Education Department
The department of education offers an elementary education major, a secondary education major and minor, and education courses for endorsements in academic disciplines. Students successfully completing the professional preparation program for teacher education are eligible to apply for teacher licensure. The Teacher Preparation Program complies with and is accredited by the State of Iowa Department of Education. In the Franciscan tradition, the Briar Cliff University education program prepares professional educators through community, service and learning.
Teacher Preparation Program
The professional preparation program for teaching in private and public schools begins with the Educational Foundations course. This course includes 15 hours of field experience mandated by the Iowa Department of Education and serves as the gateway to the education program. It is a prerequisite for all other education courses. Students who complete the requirements for this course are eligible to apply for admission to the education department. Acceptance into the Teacher Preparation Program The formal application for acceptance into the Teacher Preparation Program is screened by the Teacher Education Committee. The screening criteria include:
- A grade of "C" in WRTG 109 or passing the writing competency in the education department;
- A cumulative and major grade point average of 2.5;
- A grade of "C" in accepted speech course or passing the speech competency in the education department;
- A letter of nomination by an employer or a Briar Cliff University faculty member outside the education department;
- Successful completion of the pre-professional skills test (PPST) (reading 170, writing 170, mathematics 170, with a composite score of 517);
- Other appropriate items—e.g., mathematics, reading, speaking, writing, listening assessments and/or a personal interview;
- Demonstrate the personal characteristics necessary to teaching; and
- Teacher Education Advisory Committee recommendation of acceptance.
When accepted, the student is notified. If a student does not meet the above criteria, the reasons for non-acceptance will be given to the student. Once accepted into the Teacher Preparation Program, students are required to maintain the standards under which they were accepted. Personal qualities required of a teacher are also required of all students in the education department. These qualities include but are not limited to: the ability to complete work on time, punctuality and attendance, the ability to accept guidance in teaching, and the ability to relate to other people.
Internship (Student Teaching)
Iowa School Law requires each student in the Teacher Preparation Program to complete a student teaching internship. The student will make formal application for internship in the fall of the year preceding the one in which the internship will be undertaken. Forms for application and faculty recommendation are available from the Chairperson of the Education Department. The internship is a full-time responsibility. The intern is required to follow the schedule and activities of the cooperating teacher, including after-school meetings and activities. This educational experience should be scheduled during a semester in which the student is free of other college classes, sports and work.
Licensure
When the internship and all course work are completed, the student meets with the chairperson of the education department to initiate the process for licensure.
Title II Program Information
In 2010, 110 students were enrolled in the Teacher Preparation Programs at Briar Cliff. Thirty-five students were enrolled in programs of supervised student teaching, completing a minimum of 40 hours per week. Four supervising faculty in professional education were appointed to supervise prospective teachers. The student teacher/university supervisor ratio was 9:1.
