Education for Instruction

Program Overview

It offers three concentrations: Literacy Education, TESOL Education, and Community Education, and utilizes diverse teaching methods to cater to different learning styles. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in education, non-profit organizations, and beyond, and the program emphasizes learning outcomes such as effective teaching, technology integration, and cultural competency.

Program Outline

• Description: The Education for Instruction program at Jacksonville University immerses students in a supportive learning environment featuring small, hands-on classes.
It combines a liberal arts experience with interdisciplinary courses, offering ample opportunities for internships, independent studies, and community service. This approach equips graduates to become change agents in their communities, filling in-demand positions related to education, curriculum development, instruction, and leadership.

Outline:

• Structure: The program includes a core curriculum focusing on foundational principles and practices of education, followed by one of three concentrations: Literacy Education, TESOL Education, or Community Education.
• Core Curriculum: This encompasses courses providing the fundamental knowledge and skills needed for effective teaching, such as child development, classroom management, curriculum design, and assessment strategies.
• Concentrations:
• Literacy Education:
Focuses on the science of reading, teaching methods for developing young readers, and promoting literacy across diverse populations.
• TESOL Education: Prepares students to teach English as a second language, offering opportunities to engage in global education and assist individuals in achieving English language proficiency.
• Community Education: Blends classroom learning with service-learning experiences, enabling students to work directly with children, veterans, and non-profit organizations to enhance literacy, increase non-profit awareness, and build stronger communities.
This concentration can be combined with JU's Service Learning certificate or minor.

Assessment:

• The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning and progress, including:
• Examinations:
Regular quizzes, midterms, and final exams assess students' understanding of core concepts and theories.
• Assignments: Written assignments, projects, and presentations allow students to demonstrate their ability to apply learned knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios.
• Performance-Based Assessments: Observations of students' teaching practice, portfolios showcasing their work, and classroom presentations provide a holistic evaluation of their teaching abilities and development.

Teaching:

• Hands-On Activities: Simulations, role-playing exercises, and field experiences provide practical applications of theoretical concepts.
• The program boasts a dedicated faculty of experienced educators with diverse expertise in various fields of education.
Their passion for teaching and commitment to student success create a supportive and stimulating learning environment.
• The program also incorporates unique approaches such as:
• Community-Based Learning:
Partnerships with local organizations provide real-world context for learning and opportunities to contribute to community development.
• Individualized Attention: Small class sizes allow for personalized interactions between faculty and students, fostering mentorship and individual growth.

Careers:

• Graduates of the Education for Instruction program are well-equipped for diverse careers in the field of education and beyond:
• Education: Elementary, middle, and high school teachers, special education teachers, curriculum developers, instructional coaches, educational administrators.
• Non-Profit/Community Organizations: Literacy program coordinators, community outreach specialists, program developers, advocacy group leaders.
• Teaching Abroad: Opportunities to teach English as a second language in international settings.
• Other Fields: Positions in government agencies, educational publishing companies, educational technology firms.

Other:

• Learning Outcomes: The program emphasizes preparing students to demonstrate specific learning outcomes upon completion, including:
• A strong foundation in the principles and practices of effective teaching.
• The ability to plan, implement, and assess instruction effectively.
• Proficiency in using technology to enhance teaching and learning.
• Commitment to ethical and professional conduct.
• Cultural competency and appreciation for diversity in the classroom.
• Accreditation: The Education for Instruction program meets the standards set by the Florida Department of Education and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).