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 dispositions to move confidently into their final clinical experience, student teaching.

Dispositions

The Baldwin Wallace University School of Education recognizes that certain educator dispositions are essential to the integrity of the professional teaching license, and will therefore be assessed as the teacher candidates’ progress through the program. Candidates must meet acceptable scores on these assessments to progress to the next level of EDU coursework. The assessment will examine a candidate’s dispositions in regards to professionalism, collaboration, communication, positive attitude, value of diversity, self-regulated learning and social/emotional well-being. Educator dispositions will also be assessed during the Clinical Practice field experience.

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 by the Ohio Department of Higher 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

Baldwin Wallace University serves as the recommending agent for a license granted by the Ohio Department of Education (ODE).  It does so only if the professional education coursework has been completed at Baldwin Wallace University.  A Four Year Resident Educator License, 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. Once the initial license has been issued, candidates do not need to apply for a separate license to substitute teach.

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. If a teacher candidate is interested in teaching in another state, they should contact that state’s Department of Education to see what specific state requirements (if any) must be fulfilled. 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 and Clinical Experiences

The School of Education believes that it must provide its teacher candidates with extensive opportunities to participate in meaningful classroom experiences where they are able to put theory and knowledge into action.

Field experiences, embedded within certain teacher education courses at Baldwin Wallace University, are designed to support the development of competent and professional teachers. In addition, field experiences are designed to give teacher candidates diverse experiences in demographic locations, cultures, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and diversity of students’ abilities and needs.

The School of Education field experiences are designed in a sequential and timely manner to provide teacher candidates with classroom opportunities to observe and to apply their knowledge of curriculum development and theoretical perspectives presented to them in their university classrooms.

This progression of field experiences culminates in the clinical practice (Student Teaching) experience. Clinical practice is designed to be the most valuable and intense learning experience prior to graduation. Teacher candidates are to refer to the Clinical Practice Handbook for all policies, experiences, requirements, and procedures related to student teaching.

Teacher candidates must successfully complete all requirements for each experience before progressing to the next field or clinical experience.

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

As the teacher candidate progresses through the program, assessment data are collected via major assessment components. The data are reviewed at key transition points within the program. The purpose of these transition points is to assess and monitor the candidates’ competencies to ensure that candidates are proficient in the knowledge, skills, and dispositions appropriate for the developmental stage of the program. These transition points are points for intervention or remediation if proficiencies are not met. The following identifies the transition points and competency criteria required to progress through the program.

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 successfully completed the 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 Ohio Assessment for 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 Program

The School of Education offers a major in early childhood education leading to licensure in grades PK through 3. Candidates majoring in early childhood education do not need to have an additional minor as required by the University. The candidate majoring in early childhood education must meet the University requirements for a baccalaureate degree and must also satisfy the Ohio Department of Education and School of Education requirements for licensure as an early childhood education teacher. Early Childhood Education majors must complete the courses as listed on the current “Program Outline.” Candidates who complete a major in Early Childhood Education will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Education (B.S. in Ed.).

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. Those wishing to add this endorsement to the PK-3 license must meet specific requirements in mathematics, social studies, science, language arts, and pedagogy and pass the Elementary Education OAE subtests.

Middle Childhood Education Program

The School of Education offers a major in middle childhood education leading to licensure in two teaching fields within grades 4 through 9. The candidate majoring in middle childhood education must meet the University requirements for a baccalaureate degree and must also satisfy the Ohio Department of Education and School of Education requirements for licensure as a middle childhood education teacher. Courses included in this prescribed program cover general education/ Core requirements, professional education and curriculum content specific to their two teaching fields (which are University minors). Candidates who complete a major in Middle Childhood Education will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Education (B.S. in Ed.).

Candidates must select TWO teaching field areas:

• Middle Childhood Language Arts and Reading
• Middle Childhood Mathematics
• Middle Childhood Science
• Middle Childhood Social Studies

Middle Childhood Education Generalist Endorsement

The School of Education offers a middle childhood generalist endorsement which leads to an endorsement for teaching additional content areas for grades 4 through 6. The endorsement may be added to a middle childhood license and adds additional content areas to the two areas of concentration. Candidates must complete the prescribed courses and pass the appropriate OAE content test to be eligible for the endorsement.

Adolescent Young Adult/Multi-Age Program

The School of Education offers a minor in Adolescent Young Adult Education (grades 7-12) and Multi-Age Education (grades PK-12) leading to licensure within the designated grade bands as well as a specific content area major of choice. The candidate minoring in adolescent and young adult education or multi-age education must meet the University requirements for a baccalaureate degree and must also satisfy the Ohio Department of Education and School of Education requirements for licensure. Courses included in this prescribed program cover general education/core requirements, professional education and courses specific to the candidate’s major. Candidates who complete a major in AYA or Multi-age education will earn a Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.), Bachelor of Science degree (B.S. in Ed.) and/or Bachelor of Music in Education (B.M.E.).

Programs offered in AYA include:

          Integrated Language Arts         Integrated Mathematics

          Integrated Science                    Integrated Social Studies

          Life Science                              Physical Sciences

Programs offered in Multi-Age include:

          Foreign Language*: French, German, Spanish

          Health

          Physical Education

          Music**

          Visual Arts

_{*Foreign language candidates are required to complete a semester abroad}

_{**The Bachelor of Music Education Degree program at Baldwin Wallace is a comprehensive curriculum leading to teaching proficiency in both choral and instrumental music.  The curriculum consists of a total of 136.5 semester credit hours, which requires a candidate to average 18 credit hours per semester (with the exception of the student teaching semester). Program tracking sheets are available in the Conservatory office or at https://www.bw.edu/academics/undergraduate/music-education/. For further information regarding the music education program, please contact the Chair of the Music Education Department.}

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

The School of Education offers a major in mild/moderate educational needs leading to licensure in grades PK through 12. Candidates majoring in mild/moderate educational needs must have an additional minor as required by the University. The candidate majoring in mild/moderate educational needs must meet the University requirements for a baccalaureate degree and must also satisfy the Ohio Department of Education and School of Education requirements for licensure. Courses included in this prescribed program cover general education/core requirements, professional education and courses specific to the candidate’s specialization. Candidates who complete a major in Mild/Moderate Educational Needs will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Education (B.S. in Ed.).

Candidates may also complete additional coursework in order to obtain licensure in Mild/Moderate Educational Needs in addition to our Early Childhood Education, Middle Childhood Education, and Adolescent Young Adult Education or Multi-Age Education licensure programs.

Successful completion of state-approved exams is required for each licensure area/endorsement and/or teaching field. Additional program requirements may be required based on program and/or license. Those seeking Mild/Moderate licensure are required to take the Ohio Assessment for Educators Reading K-12 licensure subtests.

English for the Second Language Learner (ESLL) Certificate

The Baldwin Wallace University English for the Second Language Learner (ESLL) Certificate provides candidates in any program with the skills to help the non-English speaking student learn academic content in the PK-12 classroom is available to any EDU major & non-EDU major. For further information, please consult the university catalog. Note: This is not an Ohio teaching license or certificate but will appear on your transcript when completed.

Educator License Examination

Baccalaureate and graduate level licensure candidates must successfully complete the required Ohio Assessment for Educator Licensure Exam(s) to be eligible for an initial license. The Ohio Assessment for Educators exams (OAE) assess the content-area and professional (pedagogical) knowledge of candidates who are seeking initial licensure in the state of Ohio.

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. Candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree, but not a teaching license, may pursue a Four Year Resident Educator License through the Licensure Only program. The Licensure Only program combines undergraduate education and content-area courses leading to an initial Ohio teaching license 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)

Information is available in the Office of Admission and by contacting the Academic Advisor for the Licensure Only/License + Master’s programs.

License+Master’s Program

The License+Master’s program is an alternative licensure program for a student with a degree and seeking a license. 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 following areas:

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.
 

Model Program Sheets delineating the requirements for each License+Master’s program may be obtained in the School of Education.

Information on admission and program requirements are available in the Office of Admission and by contacting the Academic Advisor for the Licensure Only/License + Master’s programs.