Education

The teacher preparation programs at Baldwin Wallace University are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). This accreditation includes both undergraduate and graduate programs leading to initial or advanced teacher licensure or endorsement in the state of Ohio. The accreditation does not include individual education courses that the institution offers to P-12 educators for professional development, re-licensure, or other purposes. The Division of Education is approved for teacher education in the following undergraduate areas: early childhood education (prekindergarten-grade 3), middle childhood education (grades 4-9), mild/moderate educational needs (kindergarten-grade 12), adolescent young adult education (grades 7-12), for teaching regular academic subjects offered in the junior and senior high schools, and multi-age education (prekindergarten-grade 12), for teaching subjects such as foreign language, music, health & physical education, and visual arts.

The Division of Education faculty, along with their Arts and Sciences and Conservatory faculty partners, are committed to the development of a strong performance-based program of teacher education. The teacher education curriculum is arranged conceptually around six teacher/educator attributes: content knowledge, professional knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, diversity, educational technology, and professional dispositions. These six attributes comprise a conceptual framework for guiding the academic experiences of all students. Through a series of professional and self-assessments, teacher education graduates will be able to demonstrate proficiency in each of the six areas.

Teacher Education candidates participate in field experiences, seminars, classes, and assessment and remediation activities. Successful teacher education candidates learn the art of self-reflection and embody the characteristics of all BW students in becoming contributing, compassionate, competent educators.

Field Experiences are developmentally sequenced to allow students the opportunity to explore teaching as a career choice early in their University experience. Initial field experiences include observation, tutoring, and assisting teachers in their classrooms. By their junior year candidates have not only practiced teaching in their BW classes, they have planned, conducted and evaluated their teaching in an actual school classroom. By completing a series of steps to qualify for each transition point in the program, students are allowed opportunities to develop the necessary skills, knowledge, and values to move confidently into their final clinical experience, student teaching.

Dispositions

The faculty in the Division of Education believe that effective teachers possess and develop characteristics, attitudes and behaviors that contribute to their students’ success. These include:

1. Candidates will contribute to a positive climate in both the University classroom and in the P-12 setting.
2. Candidates will demonstrate mastery of written and spoken language for self-expression and in communication with others.
3. Candidates are thoughtful and responsive listeners.
4. Candidates will demonstrate a commitment to reflection, assessment, and learning as ongoing processes.
5. Candidates will demonstrate a willingness to give and receive help.
6. Candidates will demonstrate sensitivity to community and cultural norms of the teacher education program, the University classroom, and clinical/practicum settings.
7. Candidates will show that they value human diversity and show respect for others’ varied talents and perspectives.
8. Candidates will show that they value the development of critical thinking, independent problem solving, and performance capabilities in himself or herself and P-12 students.
9. Candidates will demonstrate a commitment to keeping abreast of new ideas and understandings in the field of education.
10. Candidates will demonstrate a level of responsibility appropriate for a professional.

Students are periodically assessed in class and field work on these dispositions. They are provided feedback to encourage individual growth and development.

Licensure

An initial teacher license, valid for four years, will be issued by the State of Ohio to candidates who earn the baccalaureate degree, including the prescribed program of general and professional education courses, and who successfully complete the State License Examinations. This license is required for entry into the Resident Educator Program and may be used for substitute teaching. Although variations exist according to individual majors, the basic professional education requirements include the following courses and their credit-hour values.

Licensure in Other States

Qualification for a teaching license in Ohio is usually sufficient for an initial license/certificate in other states. A majority of states participate in a reciprocal agreement with the State of Ohio. In addition, accreditation by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education may facilitate the securing of a license/certificate outside of Ohio.

Placement and Job Opportunities

Students are required to submit a completed portfolio by the end of the clinical practice experience. The portfolio contains reference letters, final evaluations and evidence of successful teacher preparation and student teaching and is a valuable tool in the interview process.

Information on teaching opportunities may be obtained in the Office of Career Services, not in the Division of Education. Students should study the Job Bulletins which are issued weekly by the Office of Career Services. Students are asked to note the on-campus interview schedules and other teaching opportunities posted on various bulletin boards on campus.

The Office of Career Services assists students with self-assessment, career information and placement. Students are actively engaged in these areas through individual guidance and group programs. Education majors are encouraged to begin their resumes and required portfolios as freshmen or sophomores and pursue internships working with youth or educational organizations throughout University. Programs such as Survival Skills in Education and Career Roundtable Dinners allow students to network with educators from area schools. Career Services meets with students early and often during their University experience so they may realize their goal of employment upon graduation.

Although Career Services offers valuable assistance to prospective teachers, final job placement resides with the candidate. Both the Division of Education and Career Services are pleased to help; the initiative, however, must come from the candidate.

Field Experience

Many of the professional education courses have planned field experiences. Students are required to spend time in schools in a variety of settings including urban, suburban and rural locations.

In addition to the planned field experiences, candidates are encouraged to secure work experience with youth groups or assist with counseling, playground supervision, club sponsorship, etc. Such activity can provide valuable experience in the preparation of teachers.

Transportation to and from any field-based experience, including clinical practice, is the responsibility of the student. Although the Division of Education will assist with arrangements whenever possible, the student must assume the responsibility both for such transportation and for adequate insurance protection.

Teacher Education Handbook

Each fall the Division of Education prepares and posts to its webpage a handbook entitled “Policies and Procedures for Teacher Education.” All students entering preparation for teaching should obtain this handbook from the Division of Education or from their advisors.

Admission and Continuation in the Teacher Education Program Leading to Licensure

Transition Points
Point One: Admission to Baldwin Wallace University
Criteria:

• The criteria for admission are established by the University officers and published in the current University catalog.

Point Two: Formal admission to the Teacher Education Program (In order to advance to 200 level courses)
Criteria:

• Have overall GPA of 2.6 in all BW course work with a grade of C or better in all EDU courses
• Have completed all prerequisite course work including required field experiences for 200 level courses
• Submit verification of “Good Moral Character” form
• Submit formal application. (Should be completed by each candidate while enrolled in EDU 101  or available in Division office)
• Obtain a “clear” Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCII) report and a “clear” Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) report (valid for one year)
• Obtain a “negative” TB test (valid for one year)

Point Three: Acceptance to Professional Sequence (Methods Courses)
Criteria:

• Earn overall GPA of 2.6 in all BW course work
• Have all prerequisite 200 level course work completed including required field experiences
• Earn a cumulative GPA in EDU courses of 2.8 with a grade of C or better in all EDU courses
• Meet all Teaching Field/Department GPA requirement(s).
• Obtain a “clear” Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCII) report and a “clear” Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) report (valid for one year)
• Obtain a “negative” TB test (valid for one year)

Point Four: Acceptance to Clinical Practice Criteria:

• Completion of all teaching field coursework
• Meet all teaching field and department GPA requirement(s)
• Register for the PRAXIS II (Principles of Learning and Teaching Tests and Subject Assessment/Specialty Area Tests as required by the Ohio Department of Education)
• Earn a cumulative GPA in EDU courses of 2.8 with a grade of C or better in all required method courses
• Earn overall GPA of 2.6 in all BW course work
• Meet all Teaching Field/Department GPA requirement(s)
• Obtain a “clear” Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCII) report and a “clear” Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) report (valid for one year)
• Obtain a “negative” TB test (valid for one year)

Point Five: Candidate’s Application for 4 year Resident Educator License Signed by Division Chair
Criteria:

• Completion of all required course work and, if appropriate, all degree requirements
• Submit passing scores on PRAXIS II (Principles of Learning & Teaching Tests and Subject Assessment/Specialty Area Tests as required by the Ohio Department of Education)
• Satisfactory evaluation of Clinical Practice and the candidate’s Professional Portfolio
• Obtain a “clear” criminal identification and investigation report
• Earn overall GPA of 2.6 in all BW course work
• Cumulative GPA of 2.8 in EDU course work
• Meet Subject/Department area GPA requirement(s)

Point Six: Candidate Earns Professional Educator License Criteria:

• Candidate successfully completes Ohio Resident Educator Program

Appeal Procedure

Any student has the right to request, in writing to the Division of Education Chairperson of the Teacher Education Committee a review of a decision made on the status of his/her candidacy.

Review Procedure

All teacher education candidates who do not qualify at any transition point in the program will be counseled by their academic advisor. The advisor may recommend the following types of remediation: additional course work, repeating a course, or other forms of student support. However, candidates are limited to two (2) cases of academic ineligibility, i.e., grades or grade point averages, during his/her enrollment in the teacher education program. If, after two occurrences, a candidate does not meet academic eligibility criteria for continuation in the program, he/she must consider an alternative to teacher licensure. In cases where continuation is in question, the advisor, current faculty members and the Chair may confer to determine a suggested course of action, including withdrawal from the program.

Transfer Courses Policy and Term Limits for Program Completion

The Division of Education has a six year time limit on Education (EDU) courses that are to be applied toward teacher licensure. This time limit applies to graduate and undergraduate candidates, and to transfer as well as current and returning students. If the EDU course work is required for licensure, it must have been completed within six years of the candidate’s application for a teaching license. Exceptions to this rule may be made on a case by case basis if adequate course materials are available for review.

Code of Professional Behavior

A code of Professional Behavior is outlined for all candidates in the Student Handbook. The Code identifies professional dispositions expected of all pre-service and advanced candidates. Faculty may identify candidates who exhibit behaviors that are inconsistent with the Code and provide a written referral to the Division Chairperson. If a response is warranted, a team of appropriate faculty, field or administrative staff will meet with the candidate to determine an appropriate course of remedial action.

Early Childhood Education License

Course Requirements. Early Childhood Education majors must complete the courses as listed on the current “Model Program.”

The student majoring in early childhood education must meet the University requirements for a baccalaureate degree and also must satisfy the state and University requirements for licensure as an early childhood education teacher. Early Childhood majors are exempt from the University requirement to complete a minor.

Licensure. A provisional teacher license, valid for two years, is available for early childhood education, grades prekindergarten through three. This license shall be required for entry into an Entry Year Program and may be used for substitute teaching.

Early Childhood Education Generalist Endorsement

The Division of Education offers an early childhood generalist endorsement valid for teaching all core academic content areas in grades four and five. Those wishing to add this endorsement to the P-3 license must meet specific requirements in mathematics, social studies, science, language arts and pedagogy. The candidate seeking this endorsement must complete the courses listed on the current “Early Childhood Education Generalist Endorsement Program of Study.”

Middle Childhood Education License

The Division of Education offers a licensure program for middle childhood education teachers (grades four through nine). Middle Childhood Education teaching fields consist of course work distributed over two of the following curriculum areas:

1. Reading/Language Arts (30 hrs.) (3.0 GPA required)
2. Mathematics (24 hrs.) (2.5 GPA required)
3. Science (24 hrs.) (2.6 GPA required)
4. Social Studies (21 hrs.) (2.6 GPA required)

Teaching fields qualify as minors for Middle Childhood students.

Middle Childhood Education Generalist Endorsement

The Division of Education offers a middle childhood generalist endorsement valid for teaching all core academic content areas in a self- contained four, five, or six grade classroom. The endorsement may be added to a middle childhood license upon evidence of completion of an additional six semester hours of study in prescribed content areas, plus successful completion of the required Praxis II examination. The student seeking this endorsement should consult with the Middle Childhood Education coordinator and refer to the current “Middle Childhood Endorsement Information Sheet.”

Adolescent Young Adult/Multi-age License

Students preparing for an Adolescent Young Adult (AYA) Education License (grades seven through twelve) or for a Multi-Age Education License (grades prekindergarten through twelve) must complete the courses as listed on the current “Model Program”.

Selecting Teaching Fields. Selection of a teaching field is an extremely important task for each Adolescent Young Adult Education (grades seven through twelve) or Multi-Age Education (grades prekindergarten through twelve) student. A 2.6 grade point average is required for all teaching areas except English and Music Education, where a 3.0 grade point average is required. The Math area requires a 2.5 minimum grade point average. Teaching fields available at Baldwin Wallace are:

Multi-Age Education (grades prekindergarten through twelve)

• Foreign Language: French, German, Spanish
• Health
• Music
• Physical Education
• Visual Arts

Adolescent Young Adult Education (grades seven through twelve)

• Integrated Language Arts
• Integrated Mathematics
• Integrated Science
• Integrated Social Studies
• Life Sciences
• Physical Sciences

Students completing the Math program for an AYA Integrated Mathematics license earn a Bachelor of Arts degree rather than a Bachelor of Science degree. Completing AYA or Multi-Age requirements constitutes a University minor.

Intervention Specialist License (Kindergarten through grade twelve) Mild/Moderate Educational Needs

A license for Mild/Moderate Educational Needs is currently the only area of Intervention Specialist available at Baldwin Wallace University.

A license to teach Mild/Moderate Educational Needs is a major within the Division of Education at Baldwin Wallace University. The student seeking this major must complete the courses listed on the current Mild/Moderate Educational Needs “Model Program.”

The student who qualifies for any license listed above in either Early Childhood Education, Adolescent Young Adult Education or Multi-Age Education also may complete a program in Mild/Moderate Educational Needs. The Middle Childhood, Adolescent Young Adult, and Multi-Age Education programs will require additional courses in order to add Mild/Moderate Educational Needs.

Each Intervention Specialist license candidate is required to complete a satisfactory student teaching experience.

Praxis II Test Results

According to information provided in May of 2008 by the Ohio Department of Education, Baldwin Wallace University education students faired well on all aggregated areas of the 2006-2007 Praxis II tests and exceeded the state summary (overall) pass rate as indicated below.

A more detailed analysis of Praxis II performance by BW students can be found on the Baldwin Wallace University Web page at http://www.bw.edu/academics/edu/programs/praxis/.

State License Examination

The State Board of Education of Ohio requires the Praxis II Examinations for all candidates seeking licensure at any level - Early Childhood Education, Middle Childhood Education, Adolescent Young Adult Education, Multi-Age Education, and Mild/Moderate Educational Needs. The Praxis II examination consists of the Principles of Learning and Teaching Exam and the required Specialty Exam.

Candidates currently holding a license and seeking endorsement or validation will be tested only in the areas that they intend to add. Thus, candidates adding Reading or Mild/Moderate Educational Needs endorsement to their license must take the exam in that area. License+Master’s candidates must take all the required exams for licensure and endorsements.

Candidates currently holding a license and seeking educational personnel license (e.g. administrator) will be tested in the specialty area.

A candidate for licensure may take any or all required exams as many times as needed, provided the candidate fulfills registration and fee requirements for each “retake.”

Post-Baccalaureate Program (PB): Licensure Only

The Licensure Only program is designed for candidates who have already earned a Bachelor’s degree, but do not have a teaching license through the state of Ohio. The Licensure Only program combines undergraduate education and content-area courses leading to an initial Ohio teaching license—but not a formal undergraduate or graduate education degree—in one of the following areas:

• Early Childhood Education (PK–3)
• Middle Childhood Education (4–9)
• Adolescent/Young-Adult Education (7–12)
• Multi-Age Education (K–12)
• Mild/Moderate Educational Needs (K–12)

Admission criteria: Official transcripts from all institutions attended. Cumulative GPA of 2.75. Application and three letters of reference. Contact the Evening/Weekend Admission Office for materials and details.

License+Master’s Program

The License+Master’s program is an alternative licensure program for a student with a degree and seeking a license. To be admitted to the License+Master’s program candidates must hold a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 in the final 60 hours of their undergraduate degree. Candidates who hold an overall grade point average of less than 2.75 but greater than 2.6 will be required to take the Miller’s Analogies Test to supplement their application.

As a general rule the Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution of higher education fulfills the general education requirements. To obtain licensure the student must complete required undergraduate professional education courses, teaching field courses, student teaching, and some additional graduate courses which replace undergraduate professional education courses. All graduate courses in the MAEd program of study are required for licensure. License+Master’s students who have not taken a psychology course will be required to take PSY 100 . In addition, they will be required to take PSY 205 .

Upon completion of all requirements the student earns a license in the specialty area, a Master’s degree, and possible endorsement or licensure in the Master’s specialization.

The following are the License+Master’s programs available at Baldwin Wallace University. Model Program Sheets delineating the requirements for each License+Master’s program may be obtained in the Division of Education.

Early Childhood Education License with Reading Endorsement.
Early Childhood Education License with Mild/Moderate Educational Needs License.
Early Childhood Education License with Educational Technology Endorsement.
Middle Childhood Education with Reading Endorsement.
Middle Childhood Education with Mild/Moderate Educational Needs License.
Middle Childhood Education with Educational Technology Endorsement
Adolescent Young Adult Education/ Multi-Age License with Reading Endorsement
Adolescent Young Adult Education/ Multi-Age License with Mild/Moderate Educational Needs License.
Adolescent Young Adult Education/ Multi-Age License with Educational Technology Endorsement.
Intervention Specialist License- Mild/Moderate Educational Needs License.

Each of these programs is designed for the University graduate who wishes to pursue a course of study leading to licensure/endorsement in each of the above areas. Through a combination of graduate and undergraduate courses, the individual may complete a Master of Arts in Education degree, plus licensure in any of the above areas. The candidate will not be recommended for licensure until all of the requirements are completed and the candidate is eligible for the Master of Arts in Education degree.

Details concerning the License+Master’s program may be obtained in the Division of Education Office.