Education

Program Overview

The University of Charleston's Education program prepares future educators with early field experiences, small classes, and experienced faculty. The program offers various career paths in diverse educational settings, including elementary school teaching, early childhood education, and special education. The program is working towards accreditation by AAQEP and provides student organizations, academic support, and a comprehensive student handbook.

Program Outline

The program provides:

• Early field experience beginning in the freshman year
• Small classes with a supportive atmosphere
• Experienced and accessible faculty representing all facets of public K-12 education

Assessment:

The Education program uses various assessment methods to evaluate student learning and program effectiveness. These include:

• Formal admission to the Department of Education requiring completion of Education core requirements and program-specific requirements by the end of the sophomore year.
• Student teaching application and approval with specific GPA requirements, completed coursework, and passing Praxis exams.
• Comprehensive exams required for graduation.
• Ongoing evaluation through various mechanisms like performance-based assessments, student feedback, and employer surveys.

Teaching:

The Education program features:

• Experienced and accessible faculty with diverse backgrounds and expertise in K-12 education.
• A focus on real-world application through early field experiences and partnerships with local schools.
• Small class sizes that foster interaction and personalized learning.

Careers:

Graduates of the Education program are prepared for various career paths in diverse educational settings, including:

• Elementary school teacher (grades K-6)
• Early childhood educator (preschool)
• Special education teacher (grades K-6 or 5-Adult)
• Teacher administrator
• Curriculum specialist
• State Department of Education employee

Other:

• Accreditation: The University of Charleston's Education program is working towards accreditation by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
• Student organizations: The program offers opportunities for students to join various organizations such as the West Virginia Student Education Association (WVSEA), Pi Lambda Theta Education Honor Society, and the EdUCation Club.
• Graduate survey data: The university collects data on graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes.