Education

The School 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.

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. Before their final 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 School of Education believe that effective teachers possess and develop characteristics, attitudes and behaviors that contribute to their students’ success. These include:

Candidates will contribute to a positive climate in both the University classroom and in the P-12 setting.
Candidates will demonstrate mastery of written and spoken language for self-expression and in communication with others.
Candidates are thoughtful and responsive listeners.
Candidates will demonstrate a commitment to reflection, assessment, and learning as ongoing processes.
Candidates will demonstrate a willingness to give and receive help.
Candidates will demonstrate sensitivity to community and cultural norms of the teacher education program, the University classroom, and field/clinical settings.
Candidates will show that they value human diversity and show respect for others’ varied talents and perspectives.
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.
Candidates will demonstrate a commitment to keeping abreast of new ideas and understandings in the field of education.
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.

The teacher preparation program at Baldwin Wallace University is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (Now CAEP, Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation). This accreditation includes both undergraduate and graduate programs leading to initial or advanced teacher licensure. 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 School 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 middle 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.

Licensure

A Resident Educator 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.

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 Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation may facilitate the securing of a license/certificate outside of Ohio.

Placement and Job Opportunities

The Center of Academic and Career Excellence 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 portfolios as freshmen or sophomores and pursue internships working with youth or educational organizations throughout University. Career Services meets with students early and often during their University experience so they may realize their goal of employment upon graduation.

Information on teaching opportunities may be obtained from the Center of Academic and Career Excellence, rather than the School of Education. Students should study the Job Bulletins which are issued weekly by the Center of Academic and Career Excellence. Students can also find on-campus interview schedules and other teaching opportunities posted on various bulletin boards on campus.

Although the Center of Academic and Career Excellence offers valuable assistance to prospective teachers, final job placement resides with the candidate. Both the School of Education and Center of Academic and Career Excellence 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 for the pre-service teacher.

Transportation to and from any field-based experience, including clinical practice, is the responsibility of the student. Although the School of Education will consider requests for placement within driving distance, the student must assume the responsibility both for such transportation and for adequate insurance protection.

Teacher Education Handbook

Each fall the School of Education prepares and posts to its BW/School of Education portal a handbook entitled “School of Education Handbook.” All students entering preparation for teaching should refer to this handbook on a regular basis.

Admission and Continuation in the Teacher Education Program Leading to Licensure

Transition Points
Point One: Provisional Entry

Students may take the 100 level courses with the following conditions:
Admission to Baldwin Wallace University Criteria:

The criteria for admission are established by the University officers and published in the current University catalog.
Obtain a “clear” Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCII) report and a “clear” Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) report (valid for one year) before 100 level field observations.
If transferring to BW from another institution, have a 2.800 cumulative GPA from previous institution(s) before being admitted to 100 level EDU courses.

Point Two: Formal admission to the Teacher Education Program and advancement to 200* level courses will be determined by the following:

Have a cumulative GPA of 2.800
Have a GPA of 2.800 in EDU courses
Have completed all prerequisite coursework with a grade of C or better in all 100 level EDU courses
Have completed a professional dispositional assessment
Have completed all 100 level EDU field experiences successfully
Submit “Good Moral Character” form to the School of Education
Obtain a “clear” criminal background check that includes both Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCII) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprinting - completed within the last year
Have a “negative” TB test on file in the School of Education (required for Early Childhood majors only)
If transferring to BW from another institution, have a 2.800 cumulative GPA from previous institution(s)

*Some individual courses may have additional requirements for participation

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

Have a cumulative GPA of 2.800
Have a GPA of 2.800 in EDU courses
Meet all Teaching Field/Department GPA requirement(s)- see School of Education Handbook
Have a grade of C or better in all EDU courses
Complete all Mathematics (MTH) core requirements (if MTH-111, MTH-112, or MTH-113 is required, a grade of C- or better is required for each course)
Obtain a “clear” criminal background check that includes both Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCII) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprinting - both completed within the last year
Have a “negative” TB test on file in the School of Education
Participate in Child Abuse Prevention Training before starting the field experience

Point Four: Prior to Acceptance to Clinical Practice

Have a cumulative GPA of 2.800
Have a GPA of 2.800 in EDU courses
Meet all Teaching Field / Department GPA requirement(s)- see School of Education Handbook
Have a grade of C or better in all EDU courses, including required methods courses
Complete all methods field experiences successfully
Obtain a “clear” criminal background check that includes both Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCII) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprinting - both completed within the last year
Participate in Child Abuse Prevention Training before starting the field experience
Register for the required Educator Licensure Exam(s)

Point Five: Prior to Receiving School of Education Recommendation for the Four Year Resident Educator License (Signed by the Dean of the School of Education)

Submit an application for licensure to the Ohio Department of Education
Have successfully completed all required coursework and, if appropriate, all degree requirements
Have a cumulative GPA of 2.800
Have a GPA of 2.800 in EDU courses
Meet all Teaching Field / Department GPA requirement(s)- see School of Education Handbook
Obtain passing scores for required Educator Licensure Exam(s)
Have satisfactorily completed Clinical Practice field experience(s), including the dispositional assessment
Obtain a “clear” criminal background check that includes both Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCII) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprinting - completed within the last year

Appeal Procedure

Any student has the right to request, in writing, that the Teacher Education Committee review decisions made on the status of his/her candidacy. This committee makes recommendations to the Dean of the School of Education whose decision is final.

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 Dean may confer to determine a suggested course of action, including withdrawal from the program.

Transfer Courses Policy and Term Limits for Program Completion

The School 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 School Dean. 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

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

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

Reading/Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies

Teaching fields qualify as minors for Middle Childhood students.

Middle Childhood Education Generalist Endorsement

The School 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 Ohio Assessments for Teachers exam. 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 pre-kindergarten through twelve) must complete the courses as listed on the current “Program Outline”. Teaching fields available at Baldwin Wallace University are:

Multi-Age Education (grades pre-kindergarten through twelve)

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

Adolescent Young Adult Education (grades seven through twelve)

Integrated Language Arts (students major in English)
Integrated Mathematics*
Integrated Science (Note: integrated science is only a university major if completed with the AYA minor)
Integrated Social Studies (students major in History, Sociology, Political Science, Psychology or Economics)
Life Sciences (students major in Biology)
Physical Sciences (students major in Physics or Chemistry)

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

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 School of Education at Baldwin Wallace University. The student seeking this major must complete the courses listed on the current Mild/Moderate Educational Needs “Program Outline.”

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.

State License Examination

The State Board of Education of Ohio requires the Ohio Assessments for Educators exams 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 Baldwin Wallace pass rate for students completing the Ohio Assessments for Educators licensing exams for their first license is below:
For the school year, 2012-13, the pass rate is 99%

Additional information on the quality of BW’s teacher preparation program can be found on the Ohio Department of Higher Education website: http://regents.ohio.gov/educator-accountability/performance-report/2014/Baldwin%20Wallace/BLDW_UNIT_2014.pdf

Licensure Only Option

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 2.800. 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 need to complete the required developmental psychology course(s) in their program.

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 School 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 School of Education Office.