Welcome!

The Division of Education is dedicated to producing the highest quality professional educators. Currently, the Division offers a Bachelor of Science degree program in early childhood education, middle grades education, secondary grades education, and a post-baccalaureate certification program in middle and secondary grades. Post-baccalaureate courses are offered leading to middle grades or secondary grades education certification. A Bachelor of Education is offered to students who desire a degree in education without being certified.

The Education Division's slideshow presentation provides an overview of our delivery model and programs of study. The presentation opens in a separate window and runs continuously until the window is closed.

Our programs have many special attributes:

• Small class size
• Frequent one-on-one interaction between students and faculty
• Experiences in school classroom begin immediately
• All classes are taught by professors and certified classroom teachers
• Students are assigned advisors who follow them throughout the program
• Technology integrated into all classes

For more information, contact Dr. Peggy Perkins or call 800-538-9784 ext. 254.

Delivery Model

The Thomas University Delivery Model is designed to accommodate students in all education majors. Professional preparation begins during the student’s junior year. The student is admitted into the Professional Core I during the first semester of the junior year. Upon completion of the Professional Core I, the student is formally accepted into the education unit. The student then progresses through Professional Core II, Professional Core III, and student teaching.

Conceptual Framework

As members of a global community, students today require flexible attitudes, dispositions, and skills to understand themselves and others. Teachers who are responsible for educating students must themselves be critical thinkers; respect and understand diversity; communicate effectively; possess pedagogical skills, content knowledge, and classroom management skills; demonstrate skills for life-long learning; and demonstrate professionalism and effectively use technology. The teacher education program at Thomas University is designed to provide teacher candidates with the knowledge and skills that will allow them to be life-long learners, get along with others successfully, and contribute positively to our society.

Admission/Retention

Lower Division Core Courses (first two years)

Students who enter Thomas University as freshmen, or as transfer students, without an Associate of Arts degree must complete the Division of Education Lower Division Core Courses and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. No grades lower than a “C” will be applied toward an education degree.

Students who enter Thomas University with an Associate of Arts degree must have a completed AA degree from an accredited institution and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. No grades lower than a “C” will be applied toward an education degree.

The following courses (or their equivalent) should have been taken as part of the Associate of Arts degree:
CSC 120 Computer Applications
EDU 200 Introduction to the Teaching Profession
PSY 125 Lifespan Development
MTH 160 Concepts of Mathematics (ECE)

If these courses were not included as part of the AA degree, they must be taken at Thomas University before graduation. Other core courses may be required by the division.

Admission to the Professional Core I:

1. Completion of first two years (minimum of 60 semester hours) and the above requirements.
2. Documentation of at least 50 hours of work with appropriate aged children.
3. Three recommendations from college instructors or supervisors.

Admission to the Professional Core II (EDU 301):

1. Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the professional Core I.
2. Completion of any Professional Development Plan.
3. Recommendation of the faculty of the Division of Education and cooperating schools.
4. Successful completion of an interview with the Division of Education faculty.
5. Passing score on CWRTE
6. Successful background check

Permission to continue in the Professional Core III:

1. Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the Professional Core.
2. Completion of a Professional Development Plan.
3. Recommendation of the faculty of the Division of Education and cooperating schools.
4. Passing score on GACE-Basic Skills exam.

Permission to student teach:

1. Successful completion of the Professional Core with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
2. Completion of a Professional Development Plan.
3. Recommendation of the faculty of the Division of Education and cooperating schools.
4. Take GACE-Curriculum exam. (A passing score is not required.)

Graduation requirements:

1. Successful completion of student teaching and student teaching seminar requirements.
2. Cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.

Links and Programs of Study

Click on one of the links below to learn more.

• Early Childhood Education
• Middle Grades Education
• Secondary Grades Education
• Division Handbook
• Conceptual Framework in Detail
• Post Baccalaureate Certification in Middle Grades Education
• Post Baccalaureate Certification in Secondary Education

Faculty

Education
Barfield, Jessica. Adjunct Instructor
Callen, Dana. Adjunct Instructor
Everett, Helen. Adjunct Instructor
French, Jeana. Professor. Education Building, ext. 130
Graham, Dale. Adjunct Instructor
Hankley, Jane. Adjunct Instructor
Kanan, Joan. Adjunct Instructor
Penton, April. Instructor. Education Building, ext. 206
Perkins, Peggy. Professor and Division Chair. Education Building, ext. 254
Rinehart, Tom. Adjunct Instructor
Rosenberg, Cathy. Assistant Professor. Education Building, ext. 143
Zito, Jack. Assistant Professor. Modular Office Building, ext. 218