Department of Education

The primary mission of the Teacher Education program at St. Andrews University is to offer a high quality, research driven program leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree and initial licensure in four different areas in the field of education. These education degrees and licensure programs prepare teachers to become facilitators of learning in specific grades as determined by their program.

Small class sizes afford pre-service teachers a greater level of individual attention as they develop skills in instructional design, through acquired knowledge in theory, teaching approaches and practical applications. St. Andrews has a high rate of employment among elementary education graduates in school districts and learning organizations across the United States and internationally.

Teacher Candidates explore the process of teaching and learning through an integrative, constructivist approach that includes multiple opportunities for field based learning and practical experiences in the school setting. Candidates are able to utilize the strong liberal arts approach found in the St. Andrews General Education curriculum to help meet the teacher education standards for knowing content, while the Teacher Education Program provides candidates with a strong understanding and skill base in pedagogical studies that continues to make St. Andrews graduates notable as they pursue their professional vocation in the field of education.

Why Choose St. Andrews for Teacher Education?

Small class size and individualized instruction are a hallmark for the teacher education program at St. Andrews. Professors have a wide range of real-world experience in the field and continue to stay abreast of the current trends and issues at the K-12 level.

The St. Andrews Teacher Education Department enjoys a close working relationship with several school districts in proximity to the main campus. This allows our students access to master teachers early in their program of study, this approach helps teacher candidates explore their own aptitude within the grade spans and make good choices before the summative student teaching experience. This partnership is crucial to the employment of students. While many leave to find employment back in their home areas, many are offered jobs in the local school districts due to the quality the administrators in the local districts recognize in our teachers.

St. Andrews is able to look proudly upon the working careers of former teacher education majors. Many have received awards (state teacher of the year, district teachers and principals of the year, those that have gone forward to obtain post-baccalaureate degrees, etc.) and have distinguished themselves in the field of education. Others have become published authors and consultants within their areas of educational expertise.

Finally, there is a strong degree of camaraderie and community between and amongst the teacher education majors and the teacher education faculty. A strong sense of encouragement, guidance, and collaboration gives the program a strong foundation. As members of the greater St. Andrews learning community the teacher education department is involved with and supports the work of other academic departments as part of the philosophy of relationship-building among peers. Each teacher education major must choose an academic content concentration as part of their larger program of study.

Career Opportunities with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education

A degree in education is most often sought by those who would like to work in a school setting. However, there are other career opportunities available. The following list of careers may be an option for you. Some require post-baccalaureate degrees, but the foundation in education is a strong point toward those areas.

• Public School or Private School Teaching (classroom, specialists, tutors, program directors)
• Writers (literature, textbooks, etc.
• Editors
• Program Managers
• Educational Consultants – Professional Development Trainers
• Educational program, materials, etc. Sales Representatives
• Instructional Designers
• Adult Literacy Teachers at Community Colleges
• Instructional Coaches
• Private Tutors
• Coach
• Health or Recreational Trainers, coaches or program managers
• Youth Camp Directors

The Learner-Centered Professional Teacher Model

The Learner-Centered Professional Teacher Model has five essential and non-negotiable elements:
Content Knowledge and General Education Knowledge:

• Knowing what you teach (North Carolina Standard Course of Study in all education majors)
• Knowledge of the SAGE requirements

Knowledge of the Learner:

• Providing teacher candidates with courses which will develop knowledge, skills and dispositions that will ensure that they are capable of teaching students with diverse learning

Knowledge of Pedagogy:

• Providing an educational program which will prepare teacher candidates to teach using a myriad of methods and strategies which will promote student achievement and success

Application of Learning to the World of Practice:

• Providing an educational program which will expose teacher candidates to a variety of educational settings and environments. Various learning environments will allow teacher education candidates to take what knowledge they have acquired in the college classroom setting and move this information to actual practice by working with P-12 students under the supervision of cooperating teachers and college supervisors.

Dispositions:

• Along with the knowledge and skills one acquires, there must be certain attitudes and beliefs that are a part of the inner being of “a teacher”.  Without these dispositions/attitudes, learner-centered professionalism is not attainable.  The Learner-Centered Professional Teacher Model strongly emphasizes the following applicable dispositions.
  • Respectful
  • Responsible
  • Reflective
  • Continuous Learner