licensure in their major area as soon as possible.

Admission to Teacher Education is not automatic and occurs only after certain qualifications are met. A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 in the major and overall is required in addition to a minimum score on certain standardized tests. The Level I screening process is fully explained at screening meetings held in October and February each year. Requirements include, in addition to the GPA and standardized test requirements, a writing sample from the candidate, satisfactory recommendations from faculty and others, and an interview with the Screening Committee. Admission to Teacher Education is considered conditional until Level II of the process is completed the semester prior to student teaching. No course with an Education (EDU) prefix may be taken unless a student has been accepted into the Teacher Education program through the Level I screening process.

Title II of the Higher Education Act mandates that institutions publish pass rates on Praxis II exams required by the State of Tennessee for teacher licensure.

  • 2003-2004 Maryville College Percentage Passing 99%
  • 2004-2005 Maryville College Percentage Passing 100%
  • 2005-2006 Maryville College Percentage Passing 96%

Course Descriptions

301. Models of Classroom Management and Instruction
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Psychology 218
Students will learn about and be able to use a variety of research-based models of instruction. Implications of these models for classroom management and organization will be made explicit. Directed observation of classrooms and planned micro-teaching experiences are an important aspect of this course.
302. Educational Technology
2 credit hours
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Teacher Education Program, prior experience with word-processing
This course is taken in conjunction with Education 301 and is designed to prepare future teachers to integrate instructional technology into the classroom. Emphasis is placed on preparing the student with the necessary competence and the confidence to develop and/or select materials to use with a variety of technology-based instructional tools.
303. Models of Classroom Instruction
2 credit hours
Prerequisite: Psychology 218
Students will learn about and be able to use a variety of research-based models of instruction. Implications of these models as they relate to the Maryville College conceptual Framework for Teacher Education will be made explicit. Guided observations of classrooms and planned microteaching experiences are an important aspect of this course. Current trends and issues in instructional design will be explored.
305. Strategies for Classroom Management
2 credit hours
Prerequisite: Psychology 218
This course provides students with knowledge and skills in the areas of instructional modifications and classroom management. Students will learn management strategies necessary for creating and maintaining safe, inclusive learning environments. Opportunities for guided observations of classrooms will be provided. Current trends and issues will be explored.
321. Reading and Writing in the Content Classrooms
2 credit hours
Prerequisites: Psychology 218 and Education 301/302
Instruction and practice in various strategies designed to integrate and reinforce reading and writing for meaning in all subject areas. Emphasis is on using textbooks and other printed material to facilitate reading comprehension and concept development.
322. Instructional Strategies for Science and Social Studies
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Psychology 211 and Education 301/302
An examination of various theories/approaches to the teaching of science and social studies including unit planning, investigations/inquiry, problem-solving, thematic integration and technology integration. Students will explore historical, political, geographical, and economic concepts, and the tools required to translate these concepts into instruction. Emphasis is on selecting and translating content knowledge into developmentally appropriate instructional experiences for children.
323. Reading and Writing K-4
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Psychology 211 and 306, Education 301/302
This course provides students with an understanding of the developmental processes involved in the ability to read and write. Students will be able to use the major approaches designed to teach reading and will be able to assist pupils in developing effective written communication. The use of the computer for instruction and directed field study are included.
343. Practicum in Methods and Materials
2 to 4 credit hours
Prerequisites: Psychology 218 and Education 301/302
This course must be arranged with the Director of Teacher Education the semester prior to beginning the practicum. Field-based, professionally directed experiences which familiarize students with the curriculum and with the instructional knowledge and skills appropriate for use in a selected K-12 program area. This course is designed by Maryville College faculty in conjunction with area field-adjunct faculty.
401. Student Teaching
9 credit hours
Prerequisite: Acceptance into Level II of Teacher Education
A full-day, supervised teaching experience in at least two classrooms of two different grade levels under the guidance of Maryville College faculty and cooperating classroom teachers. The Professional Seminar on Teaching (Education 402) is taken in conjunction with this course. No other coursework may be taken during student teaching. Fee: $100.00.
402. Professional Seminar on Teaching
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Acceptance into Level II of Teacher Education, permission of the Director of Teacher Education when Senior Study 352 is integrated into the seminar
This course is offered in conjunction with Student Teaching. It is designed to provide new members of the profession with a sense of identity as teachers, and with the knowledge and skills necessary to encourage their continued professional growth. Emphasis is on self-reflection on practice, the exploration of the multiple contexts of teaching, the analysis of the classroom and school as workplaces, and peer problem-solving. When Senior Study 352 is integrated into the seminar, individual field-based or “action” research is completed during the semester under the guidance of faculty supervisors and the student’s cooperating teacher. The resulting project will demonstrate the command of the forms and usage of the formal paper.