Undergraduate Catalog

2008-09 Academic Year

Department of Teacher Education and Administration

Main Office
Matthews Hall, Room 206
Mailing address:
1155 Union Circle #310740
Denton, TX 76203-5017
940-565-2920
Fax: 940-565-4952

Web site: www.coe.unt.edu/tea

Curriculum and Instruction
Reading Education
Matthews Hall, Room 218

940-565-2922

Elementary Education
Secondary Education
Matthews Hall, Room 204
940-565-2826

Educational Administration
Matthews Hall, Room 218
940-565-2175

Carol D. Wickstrom, Interim Chair

Faculty

Professors Camp, Contreras, Fossey, Harris, Kemerer, Laney, Morrison, Wilhelm. Associate Professors Adkison, Crocker, Esprívalo Harrell, Fox, Hudson, Huffman, Leavell, Mathis, Milson, Mohr, Tunks, van Tassell, Wickstrom. Assistant Professors Byrd, Easton-Brooks, Eddy, King, Patchen. Instructional Assistant Professors Allen, Azua, Guevara, Johnson, Shouse, Trujillo-Jenks. Lecturers Blanchard, Boyd, Brooks, Hagen, Stromberg.

Introduction

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 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, which are field-based educator preparation programs. 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 new 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 State Board for Educator Certification (1701 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701 [www.sbec.state.tx.us]) and are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) (2010 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036-1023; 202-466-7496 [www.ncate.org]).

The department offers teacher certification programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduates seeking teacher certification in early childhood through grade six (EC–6) or grades 4–8 should enroll in the Bachelor of Science program with a major in interdisciplinary studies. Undergraduates seeking certification in all-level or secondary education receive a degree though the major department and add the required courses for teacher certification.

Students who have earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited university may have their undergraduate transcript evaluated in the Teacher Education and Administration Office in Matthews Hall, Room 204E, to develop a post-baccalaureate certification plan. Post-baccalaureate students must apply for admission and be admitted to the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies prior to enrolling in any classes (see the Graduate Catalog for admission requirements).

Programs of Study

The department offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the following areas:

Admission, Review and Retention (ARR) Committee

Any instructor in the College of Education has the right and responsibility to refer any student to the ARR Committee if that instructor has a concern about a student’s academic progress, behavioral characteristics or communication skills that indicates potential problems in school settings. The ARR Committee reviews referrals made by faculty and determines a course of action. The ARR Committee also reviews student appeals and determines an appropriate course of action regarding changes in the student’s course of study.

Admission to Teacher Education

To enroll in any teacher preparation course, with the exceptions of EDEE 2000 and EDSP 3210, students

1. must have completed the University Core Curriculum and field of study with a 2.75 GPA or have at least 60 hours (junior standing) with a 2.75 GPA. (See “General University 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 should consult program advisors in Matthews Hall, Room 105, for best choices in the core;

2. must have passing scores on THEA (formerly TASP) (Reading = 240, Math = 230, Writing = 220);

3. must formally apply and be admitted to Teacher Education through the College of Education Student Advising Office in Matthews Hall, Room 105; and

4. must meet all requirements for the specific certification level listed in the following table.

Teacher Certification

Teacher certification is a function of the State Board for Educator Certification within the Educator Certification and Standards Division 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. All undergraduate students seeking recommendation for initial teacher certification through the University of North Texas must (1) successfully complete an approved teacher education program for the preparation of early childhood, middle grades, secondary or all-level teachers; (2) successfully complete student teaching, which includes attending appropriate seminars and passing a comprehensive teacher preparation examination; and (3) pass appropriate sections of the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES), as applicable. The TExES is offered at least once each long term/semester and once in the summer. Contact the TExES Advising Office in Matthews Hall, Room 103, for further information (940-369-8601).

Those seeking early childhood or middle grades generalist certification must present acceptable scores on the Elementary Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) and the EC–6 Generalist or 4–8 Generalist portions of the TExES required for specific certifications. Students seeking EC–6 or 4–8 generalist certification along with special education, bilingual education, or ESL education certification will either take a special version of the Generalist examination or will take an additional examination in addition to the PPR and Generalist tests. Those seeking basic secondary certification must present acceptable scores on the Secondary Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) and content area portions of the TExES. Additional certifications may require satisfactory scores on portions related to those areas. Students should contact the TExES Advising Office in Matthews Hall, Room 103, to determine which exams apply to them and for other pertinent information. Students working on a teacher certification plan must meet all requirements stated on their certification (deficiency) plan.

Early Childhood Education

Student Advising Office
Matthews Hall, Room 105
940-565-2736
Career Advising
Matthews Hall, Room 119
940-565-4646

Faculty

Professor Morrison. Assistant Professor Easton-Brooks. Lecturer Hagen.

Introduction

Early Childhood Education provides students a program of study and career opportunities in fields relating to the care and education of young children, birth to age eight.

The Child Development Laboratory is an accredited preschool program for children ages 3 through 5. In addition, it serves as a model, an observation site and a training center for undergraduate and graduate students in fields related to young children. Research related to early childhood issues is conducted by graduate students and faculty members from across the university.

Programs of Study

The department offers graduate degrees in the following areas:

Students interested in pursuing teacher certification in early childhood education (EC–6) should consult the information regarding the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies offered through the Department of Teacher Education and Administration (see section regarding Admission to Teacher Certification also in this catalog).

Graduate Degrees

The Master of Science with a major in early childhood education is available at the graduate level, as is the Doctor of Education with a major in early childhood education. Prospective students should consult with a member of the graduate faculty prior to initial enrollment (see also the UNT Graduate Catalog).

Scholarships

The program offers several scholarships designated specifically for students majoring in early childhood education (EC–6) at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Early childhood education students may also be eligible for scholarships awarded through the Department of Teacher Education and Administration in Matthews Hall, Room 206.

Applications are available in the program office, Matthews Hall, Room 119. Deadlines for application vary slightly with each academic year, but generally occur in early February, with awards generally being announced in late spring. Check with the department office, Stovall Hall, Room 155, for additional scholarship information.

Courses of Instruction

All Courses of Instruction are located in one section at the back of this catalog.

Course and Subject Guide

The “Course and Subject Guide,” found in the Courses of Instruction section of this book, serves as a table of contents and provides quick access to subject areas and prefixes.

Elementary Education

Bachelor of Science with a Major in Interdisciplinary Studies (EC–6 and 4–8 Teacher Certification)*

* The 4–8 English as a Second Language and Social Studies Certification was pending approval by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board at the time this catalog went to press. Consult the department for more information.

Students completing the requirements for the undergraduate degree will receive the Bachelor of Science with a major in interdisciplinary studies.

The undergraduate program typically requires a minimum of 120–126 semester hours. The specific number of hours required is determined by one’s choice of grades EC–6 or grades 4–8 options as described below.

Degree Requirements

Students are encouraged to visit the College of Education web site (www.coe.unt.edu/TExES) for TExES information. Students are encouraged to see their advisors each term/semester for help with program decisions and enrollment.

1. Hours Required and General/College Requirements: A minimum of 120–126 semester hours, (depending upon teacher certification and course options selected), of which 42 must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree as specified in the “General University Requirements” in the Academics section of this catalog and the College of Education requirements.

The department recommends specific courses (best choices) in some categories. Students may elect to take other courses listed under the University Core Curriculum to fulfill these requirements; however, doing so may add hours to the degree.

Students should consult with their advisors to determine best choices to meet the core requirements. The natural sciences (6 hours) core requirements must include BIOL 1082 and PHYS 1210 in order to meet teacher certification program requirements. Consult an advisor for best choices for University Core Curriculum courses.

2. Major Requirements:

Early Childhood Through Grade Six (EC–6) Generalist Teacher Certification Options

Students prepare for a generalist certificate or a generalist and a specialization certificate. Students should consult with their advisors to determine best sequence for taking core classes, prerequisite classes, major classes and PDS courses. Part of this degree is two semesters of courses in a Professional Development School (PDS). Courses taken during the first semester of PDS require two days per week of course work and two days per week internship at a PDS site. The second semester of PDS is 15 weeks of student teaching internship plus attendance at a one-hour-per-week seminar.

EC–6 Generalist Certification Only
EC–6 Generalist and English as a Second
Language Certifications
EC–6 Generalist and Bilingual Certifications
EC–6 Generalist and EC–12 Special Education Certifications

a Indicates courses that may satisfy more than one requirement. Please see an academic advisor in the Student Advising Office, Matthews Hall, Room 105, to make the best selection in above requirements and in the UNT core requirements.

b Indicates prerequisite to other EDRE or EDEE classes.

c Indicates courses taken during the first term/semester of the PDS Internship year; requires two days per week of course work and two days per week internship at PDS site.

d Requires 15 weeks of student teaching internship plus attendance at a one hour per week seminar and EDSP 4350/4360 if required; all must be taken during the second term/semester of the PDS internship year.

Grades Four Through Eight Generalist Teacher Certification Option

Students prepare for a generalist certificate or a generalist and a specialization certificate.

Grades 4–8 Generalist Certification only

Note: This program is not currently accepting students.

Grades 4–8 Generalist and English as a Second Language Certifications

Note: This program is not currently accepting students.

Grades 4–8 Generalist and Bilingual Certifications

Note: This program is not currently accepting students.

Grades 4–8 Generalist and Special Education Certifications

Note: This program is not currently accepting students.

4–8 Content Areas with English as a Second
Language Teacher Certifications
Grades 4–8 English as a Second Language and English Language Arts and Reading Certification
Grades 4–8 English as a Second Language and Mathematics Certification
Grades 4–8 English as a Second Language and
Science Certification
Grades 4–8 English as a Second Language and Social Studies Certification

This certification is pending approval by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

3. Minor Requirements: A minor is not required for this degree.

4. Electives: See individual degree audit.

5. Other Requirements: Admission to teacher education and eligibility for teacher certification.

See “Student Teaching” in the College of Education general information section of this catalog.

State Requirements

The degree requirements for the BS with a major in interdisciplinary studies meet or exceed those mandated by the State of Texas in the 2000 certification standards.

Scholarships

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 Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.

The programs in elementary and reading education have many scholarships available to undergraduate students.

The Rena Mae Matthews, Mary Carlisle Webb, Violet and Eunice Garrish, Phyllis Ray, Janis Sparks Borrow, Meadows Foundation, Frankie Martin Montgomery, Corinne Gibson, Lamar Hoke, R.C. Bradley, Linda Martin Crowder, Mary Segar, Helen Young Stricklan, Mina Stroup and Mary Wells scholarship funds provide for grants each year to junior and senior students seeking elementary certification who have been admitted to teacher education.

Information on these scholarships may be obtained in Matthews Hall, Room 218.

Courses of Instruction

All Courses of Instruction are located in one section at the back of this catalog.

Course and Subject Guide

The “Course and Subject Guide,” found in the Courses of Instruction section of this book, serves as a table of contents and provides quick access to subject areas and prefixes.

Secondary Education

Secondary Education, in cooperation with other schools and departments, offers a complete curriculum of teacher preparation. A Standard Secondary Teacher’s Certificate for teaching grades 8–12 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 for bachelor’s degree programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business or the College of Public Affairs and Community Service. The program of studies offered through Secondary Education meets all current professional development requirements for Texas teacher certification.

Requirements for Secondary Teacher Certification

The State of Texas Teacher’s Certificate requires completion of an approved four-year degree program. Completion of the bachelor’s degree in the content area (see explanation of options below) and the professional development sequence meets the requirements of the State Board for Educator Certification for the Standard Secondary Teacher’s Certificate for grades 8–12.

Bachelor of Arts; Bachelor of Science

Minor in Secondary Education (Secondary Teacher Certification)

At the time this catalog went to press, UNT was authorized to recommend secondary and all-level teacher certification for students who have \completed a baccalaureate degree in the following content areas:

* Pending approval by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the State Board for Educator Certification.

Although teacher certification programs share many commonalities, each certificate has unique requirements. What applies to one certificate or grade level is not necessarily applicable to another. Also, additions, deletions and revisions to existing teacher standards, content areas and certificate levels continue to be made by the State Board for Educator Certification. Many certificates previously available have been or are scheduled to be replaced or deleted. Although overlap provisions exist for some certificates, they are not broadly applicable to all content areas. Special conditions apply to students pursuing certification within the student services content area, vocational education, or educational administration; to those who already are licensed to teach in Texas; and to teachers seeking transfer of their certification from another state or country. Therefore, it is impractical to list requirements for individual content areas in this catalog.

Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with an advisor in the Student Advising Office, Matthews Hall, Room 105, or check online at www.coe.unt.edu/sao for the current information regarding specific certificate requirements and any pending changes. The SAO sees students by appointment only, except during the regular registration period each term/semester when they accept drop-in visitors. Appointment times fill quickly and students are encouraged to schedule at least two weeks in advance to ensure availability of an advisor.

Degree Requirements

1. Hours Required and General/College Requirements: A minimum of 120 semester hours, of which 42 hours must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree as specified in the “General University Requirements” in the Academics section of this catalog and the College of Education requirements. Students seeking teacher certification in secondary or all-level education must also meet all requirements of the college responsible for awarding the degree program for their selected major.

2. Major Requirements: See individual degree audit.

3. Other Course Requirements: See individual degree audit.

4. Minor Requirements:

5. Electives: See individual degree audit.

6. Other Requirements:

a. Admission to Teacher Education: Prior to enrolling in the first education course, students must have:

b. Eligibility for Teacher Certification and Endorsements: Teacher certification is a function of the State Board for Educator Certification. Completion of the bachelor’s degree and the required education courses does not necessarily result in certification by the agency. In order to receive recommendation for teacher certification through the University of North Texas, students must have:

Access to Texas teacher licensure testing (TExES bar codes) is available only to those students who have successfully completed an initial teacher certification program or who are passing their final education courses and have passed the departmental competency exams. Some content areas also require that the competency exam be passed as part of the requirements for a passing grade in specific courses. (Students should consult the Courses of Instruction section of this catalog for identification of those courses.)

The TExES is offered at least once each long term/semester and once in the summer. Contact the TExES Advising Office in Matthews Hall, Room 103, for further information (940-369-8601).

Minor in Mathematics and Science Secondary Teaching

Individuals interested in pursuing certification in math or science teaching at the secondary level may wish to pursue a minor through the Teach North Texas program. See “Teach North Texas” in the College of Arts and Sciences section of this catalog.

Degree/Certification Plan

The degree/certification plan is the official document outlining the student’s course of study. The student is responsible for initiating the degree/certification plan process and should do so as soon as possible after being formally enrolled at the university and prior to the first term/semester in teacher education.

Advising should be sought in the Student Advising Office. The student, with advisement, makes decisions relating to the program of study. The degree/certification plan is subsequently prepared in the College of Education Student Advising Office in Matthews Hall, Room 105. Degree/certification plan processing takes four to six weeks. Students must make an appointment to review completed degree/certification plans in Matthews Hall, Room 105. Any changes in degree/certification plans must be approved by the academic departments and the Department of Teacher Education and Administration office.

Graduate Degrees

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.

Courses of Instruction

All Courses of Instruction are located in one section at the back of this catalog.

Course and Subject Guide

The “Course and Subject Guide,” found in the Courses of Instruction section of this book, serves as a table of contents and provides quick access to subject areas and prefixes.

Undergraduate Working Catalog

Department of Teacher Education and Administration

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(940) 565-2000

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