Professor Rasberry, Dean of the School of Education
Associate Professor Stokes, Undergraduate Department Chair
Associate Professor Quinn
Associate Professor McCardle
Associate Professor Noblitt, Director of Graduate Teacher Education
Professor Wasson
The school of education seeks to produce not only well-trained, state-certified teachers but also concerned, compassionate individuals who value each human life and who are dedicated to helping each student fulfill his or her God-given potential. The department’s goal of teachers becoming “servant leaders” is supported by its program that emphasizes academic excellence, professional knowledge, character development, and leadership opportunities.
Students planning to teach in either the elementary or secondary school must not only meet requirements for graduation from Belhaven College but also must complete courses specified for teacher licensure. All course requirements are subject to change reflecting requirements from the Mississippi Department of Education. Prospective elementary teachers should major in elementary education; prospective secondary teachers should major in the subject area in which they plan to teach and minor in education.
Licenses that entitle the holder to teach in the elementary and secondary schools in Mississippi are issued by the Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Educator Licensure, Jackson, Mississippi. Applications for licensure may be secured from the dean of education. Students who plan to teach in states other than Mississippi are responsible for securing all requirements and forms.
Admission to Belhaven College Does Not Automatically Admit One to Teacher Education.
Admission to Teacher Education:
The student must have successfully completed 44 hours have an overall GPA of 2.5, and meet the required score on the PRAXIS, ACT or SAT (or the current state-required test). Basic professional courses may be taken prior to being admitted to teacher education. No courses listed under the specialized area may be taken until a student has been admitted to teacher education. Students should obtain a passing score on the state-required test, Principles of Learning and Teaching, prior to enrolling in student teaching. Students should complete requirements in the subject area assessment test prior to graduation.
PACE Program Belhaven College School of Education has designed a program for teacher assistants-paraprofessionals- who desire to complete a degree in elementary education. This program is available to those persons who are teacher assistants and who have met all requirements for admission to the Belhaven Teacher Education program. Individuals complete the approved K-6 program described for all traditional students though sequential coursework and field experiences.
Additional Degree Requirements - Transfer Credits:
Students transferring to Belhaven are required to take at least nine hours in education at Belhaven, excluding student teaching. Students are required to take Methods in Teaching at Belhaven. All students must have at least a C average in all professional and specialty area courses.
Candidates for a major in elementary education must complete the courses listed in sections 1-4 below:
| 1. Teacher Education Core | Hours | ||
| English | 12 hours | ||
| Composition | 6 hours | ||
| Literature | 6 hours | ||
| Speech 102 | 3 hours | ||
| Science/Mathematics | 16 hours | ||
| Biological Science | 4 hours | ||
| Physical Science | 3 hours | ||
| Mathematics | 9 hours | ||
| Social Studies | 12 hours | ||
| History | 9 hours | ||
| Culture | 3 hours | ||
| Fine Arts | 3 to 5 hours | ||
| Psychology 342 | 3 hours | ||
| Bible | 8 hours | ||
| Worldview Curriculum 401 | 3 hours | ||
| Total | 60 to 62 hours | ||
2. Areas of Concentration: A student must select two areas of content study with a minimum of 18 hours in each area. Core courses may be counted toward areas of:
3. Basic Professional Education Hours
| EDU 200-201 | 4 hours |
| EDU 221 | 3 hours |
| EDU 301 | 3 hours |
| EDU 331 | 3 hours |
| EDU 333 | 3 hours |
| EDU 335 | 3 hours |
| HPE 341 | 3 hours |
Total |
22 hours |
4. Specialized Education Hours
| REA 311 | 3 hours |
| REA 312 | 3 hours |
| REA 323 | 3 hours |
| REA 324 | 3 hours |
| REA 326 | 3 hours |
| EDU 303 | 3 hours |
| EDU 304 | 3 hours |
| EDU 307 | 3 hours |
| EDU 308 | 3 hours |
| EDU 332 | 3 hours |
| EDU 395 | 2 hours |
| EDU 400, 401, 402 | 6 hours |
| EDU 406 | 3 hours |
Total |
41 hours |
Major Total |
123 to 125 hours plus electives |
Middle School Endorsement – Grades 6-8: In order to teach in middle school, a student must complete a minimum of 21 hours in each area of endorsement sought, or pass the Praxis test for that area. The prefix must be in that area of endorsement.
To be certified to teach on the secondary level, a student must complete the courses in sections 1, 2, and 3 and meet the requirements in at least one subject area as outlined in section 4 below:
| 1. Teacher Education Core | Hours | ||
| English | 12 hours | ||
| Composition | 6 hours | ||
| Literature | 6 hours | ||
| Speech 102 | 3 hours | ||
| Foreign Language | 6 hours | ||
| Science/Mathematics | 10 hours | ||
| Biological Science | 4 hours | ||
| Physical Science | 3 hours | ||
| Mathematics 101 | 3 hours | ||
| History | 9 hours | ||
| Fine Arts | 3 hours | ||
| Psychology 342 | 3 hours | ||
| Bible | 8 hours | ||
| Worldview Curriculum 401 | 3 hours | ||
| Total | 57 hours | ||
2. Basic Professional Education Hours
| EDU 200-201 | 4 hours |
| EDU 301 | 3 hours |
| EDU 331 | 3 hours |
| EDU 333 | 3 hours |
| PSY 240 | 3 hours |
Total |
16 hours |
3. Specialized Professional Education Hours
| REA 325 | 3 hours |
| EDU 351 | 3 hours |
| EDU 395 | 2 hours |
| EDU 403-404-405 | 6 hours |
| EDU 406 | 3 hours |
Total |
17 hours |
4. Subject Matter Specialization
Completion of English major.
Mathematics
Completion of a mathematics major.
Music
Students wishing to teach must meet the state of Mississippi licensure requirements in music in addition to the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree in music at Belhaven College.
| Endorsement Areas | Hours |
| Vocal (Public School Music) | |
| Voice | 15 hours |
| MUS 358 Vocal Pedagogy | 3 hours |
| MUS 355 Music for Children | 3 hours |
| MUS 365-366 Advanced Conducting Lab I-II | 1+1 hours |
Note: Language recommended: French or Spanish
Instrumental (Public School Music)
| Instrumental/Piano/Organ | 15 hours |
| Additional instrumental areas (each family) | 2 hours |
| MUS 365-366 Advanced Conducting Lab I-II | 1+1 hours |
| MUS 426 Orchestration | 2 hours |
| MUS 173-174; 180-181 Instrumental ensembles | 6 hours |
| Note: Language recommended: Spanish | |
Social Studies
Completion of a history major, to include the following: HIS 315; ECO (3); GEO (3); and SOC (3).
Endorsements:
Special Education Endorsement (Elementary only)
12 hours to include PSY 342, EEX 344, 346, 348. (Area of concentration +6 hrs-EEX 349 and REA 326).
The school of education offers opportunities for students to enroll in honors courses from its department. The following are general education, elective, and major courses that may be taken as honors courses: EDU 221, 301, 304, 307, and 308, and REA 311 and 312. For students majoring in education, one must pass a minimum of nine hours of honors courses within the discipline and a minimum of nine hours from the honors courses of other departments. Each course must be passed with a B or better. No more than 18 hours are required for the honors degree. For other honors program policies, see “Honors Program” under the “Administration of the Curriculum” section of the catalogue.
| 200 | Introduction to Education (3). A study of the historical, philosophical, and legal foundations for education, the role of the profession of teaching and of schools in a changing society. |
| 201 | Pre-Teaching Field Experience (1). Coreq.: EDU 200. Field experience in accredited schools provides students with observation of classroom settings representing a variety of organization, method, grade, and subject areas. |
| 221 | Child Development (3). A study of the growth and development of the individual from conception through early adolescence, with emphasis on physical, perceptual, motor, cognitive, language, personality, and social development. Includes the use of the major concepts, principles, theories, and research related to the development of children and young adolescents in order to construct learning experiences to support the individual’s development. |
| 301 | Educational Psychology (3). A study of the teaching-learning process: the student behavior, research data, theory, and illustrations all concerned with actual classroom application of psychological principles. |
| 303 | The Language Arts and Skills (3). Prereq: Admission to education . Emphasis on traditional grammar, speech, listening, written communications, creative and utilitarian writing, and on whole language integration with content areas. |
| 304 | Social Sciences for Children (3). Prereq: Admission to education. A survey of the social sciences taught in K-8, with special attention given to geography, history, and civics. |
| 307 | Science for Children (3). Prereq: Admission to education. The subject matter, materials, and methods of teaching science, health, and physical education in the elementary school. |
| 308 | Mathematics for Children (3). Prereq: Admission to education. An introduction to the subject matter, materials, and methods of teaching modern mathematics in the elementary school. |
| 320 | Principles of Early Childhood (3). An overview of fundamental educational principles related to early childhood issues. Designed to emphasize the history, theory, trends, principles, and curriculum pertinent to the young child. Offered on demand. |
| 322 | Seminar in Early Childhood (3). Prereq: EDU 320. This course is designed to assist the preschool teacher and directors in the organization and administration of facilities, personnel, developmental materials and equipment, and curriculum concerns relevant to a preschool program. Offered on demand. |
| 331 | Measurement and Evaluation (3). Evaluation practices in schools, in preparation and use of tests and an introduction to statistical procedures. |
| 332 | Methods in Elementary Education (3). Prereq: Senior status; admission to education, semester prior to student teaching. A study of methods, techniques and procedures used in elementary and middle schools, with special emphasis on curriculum development and the Student Teacher Assessment Instrument. |
| 333 | Computers in Education (3). An introduction to computing designed specifically to explore pedagogical issues for effective use of computers in the elementary curriculum. Students develop computer literacy through a survey of basic computer hardware and software concepts and terminology. (Non-credit for computer majors) |
| 335 | Creative Arts in the Elementary School (3). This course will provide elementary education majors the necessary skills to successfully integrate the arts (music, art, movement, and drama) into all aspects of instruction. Emphasis will also be placed on the importance of the arts across the curriculum as a means for communication, inquiry, and insight among elementary students. Performing arts majors may also take the course. |
| 351 | Methods in Secondary School Teaching (3). Prereq: Senior status; admission to education. A study of methods, techniques, and procedures and a survey of material for teaching secondary school subjects, emphasis on curriculum development and the Student Teacher Assessment Instrument. The course is conducted jointly by the school of education and the individuals from the area in which students are majoring. |
| 390 | Special Topics in Education (1-3). Prereq: Admission to education. Varied topics; may be repeated for credit. |
| 395 | Internship (2). Prereq: Junior status; admission to education; coreq.: EDU 332/351. Supervised internship providing field-based experience in a major area of study. |
| 396 | Practicum in Preschool (3). Prereq: EDU 322. This course is designed to provide a clinical experience for students to work with professionals in designing and implementing state standards of childcare. Emphasis will also be given to securing grants and working with parents. Offered on demand. |
| 401-402-403 | Directed Observation and Teaching in the Elementary School (6). Prereq: REA 323, 324, EDU 308, 332, 395; Senior status; admission to education. Teaching and observation throughout a semester in an accredited elementary or middle school, supported by seminars and conferences between students and the college supervisor. Directed Observation and Teaching in the Secondary School (6). Prereq: Senior status and EDU 351, EDU 395; admission to education. Teaching and observation throughout a semester in an accredited secondary school, supported by seminars and conferences between students and the college supervisor. |
| 406 | Classroom Management (3). Coreq.: Enrollment in EDU 400-402 or 403-405. Emphasis on the development of strategies for establishing effective classroom organization and for managing and monitoring student behavior. |
| 490-495 | Special Topics (3). Designed for non-degree seeking students. Enrollment by consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit. |
| READING | |
| 099 | Reading Excellence (3). Institutional credit only. Three lecture hours per week. Designed to prepare a student to comprehend college-level reading materials; does not count toward a degree. Emphasis is on comprehension and vocabulary improvement skills as well as affective and critical reading skills. Required for those students whose ACT reading scores are 20 or below (SAT verbal scores are 420 or below). Course must be passed or must be repeated in the spring or fall semester immediately following first attempt. Upon completion of REA 099, student must take REA 102. |
| 101 | Tutorial Reading Internship (1-3). This course provides basic instruction in reading strategies and tutorial procedures. Includes a directed tutorial internship. |
| 102 | College Reading and Study Skills (3). Three lecture hours per week. Designed to help students increase individual study skills required for independent reading and college-level study and research. Emphasis is on both the development of individual reading skills and successful comprehension and analysis of reading material across various disciplines of study. Required of those students whose ACT reading scores are 20 or below (SAT verbal scores are 420 or below) and for transfer students with a transfer GPA of C- or below for all class work. This course does count toward the 124 hours required for graduation. |
| 311 | Literature Based Reading Skills (3). Prereq: Admission to education. The introduction of children’s books through the study of the history of children's literature with special emphasis on reading the classics, nursery rhymes, fables, fairy tales, and poetry. |
| 312 | Critical Reading Skills in Literature (3). Prereq: Admission to education. The development of critical reading through the study of modern literature for children and adolescents with special attention to controversial books, multi-cultural themes, and critiques of materials. |
| 323 | Early Literacy I (3). Prereq: Admission to education. Concepts, materials and teaching strategies for oral language development and systematic early reading and writing instruction, specific to concepts about print, phonemic awareness, and phonics. |
| 324 | Early Literacy II (3). Prereq: REA 323; admission to education. Concepts materials and teaching strategies for oral language development and early systematic reading and writing instruction specific to vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. |
| 325 | Content Reading Skills (3). Prereq: Admission to education. A study of reading skills necessary for secondary students to read and comprehend subject matter. |
| 326 | Diagnostic Reading Skills (3). Prereq: REA 323, 324; admission to education. A study of reading problems, assessment procedures, and individualized instructional programs for problem readers. Includes case study and internship in schools. |
| Education of the Exceptional Child (EEX) (Mildly/Moderately Disabled) Professor Rasberry, Dean of the School of Education |
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| 330 | American Sign Language (3). This course is an introduction to American Sign Language. The student will develop a high degree of familiarity with and a respect for the usage of the basic principles of ASL through nonverbal communication techniques, eye training, and finger spelling. Students will be introduced to the basic patterns of American Sign Language. |
| 344 | Nature and Needs of the Mildly/Moderately Handicapped Child (3). Emphasis is placed on the social, emotional, physical, and learning characteristics of the mildly/moderately handicapped child. Theories, curriculum, and current issues presented. |
| 346 | Instructional Methods and Materials for the Exceptional Child (3). Emphasis on curriculum, instructional procedures, and components of the individualized educational plan. |
| 348 | Organization of Special Education (3). Includes referral to placement process, assessment procedures, federal, state, and local laws, financial bases, community resources, use of records, and record keeping. |
| 349 | Practicum in Special Education (3). Prereq: PSY 342 and EEX 344. Open to elementary education majors only. The student will complete clinical experience in an approved special education classroom. |
Endorsement: Mildly/Moderately Disabled Education
12 hours to include PSY 342, EEX 344, 346, 348. (Area of concentration +6hrs-EEX 349 and REA 326).
