2013–2014 Undergraduate Catalog - University of the Cumberlands

THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
The Department of Education of University of the Cumberlands continually strives to keep pace with current trends
and development in teacher training to meet the needs of prospective teachers and to stimulate an increased interest in
the improvements in teaching practices. The teaching profession, along with other professions, has the responsibility to
ensure that the welfare of society is safeguarded and enhanced. The quality and dispositions of our teachers is of primary
importance to the growth and preservation of our society. Consequently, both the public and the teaching profession
demand that those who enter the profession be fully qualified to accept the responsibility of being a teacher. Therefore,
the Teacher Education/Admissions Committee reserves the right to recruit, admit, and retain in the Professional Program,
only those students who show evidence of being academically, physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of performing
in an acceptable and professional manner. The standards for admission to Teacher Education are inclusive of those for
admission to the college and include other criteria outlined by the college Teacher Education/Admissions Committee and
the Education Professional Standards Board. Therefore, admission to the University does not automatically guarantee that
the student will be admitted to the Teacher Education Program.
The Education Department also has an extensive graduate program which offers a Master of Arts in Educations and
Master of Arts in Teaching degrees, Rank I and Rank II programs, and five Educational Administration certifications. For
more information, see the Graduate Catalog.
Purpose Statement
The purpose of University of the Cumberlands’ Education Department is to develop entry level education students into
highly qualified, knowledgeable and caring teachers. Acknowledging that all children can learn, the Education Department’s
responsibility is to provide training and experiences using “Best Practices” for teacher education candidates.
Program Goals
1. To offer undergraduate programs based upon a strong liberal arts background and to foster both reflective and critical
thinking skills. The ultimate goal of the Education department is to develop entry level education students into highly
qualified, knowledgeable and caring teachers who provide for diverse learners.
2. To provide students with the pedagogical instructional methods necessary to meet the Kentucky Teacher Standards and
University of the Cumberlands’ Standards.
3. To develop each student’s abilities to critically reflect and assess their skills, thereby providing the opportunity for growth.
4. To continue to both foster and develop the appreciation and refinement of ethical and Christian moral values in future teachers.
5. To develop oral, written, and information literacy skills.
Admission and Retention in the Teacher Education Program
PLEASE NOTE: Since the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) has the sole authority for official
certification and licensure, any changes in requirements must be adhered to within the effective dates determined
by the EPSB, regardless of the student’s entry date or time on the program pursued.
All students who plan to prepare for teaching are required to make application through the Office of Teacher Education
in the Education Department. This application should normally be done during the sophomore year. Students who decide to
enter Teacher Education later in their college career may be admitted. This late admission, however, may cause a delay in
the actual student teaching experience and recommendation for eligibility for certification.
Students transferring to University of the Cumberlands or returning students who have not enrolled at the University
any semester during the past three years must attend University of the Cumberlands for one full semester as a full-time
student or have completed twelve semester hours in consecutive semesters as a part-time student immediately prior to
being considered for admission to Teacher Education.
Other requirements for admission to the Teacher Education Program include the following:
1. An official PPST score of Reading 176, Writing 174, Math 174.
2. Completion of ENGL 131 and ENGL 132 with grade “C” or better.
3. Satisfactory completion of SPED 233 Survey of Children with Exceptionalities, which may be taken before or concurrently
with EDUC 237 Effective Teaching Practices
4. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above (4.0 scale), and no grades below C within Professional courses, certifiable majors,
minors, emphases and specialization areas.
5. Successful completion of a portfolio interview.
6. Demonstration of moral, social, and ethical behavior commensurate with the acceptable standards in the school
community, as well as, the community at large, as defined by the Professional Code of Ethics for Kentucky School
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