Participants will develop a collective understanding of why and how change is being undertaken, recognizing the fear often associated with change. They will learn to identify the change process and support those who are experiencing change. The course examines the theories of organizational and transformational change, critical conversations, and linking change efforts to institutional mission.

Participants will examine instructional practices that are proven to have the greatest impact on student learning and achievement. Participants will learn skills and strategies associated with seeking and engaging in non-evaluative, reflective communication with colleges. Techniques essential to fostering a culture that embraces learning, innovation, trust, and partnership will be examined.

Participants will examine their own values, beliefs, ethics, and character to learn to lead with integrity, as they develop the skill of inspiring others to learn more, to do more, and to become more. Cultural sensitivity and awareness of the implications of varying experiences and ethnicities will be discussed. Cultivating a mind-set that supports servant leadership, social justice, and working for the common good will be integral components of this course.

Teaching in a cross-categorical special education placement at the K-12 levels. Capstone experience is typically completed in the final semester. The cross-categorical special education placement requires students to work in a classroom full-time, during the semester of student teaching. Prerequisites: 290, 306, 340, 374, 385, admission to the teacher education program, admission to student teaching. Graded CR/NC.

Teaching in a cross-categorical special education placement at the K-12 levels. Capstone experience is typically completed in the final semester. The cross-categorical special education placement requires students to work in a classroom full-time, during the semester of student teaching. This course is restricted to students in the professional degree completion program. Prerequisites: 304, 309, 344, 353, 354. admission to the teacher education program, admission to student teaching. Graded CR/NC.

Student teaching occurs at the elementary and middle school levels. This is a capstone experience that is typically completed during the final semester. Student teaching requires students to work in a K-12 classroom full-time for an entire semester. This course is restricted to students in the professional degree completion program. Graded CR/NC. Prerequisite: admission to student teaching.

This course will assist student teachers in integrating theory with practice through discussion and personalized conferences. Special emphasis is on specific aspects of the teaching profession such as contracts, career, and life planning, professional organizations, resume preparation, interviews, legal rights and licensure. This course is restricted to students in the professional degree completion program. Prerequisite: admission to student teaching.

Independent reading and-or research under the guidance of an education department faculty member. Refer to the academic policy section for independent study policy. May be repeated for credit. Independent study contract is required.

Advanced non-classroom experiences in the field of elementary or early childhood education. (This is distinct from the professional laboratory experiences required for admission to student teaching and from the student teaching experience. Placements are off-campus, and may be full- or part-time, and with or without pay. Credit for experiences must be sought prior to occurance, and learning contracts must be submitted before the end of the first week of the semester. See the experiential learning: internship section of this catalog for more details.

Courses on topics of interest to education students offered on the basis of need, interest, or timeliness. Prerequisites as determined by instructor. Restricted to students with junior standing or higher. May be repeated for credit. For specific section description, click to the Section Details in VitNet.