IMPORTANT SCHOOL OF EDUCATION LINKS

The School of Education and the Teacher Preparation Program

The preservice teacher who completes the Teacher Preparation Program at Shorter University will be prepared to enter the teaching profession with all the skills, understandings, knowledge, attitudes, and ethical knowledge necessary to be a successful teacher.  Through various program experiences, the student will develop life-long desires to increase competence as an educator. The preservice teacher who completes the program will be ready for more formal study at the graduate level or less formal improvement based upon reflection and self-study.  Along with continuous personal development as a professional, the teacher will also be a leader in the continuous process of making schools better for all children.

Degree Programs offered through the Teacher Preparation Program

Upon the successful completion of the teacher preparation program and the passing of all required certification tests, students will be recommended for certification in Georgia.

Bachelor of Science in Education (Early Childhood Education)

This degree leads to a Pre-kindergarten through Grade Five (P-5) certification and prepares persons to teach in elementary/primary schools. Elementary/primary school teachers are expected to demonstrate proficiency in all disciplines (the English language and communication arts, the humanities, mathematics, the social sciences, the natural sciences, the fine arts, and the health and kinesthetic arts). Field experiences in diverse settings are required. Please note that many of the teacher preparation courses leading to P-5 certification must be taken in residency and are not eligible for transfer credit from other schools.

Bachelor of Science in Education (Middle Grades Education)

This degree leads to a Grades Four through Eight (4-8) certification and prepares persons to teach in middle schools. The middle school teacher must show competence in two of the following discipline areas (the English language arts, mathematics, natural science, and social science) as well as an understanding of the needs and nature of middle school students. Field experiences in diverse settings are required. Please note that many of the teacher preparation courses leading to grade 4-8 certification must be taken in residency and are not eligible for transfer credit from other schools.

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education

This degree provides students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to begin successful careers as secondary mathematics teachers (grades 7-12). Students seeking this degree must demonstrate sound knowledge of mathematics and  understandings of how adolescents learn. In addition to a major in mathematics, students are expected to complete requirements for Georgia teacher certification (grades 7-12). Field experiences in diverse settings are required.

Bachelor of Music Education

This degree provides students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences needed to begin successful careers as public school music teachers in grades Preschool through Twelve (P-12). The degree is designed for students who have demonstrated strong aptitude and motivation for music teaching.

The curriculum includes a strong emphasis on performance (voice or piano), teaching skills, and field experiences within the context of a liberal arts education. Students work with appropriate faculty in the School of Fine & Performing Arts as well as the School of Education. A formal audition is required for admission to the School of Fine & Performing Arts degree programs.

Teacher Preparation Program

The teacher preparation programs at Shorter University are a combination of the requirements for teacher certification in the State of Georgia and the additional requirements for teacher certification by Shorter University. Early Childhood Education, Middle Grades Education, Mathematics Education, and Music Education constitute major sequences for degrees from Shorter University. Persons choosing, however, to certify in a secondary education field (other than mathematics) will take both a major in a field certified by Shorter University and the professional education sequence including observation and student teaching.

Secondary Programs provide students with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to begin a successful career as a secondary teacher (7-12) in one of the following fields: English, General Science, History, and Mathematics. Students seeking certification in one of these programs must demonstrate a sound knowledge of the discipline and an understanding of how adolescents learn. The curriculum requires a degree with a major in the discipline. Students are expected to complete courses required for recommendation for Georgia teacher certification. Field experiences in diverse settings are required.

The Shorter University Teacher Education Program is accredited by the Professional Standards Commission (PSC) of the State of Georgia to recommend Georgia teacher certification in Early Childhood (P-5), English (7-12), General Science (7-12), History (7-12), Mathematics (7-12), Middle Grades (4-8), or Music (P-12).

Post-Baccalaureate (Certification Only) Programs

These programs provide students who already have a bachelor or higher degree the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to begin a successful career as a teacher in one of the following fields: Early Childhood Education (P-5), English (7-12), General Science (7-12), History (7-12), Mathematics (7-12), Middle Grades Education (4-8), and Music Education (P-12). Students seeking certification in one of these programs must demonstrate a sound knowledge of the discipline and an understanding of learning. The curriculum requires the equivalent of a major in the discipline. Students are expected to complete courses required for recommendation for Georgia teacher certification. Field experiences in diverse settings are required.