Educational Programs and Teaching

Major Title: Educational Programs and Teaching

Major Description:

This major prepares future educators to design, implement, and evaluate effective learning experiences across diverse educational settings. Combining pedagogical theory with practical application, students develop expertise in curriculum development, instructional strategies, and classroom management while examining contemporary issues in education. The program emphasizes differentiated instruction, educational technology integration, and culturally responsive teaching practices to meet the needs of all learners. Through fieldwork and student teaching experiences, candidates bridge theory and practice to become reflective practitioners in K-12, adult education, or community-based learning environments.

Learning Objectives:

• Apply foundational theories of learning and human development to teaching practice
• Design standards-aligned curriculum with measurable outcomes
• Implement evidence-based instructional strategies for diverse learners
• Utilize assessment data to inform teaching and improve learning
• Integrate educational technology to enhance instruction
• Create inclusive, equitable learning environments
• Develop professional collaboration and leadership skills
• Engage in continuous professional growth and reflective practice

Course Outline:

Core Pedagogical Foundations

1. Educational Psychology
   • Cognitive and social-emotional development
   • Motivation and learning theories
2. Curriculum Design & Instruction
   • Backward design principles
   • Differentiated lesson planning
3. Classroom Management
   • Positive behavior support systems
   • Restorative practices

Teaching Methods

4. Literacy Across the Curriculum
   • Disciplinary literacy strategies
   • Multimodal text instruction
5. STEM/STEAM Education
   • Inquiry-based learning approaches
   • Project-based learning design
6. Assessment for Learning
   • Formative and summative assessment techniques
   • Data-driven instructional decision making

Specialized Concentrations

7. Early Childhood Education
   • Play-based learning
   • Developmental milestones
8. Secondary Education
   • Content-area pedagogy
   • Adolescent learning needs
9. Special Education
   • Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
   • IEP development and implementation

Field Experience Components:

• Observation Hours: 50+ hours in diverse classrooms
• Practicum: Semester-long teaching apprenticeship
• Student Teaching: Full-time culminating experience (12-16 weeks)

Assessment Framework:

• Teaching portfolio development
• Lesson plan design and implementation
• Classroom observation evaluations
• EdTPA performance assessment
• Reflective teaching journals

Technology Integration:

• Digital learning platforms
• Educational apps and tools
• Adaptive learning technologies

Program Duration:

4-year Bachelor's degree (with optional 5th year for Master's/licensure)

Certification Pathways:

• State teaching certification preparation
• Endorsement options in:
  • ESL/Bilingual Education
  • Special Education
  • Subject-area specializations

Career Outcomes:

• K-12 Classroom Teacher
• Curriculum Developer
• Instructional Coach
• Adult Education Instructor
• Education Program Coordinator
• Corporate Trainer

Professional Development:

• Mentorship programs
• Professional learning communities
• Continuing education opportunities

This program combines rigorous academic preparation with extensive classroom experience, ensuring graduates enter the profession with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to create dynamic learning environments that foster student success and lifelong learning. The curriculum aligns with state and national teaching standards while incorporating innovative approaches to meet evolving educational needs.