The department of education offers an elementary education major, a
secondary education major and minor, and education courses for endorsements
in academic disciplines. Students successfully completing the professional
preparation program for teacher education
are eligible to apply for teacher licensure. The Teacher Preparation Program
complies with and is accredited by the State of Iowa Department of
Education.
Teacher Preparation Program
The professional preparation program for teaching in private and public
schools begins with the Educational Foundations course. This course includes
10 hours of field experience mandated by the Iowa Department of Education
and serves as the gateway to the education
program. It is a prerequisite for all other education courses. Students who
complete the requirements for this course are eligible to apply for
admission to the education department. The application, available from the
chair of the education department, is to be submitted by
March 15 of the year in which the foundations course is taken.
Acceptance into the Teacher Preparation Program
The formal application for acceptance into the Teacher Preparation Program
is screened by the Teacher Education Committee. The screening criteria
include:
1. a grade of “C” in WRTG 109 or passing the writing competency in
the education department;
2. a cumulative and major grade point average of 2.5;
3. a grade of “C” in accepted speech course or passing the speech
competency in the education department;
4. a letter of nomination from a Briar Cliff University faculty member
outside the education department;
5. successful completion of the pre-professional skills test (PPST)
(reading 173, writing 172, mathematics 172);
6. other appropriate items—e.g., mathematics, speaking, writing,
listening assessments and/or a personal interview;
7. an understanding of and personal characteristics necessary to
teaching; and,
8. Teacher Education Advisory Committee recommendation of acceptance.
When accepted, the student is notified. If a student does not meet the
above criteria, the reasons for non-acceptance will be given to the student.
Once accepted into the Teacher Preparation Program, students are required
to maintain the standards under which they were accepted. Personal qualities
required of a teacher are also required of students in the education
department. These qualities include but are not
limited to: the ability to complete work on time, punctuality and
attendance, the ability to accept guidance in teaching, and the ability to
relate to other people.
To enroll in 300 and 400 level courses in the professional core, students
must be admitted to the Teacher Preparation Program. this includes EDUC01IR
and EDUC02IR 97
Internship (Student Teaching)
Iowa School Law requires each student in the teacher preparation program to
complete a minimum of 12 weeks of internship. The student will make formal
application for internship on or before March 15 of the year preceding the
one in which the internship will be
undertaken. Forms for application and faculty recommendation are available
from the chair of the education department. After the required forms are
submitted to the chair of the education department, an interview with the
chair of the department is scheduled. During the interview, the chair and
the student evaluate the student’s progress in the education program and
readiness for the internship.
The internship is a full-time responsibility. The intern is required to
follow the schedule and activities of the cooperating teacher, including
after-school meetings and activities. This educational experience should be
scheduled during a term in which the student is free of
other college classes, sports, and work.
Licensure
When the internship is completed, the student meets with the chair of the
education department to initiate the process for licensure.
Transfer Students
Transfer students and students who make late decisions are subject to the
same screening procedures and are required to meet the standards as
described above.
Title II Program Information
One hundred forty-nine students were enrolled in teacher preparation programs at Briar Cliff University during the 2003-04 school year. Thirty-three students were in programs of supervised student teaching. There were five supervising faculty for student teaching programs during the 2003-04 school year. Three supervising faculty were appointed full-time faculty in professional education. The student/faculty ratio was 6.6.
Briar Cliff University student teachers averaged 40 hours per week in supervised student teaching. Supervised student teaching was for a total of 12 weeks.
The Teacher Preparation Program at Briar Cliff University is currently accredited by the State of Iowa. The Teacher Preparation Program is not under a designation as “low-performing” by the State.
Teaching in the Catholic School System
Briar Cliff University prepares students for teaching in Catholic schools by
offering courses which provide the students with the background needed for
consideration in the Catholic school system. The four dioceses of Iowa have
agreed to give preferential hiring to
students who have Iowa licensure and have taken the following courses:
One course in each of the areas of scripture, sacraments, and morality, and:
EDUC 300 - Foundations and History of Catholic Schools
EDUC 400 - Ministry of Catholic School Teaching
