College of Education

The mission of Faulkner University’s College of Education is to glorify God through the education of the whole person and the preparation of highly competent, professional, and socially committed elementary and secondary school educators who possess content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge, who emphasize integrity of character, who use their gifts in the service of others, and who demonstrate professional competence and leadership in their field.

The Faulkner University College of Education is committed to the preparation of elementary, secondary, and P-12 teachers who will demonstrate a high degree of both character and professional competence. Those who complete the program are prepared to provide leadership in schools as well as to teach in public and private schools. The College of Education oversees and coordinates the Teacher Education Program at Faulkner University.

The education of our future citizenry is one of the most noble and significant challenges for an individual to accept. As our society continues to change and seeks sources of positive influence, the need grows for dedicated, purpose-minded teachers. Those who pursue a teaching career now will inherit the task of motivating the next generation to lead an intelligent, responsible and meaningful life. With these goals in mind, the College of Education’s vision integrates the University’s five core commitments- steadfast commitment to biblical truth and Christian principles; demonstrated care for every student, every day; excellence in teaching and learning; intentional, spiritual mentoring of the total life of the student; and fostering respect and preservation of fundamental principles that acknowledge the religious, intellectual, social, economic, and individual freedoms we enjoy as blessings from our Creator-with the need for quality educators who will serve others with integrity.

As we consider the future and our role in it, the College of Education has created a vision for our quest to prepare future educators. In collaboration with the broader Faulkner University community, the professional community in schools surrounding our campus, our teacher candidates, our alumni and our community, the teacher education program has a vision to prepare educators who are able to meet the challenges of teaching in the future by following these major objectives:

1. Fostering a Christ-like community of empathy, caring, friendliness, respect, openness, understanding, and integrity to establish lives of professional service in facilitating learning.
2. Fostering the pursuit of cognitive, moral, emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual excellence for lives of professional service in facilitating learning.
3. Fostering the preparation of highly competent, professional, and socially committed elementary and secondary school educators and leaders for lives of professional service in facilitating learning.
4. Fostering the pursuit of specialized training in content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge for lives of professional service in facilitating learning.
5. Fostering the infusion of values, integrity, and character across the curriculum, co- curricular experiences, and extra-curricular activities for lives of professional service in facilitating learning.
6. Fostering the development of educators who demonstrate dedication to their pupils’ intellectual growth and overall well-being in lives of professional service in facilitating learning.
7. Fostering a desire to perpetuate the art and profession of teaching through lives of professional service in facilitating learning.
8. Fostering the lifelong pursuit of professional excellence, innovation, and collaboration in research and preparation of professionals for the highest levels of practice and service in diverse schools, organizations, and communities for lives of professional service in facilitating learning.

National Accreditation and State Approvals

The teacher preparation programs within the College of Education at Faulkner University are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The College of Education is approved to offer undergraduate degree programs leading to the Class B Alabama Teaching Certificate and graduate degree programs leading to the Class A Alabama Teaching Certificate by the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE).

ALSDE Certification & Grade Levels

Teacher Education Program

Handbooks

The College of Education (COE) has prepared detailed handbooks for students pursuing a degree in any education field at Faulkner University. The handbooks contain the most recent policies, procedures, guidelines, and processes for successful completion of an education degree at Faulkner University. Students should obtain a copy of the current Undergraduate Handbook, Graduate Handbook, and Internship Handbook from the College of Education Office at the appropriate time in conjunction with COE professional coursework.

Completion of Degree and Certification in an Education Field

Completion of a degree program in education requires much more than amassing course credits from the degree program lists. A Teacher Education Program candidate at Faulkner University will pass through four gateways toward a career in education. In order to make a wise career choice, students will begin by taking ED 2020 - Introduction to Education  and begin field experiences in the surrounding partnership districts. Upon successful completion of the course and related field experiences, students, along with their assigned College of Education advisor, will make their choice to pursue a degree in education. Gateway One begins with the declaration of a major in education and progresses to application and admission into the Teacher Education Program. Gateway Two moves to application and admission into the Internship. Gateway Three includes the Internship. Gateway Four finalizes the route through certification and professional practice. Teacher Education Program candidates are presented to the Teacher Education Committee for approval to enter the Teacher Education Program and Internship Program.

Teacher Education Program Gateways

Teacher Education Candidate Recruitment, Quality, and Diversity

Students will enroll in ED 2020 - Introduction to Education . Students will be required to complete field experiences in relation to ED 2020 . Students must complete a criminal history background check through an approved Alabama State Department of Education service provider. Students will also provide the designated College of Education official documentation of having cleared the criminal history background check.

Prior to Formal Admission into the Teacher Education Program (TEP), Gateway 1

Students must declare an education field as their academic major in the main office of the College of Education. At this time, the student’s education file will be developed. Upon declaration of an education major, students are eligible to enroll in the following education coursework: ED 2322 - Foundations of Education , ED 2342 - Instructional Methodology , ED 3340 - Exceptional Learner , and ED 4348 - Classroom Management . During ED 2020 - Introduction to Education  and these four courses, students will complete field experience hours in a P-12 setting. Students may also complete any of the coursework detailed on the core side of their degree plan. Students should apply for formal entrance into the Teacher Education Program during the fall or spring semester they plan to meet all admission requirements. Prior to TEP admission, the student may repeat any of the five courses in which she or he received a grade of C or below.

Teacher Education Program Admission, Gateway 2

Application for admission into the Teacher Education Program should be made at the beginning of the semester in which a student will complete a number of professional education courses and related field experiences. Students may not exceed five professional education courses prior to being admitted to the Teacher Education Program (TEP). Students should apply for admission by submitting a formal application by the announced deadline at the beginning of each fall and spring semester. Directions on how to obtain application forms for admission into the Teacher Education Program can be secured from the College of Education Office. All applicants will be required to complete various deadlines throughout the rest of the semester of application culminating in formal approval by the Teacher Education Committee (TEC). All Teacher Education Program requirements must be submitted to the College of Education Certification Officer for processing.

To be eligible for unconditional admission into the Teacher Education Program, a student must meet the following requirements by the completion of the semester of application:

1. Submission of Teacher Education Program application
2. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in the following areas:
   1. Overall
   2. Teaching Field
   3. Professional Studies
3. Those students with a 2.75-2.99 will be considered, but admission is not guaranteed
4. Completion of the five approved professional education courses
5. Completion of English Composition I and English Composition II, with a grade of “C” or higher in both
6. SAEA (or other education liability insurance) dues paid for current school year
7. Satisfactory disposition ratings on approved field experiences in a variety of settings totaling a required minimum hours
8. PE majors must have completed the Fitness Assessment
9. Completion of background check and fingerprinting done in ED 2020 
10. Satisfactory ratings on disposition forms from professor for each Education class taken up to TEP entry
11. Formal interview with the Director of Field and Clinical Placements/Certification Officer
12. Approval to enter the Teacher Education Program by the Teacher Education Committee
13. Candidates will receive a letter whether his or his application for admission to a specific educator preparation program has been accepted.

Candidates should apply only if they have met the requirements listed above.

Any application that does not meet all necessary requirements will not be accepted.

Teacher Candidates whose application is denied are responsible for reapplying the following eligible semester.

Teacher Candidates who cannot be admitted to the Teacher Education Program due to a low GPA are encouraged to take or retake courses in the general studies in order to increase their GPA.

Internship Program Admission, Gateway 3

The Internship is the culminating experience for a candidate in the Teacher Education Program. The Internship is a full semester placement in a P-12 school classroom of the University’s choice. On the job placements for undergraduate students is not permitted.

Because the Internship is such a time-consuming experience, teacher candidates are not allowed to enroll in other classes, be employed, or engage in significant social club or extracurricular activities during the Internship experience unless specifically approved by the Teacher Education Committee. Directions for obtaining the application forms for admission into the Internship Program can be secured from the College of Education Office. All applicants will be required to complete various deadlines throughout the rest of the semester of application culminating in a formal interview with the faculty. All The Internship is the culminating experience for a Teacher Candidate in the Teacher Education Program. The Internship is a full semester placement in a P12 school classroom setting that includes twenty days of full-time teaching responsibility.

Application for admission into the Internship should be made the first of February or the first of September for the semester in which a Teacher Candidate will complete all coursework.

The following criteria must be demonstrated before the conclusion of the semester of application to Internship:

1. Submission of the Internship Application
2. Unconditional admission to the Teacher Education Program at least two semesters prior to application for the Internship
3. A minimum earned GPA of 2.75 in the following areas:
   1. Overall
   2. Teaching Field
   3. Professional Studies
4. Official passing test score results from the appropriate state department-approved Praxis exam, the NASDTEC Ethics Assessment, Foundations of Reading, and the KPEERI assessments must be on file with the College of Education. Completion of the edTPA is mandatory during internship.
5. Successful completion of entire degree plan
6. PE majors must have completed the post- Lifetime Fitness Assessment
7. Satisfactory disposition ratings on approved field experiences in a variety of settings totaling a required minimum hours
8. Active membership in SAEA (or other education liability insurance)
9. Satisfactory ratings on disposition forms from professor for each Education class taken up to Internship entry
10. Formal interview with the Director of Field and Clinical Placements/Certification Officer
11. Approval to enter the Internship gateway by the Teacher Education Committee

Any application that does not meet all necessary application requirements will not be accepted. Teacher Candidates whose application is denied are responsible for reapplying the following eligible semester.

Graduation Requirements, Gateway 4

To receive the Baccalaureate Degree in Education, Candidates must meet the following requirements:

1. Candidacy and admission into the Teacher Education Program (a minimum of two semesters prior to the Internship)
2. Completion of all courses and requirements listed on the appropriate degree plan (including an appropriate and successful Internship)
3. Completion of a minimum total hours of clinical experiences
4. Completion of ALSDE Teacher Certification requirements, including assessment requirements of the Alabama Educator Certification Assessment Program (AECAP), completion of edTPA, and appropriate paperwork (including fingerprinting and background check release forms)
5. Completion of all institutional requirements for graduation, i.e. filing of appropriate forms with the Registrar’s Office, exit interview with the Financial Aid Office, and clearance with the Business Office
6. Completion of an exit interview with the College of Education

Completion and final approval of internship portfolio which will contain evidence of competencies and completion of the above requirements. All course artifacts should be found in the Teacher Candidate’s completed portfolio.

Certification

Upon program completion and successful ratings during the Internship, the candidate will file for certification in the State of Alabama. For candidates seeking certification in two or more distinct teaching fields, an additional internship(s) will be required (such as physical education AND biology). Successful completion of an approved Teacher Education Program and satisfactory scores on the ALSDE Educator Testing requirement and the Praxis II exams qualify a candidate for a Class B Certificate. Application for Class B Certification should be secured from the College of Education during the Internship. The completed application, official transcripts, a money order from the candidate in the amount of $38, and verification of successful completion of an approved Teacher Education Program are submitted by the College of Education to the ALSDE when all requirements have been satisfied.

Retention in the Teacher Education Program

In addition to the University’s policies regarding suspension and expulsion, as outlined in Faulkner University’s Student Handbook, the College of Education, as executed by the Teacher Education Committee, reserves the right to dismiss any candidate from the Teacher Education Program based upon disciplinary violations taken before the University’s Disciplinary Review Board resulting in University disciplinary action.

An admitted candidate who does not continue to meet program requirements will be placed on probation as determined by the Teacher Education Committee.

To remain in the Teacher Education Program, a candidate must continuously meet the following requirements:

1. Maintain a minimum of 2.75 grade point average overall, in professional studies, and in the teaching field
2. Demonstrate professional dispositions during all coursework and clinical experiences
3. Submit all coursework demonstrating successful completion of ACTS and SPA standard mastery
4. Completion of all program gateways according to the mandated timeframes

*Any grade below a “C” in Professional Studies courses will not be used to meet certification requirements. ALSDE policies and university policies must be followed in calculation of GPA and awarding of credit for courses taken and courses repeated. ALSDE policies will supersede university policies.

If placed on probation, the Teacher Education Committee will construct a corrective action plan, which may include a candidate’s removal from the Teacher Education Program.

Implementation and completion of a corrective action plan for remediation will determine a candidate’s continued status within the Teacher Education Program.

Testing Requirements

Praxis II Content Knowledge Test

Faulkner University requires candidates to achieve the minimum passing score on the Praxis II examination in their content field prior to being admitted to the Internship Program. The Praxis II is a precondition for teacher certification in the State of Alabama. To register for the Praxis II, go to www.ets.org/praxis or call (609) 771-7395. Candidates must be prepared to pay the prescribed fee when registering for the test. Scores must be reported electronically to Faulkner University (Code 1068) and the ALSDE (Code 7020). Contact the College of Education for the test code and current passing rate for the exam required for the candidate’s teaching field.

In addition to the Praxis II Content Knowledge Tests, Elementary Education majors must also achieve the minimum passing score on the Foundations of Reading test.

edTPA

The edTPA is a performance assessment required by the Alabama State Department of Education for initial certification. It is designed to measure candidate’s pedagogical ability. Candidates in the College of Education are required to take the edTPA as part of ED 4250 Seminar in Education. A passing score is required for graduation.

Field and Clinical Experiences

Field and clinical experiences are an important and integral part of the Teacher Education Program.

Field and clinical experience hours are to be completed in prescribed education courses, as well as the Internship. Candidates will complete field and clinical experience hours in diverse settings and across all levels for which they will be certified. Before admission into the Teacher Education Program, each candidate must complete a minimum of 30 field experience hours, and prior to admission to the Internship, the candidate must complete all course embedded field experiences. The experiences will provide opportunities for candidates to develop the skills essential for classroom teachers. Field experiences during courses will include instruction, tutoring, or conducting workshops for P-12 pupils. All field experiences are designed to be community based, service oriented, and to promote skills development of Teacher Education candidates. The College of Education requires candidates to experience a wide variety of field and clinical experiences which include students with exceptionalities and students from diverse ethnic, racial, gender, and socioeconomic groups.

Removal from Field and Clinical Experiences

Removal of a student or teacher candidate from a P-12 school by the administration of that school or by Faulkner University College of Education faculty will result in immediate suspension from field or clinical (internship) experiences. The Teacher Education Committee will meet to decide on a corrective action plan, which may include a candidate’s removal from the Teacher Education Program. Implementation and completion of a corrective action plan will determine further opportunities to complete field and/or clinical experiences.

Interns removed from internship are not guaranteed a placement the following semester.

Transfer Students

The College of Education welcomes transfer students from other regionally accredited institutions and will accept transfer as detailed by the various STARS agreements. No more than three courses from the Professional Studies and Teaching Field area may be transferred from another university and accepted toward an Education degree. All professional education and teaching field courses are subject to approval before they are accepted as transfers toward a degree. Students are responsible for obtaining syllabi and submitting them to the College of Education office for each course taken at another university they wish to be considered for transfer.

NOTE: Any courses requiring a Key Assessment must be taken at Faulkner University.

In addition, transferred courses and/or credits used to meet approved program requirements in professional studies, instructional support, or other approved program requirements (courses other than general studies and Arts and Sciences type courses used to meet academic major requirements) must have been completed at a regionally accredited institution that prepares teachers on the same degree level of certification.

*These courses are aligned with preparation for the edTPA. This requirement is pending Teacher Education Committee approval.

Great Books Honors College Students

Students enrolled in the Great Books Honors program may fulfill their Great Books Honors requirements by completing the Great Books I-V course series, selecting any two upper level courses within their major area with agreement from select professor(s) and the honors program, and completing an honors thesis related to their major. The series is normally completed in order, but may be adjusted as needed in consultation with the Great Books Director. Please consult the Great Books section of the catalog for complete details.