| Overview of Education In keeping with the longstanding Lasallian tradition of teaching excellence, the Department of Education offers undergraduate and graduate programs to prepare students for initial teaching licensure and also graduate programs for those already licensed and experienced as teachers. Studies for undergraduates at CBU give priority to intensive study in the arts and sciences, thus ensuring that those who choose teaching careers have strong content knowledge as well as excellent pedagogical preparation. With the exception of elementary education, which is still available through a conventional four-year degree, undergraduate programs for teacher preparation are initially linked to B.A. and B.S. degrees followed by a "fifth year" concept that culminates in earning a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree for professional studies in education. Strong preparation in the arts and sciences comes first, followed by a focus on pedagogy in the M.A.T. Students may begin the M.A.T. degree during their senior year at CBU. The majors offered in support of initial teaching licensure are in Cultural Studies, English, History, Liberal Studies, Mathematics, and Natural Sciences, linked to licensure tracks in Elementary Education (K-6), Middle Grades Education (4-8), and numerous secondary (7-12) areas (Biology, Chemistry, English, History, Mathematics, Physics, and Spanish). Several licensure tracks are designed to permit double endorsements through a minor in French or Spanish. The "fifth year" approach ensures not only a strong preparation in the arts and sciences but also offers the candidate an opportunity to begin their teaching career with a master's degree in hand and at a higher professional status. The Department of Education also offers the (M.A.T.) degree for initial teaching licensure for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree. The M.A.T. is also available in three concentrations: Elementary Education (K-6), Middle Grades Education (4-8), and Secondary Education (7-12) integrated with licensure in Biology, Chemistry, English, French, History, Mathematics, Physics, and Spanish. Exceptional preparation at the undergraduate level in the content area of the license sought is expected for students who enter CBU'S M.A.T. program for post-baccalaureate studies. For already licensed teachers seeking advanced professional development, the Department of Education offers the Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in several concentrations focusing on teacher leadership. For those aspiring to move into school administration and supervision and who are already experienced as teachers, the Department also offers the Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Educational Leadership. The Lasallian Association of New Catholic Educators (LANCE) is a special initiative to prepare teachers for the Catholic schools of Memphis. This new program has helped by seed money from a grant from Notre Dame, whose Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) served as a model and has also been supported by The Assisi Foundation of Memphis. LANCE is now being considered by the other Lasallian universities as a national model of Catholic teacher-service with a Lasallian emphasis. Local public and private school systems and districts seek after CBU graduates in education. Programs are practical and delivered by an outstanding and energetic faculty with a strong practitioner orientation grounded in the Lasallian tradition of faith, community, and zeal for excellence. Students are supervised in extensive field placements so that they gain solid classroom and school experience. The Department has developed a number of public and private school partnerships, including an IBM grant for technology enhancement in teacher education. In keeping with the longstanding tradition at CBU of preparing its students to become leaders in their fields, the Department of Education has adopted the concept of "teacher leadership" for all teacher candidates and the ideal of "servant leadership" for those preparing to assume administrative roles in schools. Education faculty and students are involved in Kappa Delta Pi, an education honor society, as well as in the Student Tennessee Education Association. The Department maintains state approval for its programs, is seeking national accreditation, and has a good rating on the Title II teacher education "report card." |