Main Office
Matthews Hall, 206
P.O. Box 310740
Denton, TX 76203-0740
(940) 565-2920
Web site: www.coe.unt.edu/tea
Reorganization within the College of Education has been approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, effective September 1, 2007.
The changes include the following:
Professors Camp, Contreras, Fossey, Harris, Kemerer, Laney, Patterson, Wilhelm. Associate Professors Adkison, Crocker, Day, Esprívalo Harrell, Fox, Hudson, Huffman, Leavell, Mathis, Milson, Mohr, Tunks, van Tassell, Wickstrom. Assistant Professors Byrd, Eddy, King-Reidt, Patchen, Silva. Visiting Professor Rodriguez. Lecturers Blanchard, Brooks, Johnson, Stromberg.
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 four (EC–4) 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 204N (Elementary Education) or Room 204J (Secondary Education), 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).
The department offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the following areas:
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.
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 advisers 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.
| EC–4 and 4–8 | Secondary | All-level | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior status | Junior status | Art | Music | Kinesiology |
| 2.75 in core and field of study or 2.75 overall GPA | 2.75 overall and UNT GPA | Junior status | Junior status | Junior status |
| *THEA test | *THEA test | 2.75 overall and UNT GPA | 2.75 overall and UNT GPA | 2.75 overall and UNT GPA |
| Degree plan | Degree plan | *THEA test | *THEA test | *THEA test |
| Degree plan | Degree plan | Degree plan | ||
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 Examination for the Certification of Educators in Texas (ExCET) or the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES), as applicable. The ExCET/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–4 Generalist or 4–8 Generalist portions of the TExES required for specific certifications. Students seeking EC–4 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 (Secondary Professional Development and content area portions of the ExCET, if applicable). Additional certifications may require satisfactory scores on portions related to those areas. Students should contact the ExCET/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.
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 127–139 semester hours. The specific number of hours required is determined by one’s choice of grades EC–4 or grades 4–8 options as described below.
Students are encouraged to visit the College of Education web site (www.coe.unt.edu/TExES) for ExCET/TExES information. Students are encouraged to see their advisers each term/semester for help with program decisions and enrollment.
1. Hours Required and General/College Requirements: A minimum of 127–139 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.
The natural sciences (8 hours) core requirements must include BIOL 1080-1081 and PHYS 1210 in order to meet teacher certification program requirements.
Students should consult with their advisers to determine best choices in the core, as well as best choices to meet the Cross-Cultural, Diversity and Global Studies core requirement (DFST 2033 or EDEE 2000). Content of the following recommended (best choices) courses correlates with the ExCET/TExES competency requirements: ANTH 1010*+; ART 1300; COMM 2020, 2040; DANC 2800; ECON 1110*+; ENGL 2210, 2220; GEOG 1170+; MATH 1100; MUMH 2040; PHED 1000; SMHM 1450; THEA 2340.
*May be used to satisfy more than one requirement.
+ May add extra hours to the major.
2. Major Requirements:
Students prepare for a generalist certificate or a generalist and a specialization certificate.
All students seeking this degree and the EC–4 generalist certification take these courses: BIOL 1130/1135, BIOL 1080/1081, DFEC 3613, DFEC 4243, DFST 1013a, DFST 2033a, DFST 3123, DFST 4233, EDEE 3320b, EDEE 4101d, EDEE 4330c, EDEE 4340c, EDEE 4350c, EDRE 4450b, EDRE 4860c, EDSP 3210, GEOG 1710, HLTH 1900, LING 3060, MATH 1350a, MATH 1351a, PHYS 1210a; plus one of the following: ART 3800, MUED 1130, THEA 3400.
Students seeking the generalist certification only also take: CECS 4100, DFEC 4633, DFST 4423, EDEE 3380b, EDEE 4102d, EDRE 4840, EDRE 4850, EDRE 4870, EDSP 4350d.
Students seeking the generalist and English as a second language (ESL) certifications also take: CECS 4100, DFEC 4633, EDBE 3470, EDBE 3480, EDBE 4470, EDBE 4490, EDEE 4101d, EDEE 4102d in an ESL classroom, EDRE 4850, EDRE 4870, LING 4030.
Students seeking the generalist and bilingual certifications also take: CECS 4100, DFEC 4633, EDBE 3470, EDBE 3480, EDBE 4470, EDBE 4480, EDBE 4490, EDEE 4101d, EDEE 4102d in a Bilingual classroom, EDRE 4850, LING 4030.
Students seeking the generalist and special education certifications also take: EDEE 3380, EDEE 4102d, EDRE 4840, EDRE 4870, EDSP 3240, EDSP 4110d, EDSP 4320, EDSP 4330, EDSP 4340, EDSP 4360.
a Indicates courses that may satisfy more than one requirement. Please see an academic adviser 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.
| Checkpoint | Where | When |
|---|---|---|
| Take THEA Test. | Program for Academic Readiness Office, Stovall Hall, Room 117 | First semester of enrollment at UNT. |
| Seek advising for one’s first semester at UNT. | Student Advising Office, Matthews Hall, Room 105 | Freshman: At new student orientation. Transfer: Semester before registration at UNT. |
| Make appointment for advising and application for official degree plan. | Student Advising Office, Matthews Hall, Room 105 | Second semester of Sophomore Year. |
| Apply for admission to teacher education. Bring copies of transcripts from all institutions attended. | Student Advising Office, Matthews Hall, Room 105 | Semester before entering teacher education program. |
| Apply for PDS assignment. | Field Experience Office, Matthews Hall, Room 206 | Semester prior to first PDS semester. |
| File changes to official degree plan if needed. | Student Advising Office, Matthews Hall, Room 105 | Application deadlines available from Student Advising Office. |
| Apply for student teaching. (non-traditional PDS students only) | Field Experience Office, Matthews Hall, Room 206 | February for fall; October for spring. (See SAO calendar.) |
| Apply for graduation. (includes applying for degree and certification) | Student Advising Office, Matthews Hall, Room 105 | See Academic Calendar for deadlines. |
| Take departmental competency exams (optional). | Information available from the TExES Advising Office, Matthews Hall, Room 103 | Generally taken prior to student teaching semester. |
| Take ExCET/TExES. | Information available from the TExES Advising Office, Matthews Hall, Room 103 | When ready. |
| Apply for teaching certificate. | Student Advising Office, Matthews Hall, Room 105 | During finals week of last semester and after all required TExES exams are passed. |
Students prepare for a generalist certificate or a generalist and a specialization certificate.
All students seeking this degree and the 4–8 generalist certification take these courses: BIOL 1080/1081a, BIOL 1130/1135, CHEM 1351/1352, DFST 4133, EDEE 2000a, EDEE 4330, EDEE 4340, EDEE 4350, EDRE 4820b, EDRE 4860, EDSP 3210, GEOG 1710, LING 3060, MATH 1190, MATH 1350a, MATH 1351a, MATH 1680, PHYS 1210a; plus three of the following: ANTH 1010, ECON 1110, GEOG 3100, HIST 4700, PSCI 4520; plus one of the following: ART 3800, MUED 1130, THEA 3400.
Students seeking the generalist certification only also take CECS 4100, EDEE 3320b, EDEE 3380b, EDEE 4103d, EDEE 4104d, EDEE 4330, EDEE 4340, EDEE 4350, EDRE 4840, EDRE 4850, EDRE 4870, EDSP 4350d.
Students seeking the generalist and English as a second language (ESL) certification also take CECS 4100, EDBE 3470, EDBE 3480, EDBE 4470, EDBE 4490, EDEE 3320, EDEE 4103d, EDEE 4104d in an ESL classroom, EDEE 4330, EDEE 4340, EDEE 4350, EDRE 4850, LING 4030.
Students seeking the generalist and bilingual certifications also take CECS 4100, EDBE 3470, EDBE 3480, EDBE 4470, EDBE 4480, EDBE 4490, EDEE 4103d, EDEE 4104d in an ESL classroom, EDEE 4330, EDEE 4340, EDEE 4350, EDRE 4850, LING 4030.
Students seeking the generalist and special education certifications also take EDEE 3320b, EDEE 4104d, EDEE 4330, EDEE 4340, EDEE 4350, EDRE 4450b, EDRE 4840, EDSP 3240, EDSP 4110d, EDSP 4320, EDSP 4330, EDSP 4340b, EDSP 4360d.
a Indicates courses that may satisfy more than one requirement. Please see an academic adviser 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.
3. Minor Requirements: A minor is not required for this degree.
4. Electives: See individual degree plan.
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.
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.
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 eight 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.
All Courses of Instruction are located in one section at the back of this catalog.
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, 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 Administration 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.
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.
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:
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 adviser 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 adviser.
1. Hours Required and General/College Requirements: A minimum of 127 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 plan.
3. Other Course Requirements: See individual degree plan.
4. Minor Requirements:
5. Electives: See individual degree plan.
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 (ExCET/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 ExCET/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].
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.
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.
All Courses of Instruction are located in one section at the back of this catalog.
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.
See Graduate Catalog.
See Graduate Catalog.
Date of initial release: July 1, 2007 — Copyright © 2007 University of North Texas
Page updated:
September 5, 2007
— Comments or corrections: catalog@unt.edu
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