Division of Education

Mary West, Ph.D., Dean of Education

Department of Undergraduate Education

Kathy Hulgin-Drake, Ph.D., Chairperson

The programs offered in the Department of Undergraduate Education prepare individuals for initial entry into the teaching profession. The programs provide learning environments in which pre-service teacher candidates can acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes, dispositions, and values required to meet the needs of students in a dynamic and diverse society. The programs have been accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC). Licensure programs qualify the student for teaching in Ohio and, by interstate reciprocity agreement, in other states. The Mount’s Education Division is nationally ranked in the top quartile for passage rate of 98% on the licensure (Praxis II) examinations.

Vision Statement
The Division of Education will continually transform itself into a regionally acclaimed center for teaching and learning in the Midwest. Rooted in the spiritual tradition of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati and the Catholic intellectual tradition of free and open inquiry in search of truth, the Department will be known for its innovative programs in higher education for preparing highly qualified educators and leaders.

Mission Statement
The Education Division prepares competent, collaborative, caring, and reflective practitioners who uphold the tradition of social responsibility, academic excellence, and personal integrity of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati.

Core Values:

1. We promote critical thinking and reflective practices with all students.
2. We teach students to have respect for themselves and others through collaboration and service.
3. We encourage students to participate in professional development and scholarship.
4. We value and model ethical conduct.
5. We value a knowledge and appreciation of diversity.

Undergraduate Student Handbook
The Department of Undergraduate Education Student Handbook is a publication that outlines specific and detailed information that all education majors and licensure candidates are responsible for knowing. The department's Student Handbook is updated each year.

Admission to the Teacher Education Programs
Admission to the College does not guarantee admission to the teacher education programs. Candidates must be officially admitted to the licensure program in the Undergraduate Department. Refer to the Student Handbook for details on the admission process and requirements.

Most students apply for admission to the teacher education programs during their sophomore year. Application packets are available in the Education Division (CL 217) and at https://mymount.msj.edu/ICS/Mount_Community/Mount_Groups/Education_Licensure_Students_and_Majors/Public_Page.jnz. It is important to complete the admission process in a timely manner. Since many of the required courses within the major require program admission, gaining official program admission will ensure that you are able to move along and make progress in your program without interruption or delay.

Effective for students entering the Education Division in 2009-2010, PRAXIS I tests (PPST) will no longer be required for admission.  In lieu of PRAXIS I, students will be required to have a cumulative GPA of 2.8 to be admitted to the department.

State Licensure Requirements
Whenever changes in Ohio Standards for Teacher Education and Licensure are recommended by the State Department of Education and the Ohio Board of Regents and passed into law by the Ohio State Legislature, requirements will necessarily be altered to comply with current standards and regulations. The programs listed in this catalog meet the most current Ohio State Department of Education standards, at the time of publication. Students should work closely with their Undergraduate Education Department advisor to stay abreast of current requirements.

The majors available at the Mount are:

• Inclusive Early Childhood Education (working with students in grades pre-K-3)
• Middle Childhood Education (working with students in grades 4-9 in two subject/content areas)
• Special Education Intervention Specialist (working with students with mild/moderate special needs in grades K-12)

These licensure programs are also available:

• Adolescent to Young Adult Education (working with students in grades 7-12 in one content area/major)
• Multi-age Education (working with students in grades K-12 in art or music)

Student Teaching Requirements
Student Teaching is a major component in every licensure program.  To be eligible for student teaching, the candidate must:

1. Be in good standing in a licensure program with a grade of "C" or better in all required licensure courses.
2. Apply by the posted deadline.
3. Maintain a 2.8 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
4. Verify CPR and first aid certification.
5. Complete all required field clinical experience hours.
6. Obtain advisor's approval.
7. Meet finger-printing/background check requirements.
8. Pass required PRAXIS II tests (Principles of Learning and Teaching AND subject area tests).
9. Meet Professional Performance Standards as defined by the Division of Education in the following areas: rapport, reliability, and responsibility.