Main Office
Matthews Hall, 206
P.O. Box 311337
Denton, TX 762203-1337
(940) 565-2920
Fax: (940) 565-4952
Business Education
Early Childhood Education
Elementary Education
Reading Education
Matthews Hall, 206
(940) 565-2920
Curriculum and Instruction
Secondary Education
Matthews Hall, 204
(940) 565-2826
Educational Administration
Matthews Hall, 218
(940) 565-2175
Professors Campbell, Contreras, Cooper, Greenlaw, Halstead, Hardy, Hinely, Kemerer, Lundsteen, Luttrell, Morrison, Moseley, Sandefur, Simms, Teeter, Tipps, Watson, Williamson. Associate Professors Adkison, Anderson, Bane, Buhler, Crocker, Day, Fox, Gallian, Laney, Meeks, Rollins, Swerdlin, Turner, Willson. Assistant Professors Allen, Ausbrooks, Cowart, Craig, Huffman, Leavell, Rusher, Van Tassel, Wilhelm. Lecturers Cobb, Hagen, Horton, Sigler, Windle.
The Department of Teacher Education and Administration offers undergraduate and graduate programs to develop highly competent teachers, school administrators and others who wish to provide educational leadership to organizations. Effective instruction, curriculum development and evaluation are emphasized in all programs. Students use current theory and research to make decisions about effective practice. The department also strives to improve practice through generation of new knowledge and through service to educational institutions, governmental agencies and practitioners at all levels.
The teacher education programs at the University of North Texas have a long history of preparing effective teachers. As the needs of children and schools of Texas change, the programs continue to change. In 1992, the teacher education programs began to establish professional development schools. In professional development school programs, public school teachers and administrators collaborate with faculty from the University of North Texas to prepare teachers for the challenges of the next century. Teacher education students in professional development schools learn and apply their knowledge and skills in clinical settings under the supervision of master teachers. The programs in teacher education are working toward the goal of assuring that all students recommended for certification have had experience in professional development schools.
Programs in teacher education are approved by the Texas Education Agency. The department offers teacher certification programs in elementary education and secondary education both for undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduates seeking certification in elementary education should enroll in the Bachelor of Science program with a major in interdisciplinary studies. Undergraduates seeking certification in secondary education receive a degree though their major department and add the required courses for certification.
Students who have earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited university may have their undergraduate transcript evaluated in the College of Education Office of Student Services in Matthews Hall, Room 105, to develop a postbaccalaureate certification plan.
The department offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the following areas:
To be enrolled in any elementary, early childhood, reading, secondary, or special education course, students must formally apply for and receive permission from the College of Education Office of Student Services in Matthews Hall, Room 105. A $25 application fee is required. For specific admission requirements for each area, see "Admission to Teacher Education" in the following areas in this catalog: Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Recreation.
All-Level Art or All-Level Music Admission to Teacher Education
Applications for Teacher Admissions are available in the Office of Student Services, Matthews Hall, Room 105.
Criteria for approval to enroll in the first teaching methods course: The student must have a minimum of 60 semester hours, 2.75 UNT GPA, 2.75 overall GPA and passing scores on all parts of the TASP.Criteria for approval for official admission into Teacher Education: The student must have a minimum of 60 semester hours, 2.75 UNT GPA, 2.75 overall GPA, passing scores on all parts of the TASP.
The student must complete the University Core Curriculum. See "University Core Curriculum Requirements" in the Academics section of this catalog. Programs in teacher education require specific courses contained in parts of the University Core Curriculum to satisfy particular degree requirements. Students must consult program advisers for a list of required courses. Students may be required to take extra courses if they fail to take these courses.
If an instructor in any class judges a student to exhibit behavioral characteristics or communication skills that indicate potential problems in school settings, the student will be referred to the Admission, Review and Retention Committee. If the ARR Committee agrees with the instructor's judgment, it may recommend specific courses of action to the student and the instructor.
Teacher certification is a function of the Texas Education Agency. Completion of the bachelor's degree and the required education courses does not necessarily result in certification by the agency.
The first requirement is successful completion of an approved teacher education program for the preparation of elementary or secondary teachers. Also required for the certificate is the satisfactory completion of appropriate sections of the Examination for the Certification of Educators in Texas (ExCET).
Those seeking basic elementary certification must present acceptable scores on the Elementary
Professional portions of the ExCET. Those seeking basic secondary certification must present acceptable scores on
the Secondary Professional and content area portions of the ExCET. Additional certifications or endorsements
may
require satisfactory scores on portions related to those areas. Information is available in the Office of
Student Services, Matthews Hall, Room 105. Contact academic advisers or program areas for specific degree plan,
GPA requirements and/or certification plan requirements.
Students working on a postbaccalaureate certification plan for teacher must meet all requirements stated on their certification (deficiency) plan.
The degree plan is the official document outlining the student's course of study. The student is responsible for initiating the degree plan process and should do so as soon as possible after being formally enrolled at the university, but no later than the first semester in teacher education.
Advising should be sought in the departmental office, Room 206, Matthews Hall. The student, with advisement, makes decisions relating to the program of study. The degree plan is subsequently prepared in the College of Education Office of Student Services in Matthews Hall, Room 105. Students should pick up completed degree plans in Matthews Hall, Room 105, and check them for accuracy. Any changes in degree plans must be approved by the academic departments and the teacher education departmental office.
The department offers master's and doctoral degrees. For further information on graduate degrees and certificates available in the graduate programs, consult the Graduate Catalog.
Students completing the requirements for the undergraduate degree will receive the Bachelor of Science with a major in interdisciplinary studies and a minor in elementary education.
The undergraduate program typically requires a minimum of 132 semester hours. The specific number of hours required is determined by one's choice of academic fields, academic discipline and certification option as described below.
Requirements include courses under the following headings: University Core Curriculum, interdisciplinary studies major, certification option (specialization or delivery system), combination of subjects (composite), and professional education (elementary education minor).
Degree Requirements for the Bachelor of Science with a Major in Interdisciplinary Studies
Candidates for the Bachelor of Science must meet the following requirements.
1. Hours for the Degree: Completion of minimum of 132-135 total semester hours; 42 hours must be advanced.
2. General University Requirements: See "General Degree Requirements" in the Academics section of this catalog.
3. University Core Curriculum: 53-55 hours
See "University Core Curriculum Requirements" in the Academics section of this catalog for additional information.
4. Major Requirements: 72 hours.
5. Minor: Professional Education: 18 hours, EDEE 3320, 4330, 4340, 4350 plus 6 hours student teaching.
6. Electives: 3 hours, Fine Arts, Computer Science, Mathematics, Foreign Language or Physical Science.
7. Other Course Requirements: MATH 2090; 3-6 hours (depending on teaching Option, consult adviser).
8. Other Requirements:
Applications for Teacher Admissions are available in the Office of Student Services, Matthews Hall, Room 105.
Criteria for approval to enroll in the first elementary teaching methods course: The student must have completed the University Core Curriculum and competency requirements and must have junior standing, a 2.75 GPA in the University Core Curriculum (general studies courses) and passing scores on all parts of the TASP.Criteria for approval for official admission into Teacher Education: The student must have completed the University Core Curriculum and competency requirements and must have junior standing, a 2.75 GPA in the University Core Curriculum (general studies courses), passing scores on all parts of the TASP and a grade of C or better in the elementary entry-level course (EDEE 3310).
Interdisciplinary Studies: 54Minor (Professional Education): 18
Other: 6-9
Electives: 3
Core: 53-55
English 12
History 6
Political Science 6
Economics 3
Laboratory Science 6-8
Mathematics 3
Computer 3
Oral Communication 3
Wellness 2
Visual and Performing Arts 3
Understanding of Ideas and Values 6
42 hours must be advanced; 24 of the last 30 hours must be completed at UNT.Students are encouraged to see their adviser each semester for help with program decisions and enrollment.
Option I certifies the student to teach in grades one through six. The number of semester hours varies depending on the academic specializations chosen, but all hours count toward the interdisciplinary studies major.
Inactive, see adviser.
Option II, academic specialization, certifies the student to teach in grades one through eight, including the middle and junior high schools. The number of semester hours in the academic discipline vary but all hours count toward the interdisciplinary studies major.
One academic specialization is required. Available specializations include biology, earth science, English, French, geography, health, history, kinesiology, mathematics, music, Spanish, speech and theater arts.
Twelve semester hours of reading are required. A minimum of 12 semester hours across two academic fields other than the first academic field must be taken as combination-of-subjects (composite) courses.
Option II, reading, certifies the student to teach in grades one through eight, including the middle and junior high schools. All 18 semester hours of required reading specialization courses count toward the interdisciplinary studies major. Eighteen semester hours in an academic discipline and 18 semester hours across two academic fields other than the discipline must be taken as composite courses.
The generic special education delivery system certifies the student to teach elementary grades 1-8, and special education grades 1-12.
The generic special education delivery system consists of 24 semester hours, 18 of which count toward the interdisciplinary studies major. Eighteen semester hours in an academic discipline and six semester hours of reading are required. Twelve semester hours across two academic fields must be taken as composite courses.
This delivery system does not provide certification in severely emotionally disturbed/autistic or severely and profoundly handicapped; however, such programs are available at the graduate level.
The student may choose an academic specialization in life-earth science that certifies the student to teach in grades one through eight, including middle and junior high schools.
All 30 plus semester hours of the life-earth science academic specialization option count toward the interdisciplinary studies major. Twelve semester hours of reading are required. Ten semester hours across two academic fields other than the first academic field must be taken plus composite courses to complete the required 54 hour total.
Option IV, the early childhood delivery system, certifies students to teach in grades prekindergarten through six.
The early childhood delivery system option consists of 24 semester hours, 18 of which count toward the interdisciplinary studies major. Eighteen hours in an academic discipline plus six semester hours of reading are required. Twelve semester hours from two academic fields other than the first academic field must be taken with enough hours in composite courses to complete 54 required hours.
The elementary education minor requires 18 semester hours divided between pedagogy (12 semester hours) and student teaching (6 semester hours). Students must have an interdisciplinary studies major in order to minor in elementary education.
The early childhood education endorsement, certifying the student to teach public school prekindergarten through kindergarten in Texas, may be added to valid elementary certificates, special education certificates or vocational home economics certificates that require a college degree.
The generic special education endorsements in teaching the severely and profoundly handicapped and the severely emotionally disturbed autistic child are available. A special education adviser should be consulted for the program relating to these endorsements.
The degree requirements for the BS with a major in Interdisciplinary Studies meet or exceed those mandated by the state of Texas in the 1987 certification standards. The program described herein has been approved by the Texas Education Agency and the State Board of Education and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
The University of North Texas is committed to excellence in all academic programs. In keeping with this commitment the university offers a variety of scholarships and awards to continuing students and to exceptional entering freshmen and transfer students. The university has two categories of competitive academic scholarships: general and departmental. Information on general scholarships may be obtained from the Scholarship Office.
The programs in elementary, early childhood and reading education have five scholarships available to undergraduate students.
The Rena Mae Matthews, John Houston Douglas and Mary Carlisle Webb scholarship funds provide for grants each year to junior and senior students seeking elementary certification who have been admitted to teacher education.
The Phillip and Margaret Walker Memorial Scholarship is available each year to a senior student seeking certification in education.
The Robert and Martha Carter Scholarship in Child Development and Early Childhood Education provides for a grant(s) each year for a student of junior or senior standing. The recipient must be a full-time student majoring in child development or seeking certification in early childhood education.
Information on these scholarships may be obtained in the Elementary Education Office in Matthews Hall, Room 206.
Approval to enroll in the first teaching methods course:
For purposes of admission to secondary teacher education programs, a student who does not meet all admission criteria may request re-evaluation by applying to the Admission, Review and Retention Committee through the Office of Student Services, Room 105, Matthews Hall.
Secondary education, in cooperation with other schools and departments, offers a complete curriculum of teacher preparation. A Provisional Secondary Certificate for grades six through 12 is available with the completion of a major in an approved teaching field and a minor in secondary education.
Undergraduate professional development courses in secondary education constitute a minor on bachelor's degree programs in the College of Arts and Sciences or the College of Business Administration. The program of studies offered in secondary education meets all professional development requirements for Texas teacher certification.
The state of Texas teaching certificate requires completion of an approved four-year degree program. Completion of the bachelor's degree with Option I, II, III or IV teaching fields and the professional development sequence meets the requirements of the Texas Education Agency for the Provisional Secondary Certificate for grades six through 12.
For students receiving a BA or BS degree in the College of Arts and Sciences, the following professional education courses are required for certification: EDSE 3800, 3830, 4060, 4070, 4108, 4118 and 4840.
Students seeking certification under Texas Education Agency Option I must complete a major of at least 36 hours in an approved teaching field. Option I teaching fields are available in the following areas.
Students seeking certification under Option II must complete a major of at least 30 hours in one discipline for a first teaching field and have at least 24 hours in a second field. Some disciplines require more than these minimums. Option II teaching fields are available in the following areas.
biology, chemistry, communication and public address, computer science, dance, earth science, economics, English, French, geography, German, health promotion, history, journalism, kinesiology, Latin, mathematics, physics, political science, psychology, sociology, Spanish and theater arts.
First Teaching Field Only:
life/earth science and physical science.
Second Teaching Field Only:
generic special education and reading.
The teaching fields available under Option III, Broad Teaching Fields, are basic business and business composite. BUED 4503 and 4513 are required for certification in business education.
Composite teaching fields under Option IV are available in English-language arts, science and social studies.
(12 hours) ENGL 4040 or 5040; 4080 or 5080; 5320 (second language acquisition) and 5360 (sociolinguistics).
(15 hours for endorsement) DRED 4400, 4410, 4420, 4430 and 5400.
Information Processing Technology Endorsement
Information processing technology endorsement is available through undergraduate or graduate course offerings. For undergraduate students, Level One requires a total of 9 hours: CECS 1100, 3440 and 4100. Level Two requires 15 hours: CECS 1100, 3440, 4100, 4900 and 3 hours of additional CECS course work.
Learning Resource Endorsement, 24 Hours
SLIS 5090, 5210, 5340, 5420, 5430, 5400, 5600, 5720.
Gifted and Talented Endorsement, 12-15 Hours
EDSP 5150, 5160, 5170, 5180, 5430.
Educational Foundations
Educational Foundations courses are provided primarily as support courses. Although some courses are offered at the undergraduate level, most are available at the graduate level.
Detailed information may be found in the Graduate Catalog.
All Courses of Instruction are located in one section at the back of this catalog.
See Graduate Catalog.
See Graduate Catalog.
UNT Graduate Catalog College of Education Table of Contents
UNT Undergraduate Catalog Table of Contents
UNT Graduate Catalog Table of Contents
UNT Undergraduate Catalog Course and Subject Guide
UNT Graduate Catalog Course and Subject Guide