Education
Faculty: Associate Professor Adams (coordinator), and Assistant Professor Lanser.
Educator Preparation Tracks and Programs
Cottey College has three programs for students interested in pursuing careers in education. The certification track allows students to pursue Missouri certification upon program completion. Students must meet all criteria for Missouri licensure to be awarded an initial teacher certification. This initial certification is NOT applicable to other states. Students who wish to teach in another state must meet that state’s requirements for licensure, which may mean additional coursework and/or assessment. The non-certification track allows students to receive a degree in education studies for positions that do not require teaching certification or for students who may wish to pursue alternate routes toward teacher certification after graduation. The education minor is for students who think they may want to teach in the future but are committed to a different academic program. The minor may reduce the number of required hours for certification if the student decides to pursue an alternate route to certification.
All programs are aligned with current requirements for educator preparation accreditation by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Students living in a state other than Missouri, as designated by their location (see location policy), must sign an attestation form indicating their awareness that The Relational Teacher educator preparation program at Cottey College meets educator preparation requirements for initial teaching licensure in Missouri only. It is the student’s responsibility to seek out a particular state’s licensure board or agency/entity to determine eligibility for licensure in that state, if they choose to seek licensure in another state.
Certification | Non-certification | Education Minor |
|---|---|---|
Elementary (grades 1-6) Cottey College’s Elementary Education major is focused on contributing highly effective teachers in education for grades 1-6. | Education Studies – elementary or secondary The Education Studies track is intended for students who do not meet state criteria for certification or for students whose career goals do not require teaching certification. Education Studies Track students are not required to meet the Education Program admission requirements. | The education minor provides students who have an interest in teaching but are pursuing another baccalaureate degree to get hired by a school district on a provisional teaching certificate or a temporary authorization certificate. With this minor, students will meet the coursework required for middle school 5-9, secondary 9-12, and K-12 subject areas licensure requirements, reducing the amount of time they are provisionally employed. |
Secondary (grades 9-12) Cottey College’s Secondary Education major is focused on contributing highly effective teachers in the sciences and other fields for grades 9-12. Teachers completing an education degree at Cottey are equipped to adapt to the educational needs of the next generation of students. Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education |
Degrees and Certificates
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Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies, Elementary -
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education -
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education -
Bachelor of Science in Education Studies, Secondary -
Certifications: BA/BS in Secondary Education - English -
Certifications: BA/BS in Secondary Education - Social Science -
Certifications: BA/BS in Secondary Education - Speech/Theatre -
Certifications: BA in Elementary Education -
Certifications: BS in Secondary Education - Biology -
Certifications: BS in Secondary Education - Business Education -
Certifications: BS in Secondary Education - Chemistry -
Certifications: BS in Secondary Education - Mathematics -
Education Minor
Courses
EDU 100: Introduction to the Relational Teacher
Credits 1This course provides students interested in pursuing an education degree with an opportunity to learn about the philosophical framework of The Relational Teacher program. Students learn about program requirements. By the end of the course, students will have started their professional education portfolio.
EDU 210: Foundations of Education
Credits 3This course is a survey of the philosophical, historical, sociological, and legal foundations of education in the United States. Students will examine the roles and responsibilities of teachers and the legal/ethical aspects of teaching. Strategies for consulting and collaborating with parents, other teachers, administration, and community partners will be examined. Cultural diversity, multicultural education, and differentiated instruction will be included. Students will cpmplete the Missouri Educator Profile (MEP). This is a prerequisite for all Education courses.
EDU 240: Elementary Science Content
Credits 3Upon course completion, students will demonstrate mastery of science competencies as required by DESE using similar content assessments that students will encounter when taking the elementary science certification assessment. Students engage in inquiry driven lessons providing them with necessary hands-on experiences to effectively model & teach science in elementary classrooms.
EDU 250: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I
Credits 3This course focuses on multiple teaching modalities for problem solving skills using the real number system and algebra. Teacher candidates will deepen their content knowledge by developing
inquiry based teaching strategies in the area of mathematics.
EDU 251: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II
Credits 3This course provides an introduction to teaching the basic concepts of probability (including counting techniques), statistics, and geometry. The basic geometry concepts to be covered include the fundamentals of planar and 3-dimensional geometry; congruence and similarity, proofs of congruent or similar triangles; concepts of measure; and motion geometry and tessellations.
EDU 260: Writing & Grammar in Elementary Classrooms
Credits 4This course provides techniques for assessing and improving the writing skills of elementary students. Students will further develop units of study and create writing mini-lessons, select mentor texts for grade level-appropriate writing, and learn to conduct individual writing conferences.
EDU 290: Field Experience I
Credits 1This course provides observation experiences in the school setting. Students will be required to document 30 hours.
EDU 310: Educational Psychology
Credits 3This course investigates psychological concepts, theory, models, and methods of research in development and education. Students explore current topics and application of learning theories to contemporary educational issues. The unique needs of English Language Learners and the acquisition of a second language will be examined.
EDU 315: Assessment in Education
Credits 3This course provides students experience in creating fair and effective assessments. Students will learn about measurement, item analysis, interpretation, and steps of developing appropriate classroom tests and assessments; performance assessments; standardized testing; biases in educational assessment; and self-assessment.
EDU 318: Language Acquisition and Development of Young Children
Credits 3This course focuses on the normal sequence of language development and the teaching of literacy in the elementary context. Strategies for teaching word recognition, vocabulary, decoding, comprehension, and critical thinking within a class of linguistically and culturally diverse students will be explored. This course will address how elementary teachers can identify typical and atypical language acquisition, indications for referral, and education techniques for working with English Language Learners and students with disabilities.
EDU 320: The Exceptional Learner
Credits 3This course is an introduction to human exceptionality and the field of special education. The student will develop an understanding of the unique characteristics, strengths, and challenges of exceptional learners along with the competencies to effectively teach exceptional learners.
EDU 325: Literacy in the Content Areas
Credits 3This course provides students with techniques for assessing and improving literacy skills in their content area. This includes reading to learn and writing to learn as part of literacy skills. Students will learn to apply reading and writing concepts, theories, and techniques to content area material by developing lesson plans and materials. Cultural diversity, multicultural education, and differentiated instruction will be included. Special consideration will be given to developing literacy skills of English Language Learners will be included.
EDU 326: Literacy in Elementary Schools
Credits 3This course provides techniques for assessing and improving student literacy skills that are grade level appropriate and content specific. Students apply literacy theories and techniques by developing lesson plans. Emphasis on cultural diversity, and differentiated instruction with special consideration to developing literacy skills of English Language Learners will be included.
EDU 370: Teaching in Secondary Schools
Credits 3This course examines the techniques for effective teaching at the secondary level. This includes designing engaging and rigorous lessons to meet the needs of diverse learners. Bloom’s Taxonomy will be examined in relation to learning objectives and assessments in lesson planning. Students will design units of instruction that include critical thinking and problem solving activities, as well as strategies for teaching English Language Learners. Cultural diversity, multicultural education, and differentiated instruction will be included. Strategies for consulting and collaborating with parents, other teachers, administration, and community partners will be examined. Educational technology will be reviewed/introduced.
EDU 372: Teaching in Elementary Schools
Credits 3This course will allow students to examine the specific techniques and procedures for effective teaching at the elementary level. Students will examine what is required to design authentic, engaging, and rigorous lessons that meet the needs of all learners. Candidates will engage in long range planning activities.
EDU 380: Elementary Math Methods
Credits 3This course emphasizes appropriate content specific instructional strategies and activities that incorporate the use of manipulatives to teach mathematics to elementary students. Candidates create and teach several math lessons throughout the course. The course introduces candidates to trauma informed teaching practices and the role of research in elementary math education.
EDU 381: Elementary Science Methods
Credits 3strategies and activities that incorporate the use of hands-on activities to teach science in the elementary school context. Candidates create and teach science lessons in the following areas: physics, chemistry, earth science, environmental science, and life science.
EDU 382: Secondary Methods of Teaching English
Credits 3This course examines a variety of methods of teaching English in high schools, including inquiry, cooperative learning, differentiation, and interdisciplinary, etc. as well as specific strategies unique to English instruction. Students will also develop a Unit Plan of instruction.
EDU 383: Secondary Methods of Teachng Business Education
Credits 3This course examines a variety of methods of teaching business education in high schools, including inquiry, cooperative learning, differentiation, and interdisciplinary, etc. as well as specific strategies unique to business education instruction. Students will also develop a Unit Plan of instruction.
EDU 384: Secondary Methods of Teaching Science
Credits 3This course examines a variety of methods of teaching science in secondary schools, including inquiry, cooperative learning, differentiation, and interdisciplinary, etc. as well as specific strategies unique to science instruction. Students will also develop a Unit Plan of instruction.
EDU 385: Secondary Methods of Teachng Social Science
Credits 3This course examines a variety of methods of teaching social science in secondary schools, including inquiry, cooperative learning, differentiation, and interdisciplinary, etc. as well as specific strategies unique to social science instruction. Students will also develop a Unit Plan of instruction.
EDU 386: Secondary Methods of Teaching Speech & Theatre
Credits 3This course examines a variety of methods of teaching speech & theatre in hich school, including inquiry, cooperative learning, differentiation, and interdisciplinary, etc. as well as specific strategies unique to speech & theatre instruction. Students will also develop a Unit Plan of instruction.
EDU 387: Integrated Methods I: Literacy and Social Studies
Credits 3This course emphasizes social studies content, and the development of integrated lessons appropriate for the elementary context. Candidates create and teach lessons in the elementary setting that incorporate appropriate literacy strategies associated with the learning of social studies content including the history of Missouri.
EDU 388: Integrated Methods II: Literacy, Movements and the Arts
Credits 3This course emphasizes the integration of movement, visual arts, and music into elementary lessons. Candidates utilize research and experiences from other education courses to create and teach several integrated lessons in the elementary setting. Candidates utilize video to reflect and adapt on the effectiveness of the lesson based on feedback.
EDU 389: Secondary Methods for Teaching Mathematics
Credits 3This course examines a variety of methods of teaching mathematics in secondary schools, including inquiry, cooperative learning, differentiation, and interdisciplinary, etc. as well as specific strategies unique to mathematics instruction. Students will also develop a Unit Plan for instruction.
EDU 390: Field Experience II
Credits 1This course provides involvement in a secondary classroom. Students will observe and participate in a veriety of activities to become familiar with the total school experience. The student will be required to document 45 hours of observation and activity.
EDU 400: Missouri Content Assessment Preparation
Credits 1This course provides students an opportunity to prepare for required content assessments necessary for certification. Students work with the instructor weekly to devise and revise plans for performance improvement using pre and post assessment data to make decisions.
EDU 415: Classroom Management
Credits 3This course examines differentiated instruction and the role of the teacher in creating a classroom environment conducive to effective learning. Behavioral management techniques in classroom management will be included. The role of instructional technology (interactive whiteboard, clickers, podcasting, flipped classrooms, etc. will be reviewed/introduced. Legal and ethical issues of technology in the classroom will be examined.
EDU 425: Literacy Intervention
Credits 3This course presents strategies to increase the reading ability of adolescent students. The focus is helping students gain more from their reading tasks, improve their motivation for and engagement in the learning process as well as assist struggling readers who may need intervention on an individual basis. Special consideration will be given to developing literacy skills of English Language Learners.
EDU 485: Research Foundations in Education
Credits 3Prerequisite: Fourth-year student Research Foundations in Education is designed to provide students with research fundamentals and opportunities to engage in academic research. By the end of the course, students present a formal research proposal, including IRB approval, for their capstone project, which will be completed the following semester.
EDU 490: Student Teaching
Credits 12This culminating clinical experience involves observation and supervised teaching in a secondary school classroom. Students should have completed all courses required for the program prior to this course. Additional information on the student teaching application process and requirements can be found on the website. (Senior standing; Fee $100, non-refundable).
EDU 495: Education Rsrch Capstone
Credits 3Education Research is the capstone course for students majoring in Education Studies. Students carry out their research proposal and prepare their research paper for publication. Students are expected to present their research on Assessment Day.