Department of Education

I. Conceptual Framework of the Teacher Education Programs

1. Academic Preparation: An educator is academically prepared in the following areas:
   • General Education: The prospective educator explores new areas of interest, broadens his or her intellectual background, and integrates areas of knowledge through the understanding of similarities and differences in various fields of study.
   • Pedagogy: An effective educator demonstrates appropriate pedagogical competencies involved in planning, using resources, utilizing time, maintaining a behavior management plan, providing a safe and positive learning environment, demonstrating sensitivity to differences, communicating effectively, using effective teaching strategies, and using appropriate assessment techniques.
   • Content Area: An effective educator has expertise in one (or more) specific content area(s).
2. Professionalism: An educator is a positive role model, acts in ways that respect the values of the subject matter and students he or she teaches, and demonstrates high ethical standards as a professional.
3. Wellness: An educator demonstrates a lifestyle that evidences physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual wellness.
4. Cultural Competence: An educator exhibits a knowledge and an appreciation for diversity and possesses social awareness and compassion for human need.

II. MEES Standards

Standard #1 - Content Knowledge Aligned with Appropriate Instruction

• The teacher understands the central concepts, structures, and tools of inquiry of the discipline(s) and creates learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful and engaging for all students.

Standard #2 - Student Learning, Growth and Development

• The teacher understands how students learn, develop and differ in their approaches to learning. The teacher provides learning opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners and support the intellectual, social, and personal development of all students.

Standard #3 - Curriculum Implementation

• The teacher recognizes the importance of long-range planning and curriculum development. The teacher implements curriculum based upon, district and state standards.

Standard #4 - Critical Thinking

• The teacher uses a variety of instructional strategies and resources to encourage students' critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.

Standard #5 - Positive Classroom Environment

• The teacher uses an understanding of individual/group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages active engagement in learning, positive social interaction, and self-motivation.

Standard #6 - Effective Communication

• The teacher models effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques with students, colleagues and families to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.

Standard #7 - Student Assessment and Data Analysis

• The teacher understands and uses formative and summative assessment strategies to assess the learner's progress and uses both classroom and standardized assessment data to plan ongoing instruction.

Standard #8 - Professionalism

• The teacher is a reflective practitioner who continually assesses the effects of choices and actions on others. The teacher actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally to improve learning for all students.

Standard #9 - Professional Collaboration

• The teacher has effective working relationships with students, families, school colleagues, and community members.

Education Department Programs

1. The Education Department offers teacher preparation programs leading to certification in the following areas:
2. Early Childhood Education/Elementary - Birth-Grade 6 Elementary Education - Grades 1-6
3. Elementary/Middle School - Grades 1-6 and 5-9
4. Special Education/Mild Moderate Cross Categorical Disabilities - K-12 Middle School Education - Grades 5-9
5. Middle School/Secondary - Grades 5-12

• English Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies
• Business

6. Secondary Education – Grades 9-12

• Biology
• Business
• Chemistry
• Journalism
• Theatre/Speech
• English
• Mathematics
• Social Sciences

7. K-12 Programs

• Art Education
• French Education
• Music Education
• Physical Education
• Spanish Education
• TESOL

The Education Department offers non‐certified minors in Disability Studies and Teaching.

Education Standards and Approval Timeline

The Teacher Education Program consists of the following four benchmarks/levels of assessment:

1. Admit to Teacher Education

• Enroll in EDUC 220 & 225
• GPA: Content & Professional 3.0
• Pass the MoGEA (exempt: ACT composite 20+)
• Complete CliftonStrengths
• Register for SMSTA* & FCSR**
• Complete application for acceptance to the Education Program

2. Mid-Level Check

• GPA: Content & Professional 3.0
• Admitted to Teacher Education Program
• Maintained SMTSA & FCSR
• All Field Experiences A or B
• Professional Education Courses C- or higher

3. Approval for Student Teaching

• Maintained GPA: Content & Professional 3.0
• Admitted to Teacher Education & maintained SMSTA & FCSR
• Scheduled and/or attempted MoCA
• All dispositions resolved
• Recommendation of academic advisor & Education department chair
• Coursework successfully completed before student teaching semester
• Completed application
• All Field Experiences A or B
• Professional Education Courses C- or higher

4. Program Completer

• Maintained GPA
• Passed MoCA
• Successfully completed student teaching and all coursework
• Degree conferred by registrar
• MEES Evidence

A non-Evangel graduate wishing to be certified for teaching must:

1. Have graduated from an accredited college.
2. Complete an individual program of coursework identified to meet state requirements with a minimum of 30 hours completed at Evangel University.

Students are considered to have completed the program with the fulfillment of all the above criteria.

Criteria for Licensure

The student must

1. Have a passing score on the appropriate state required content assessments.
2. Have passed the background check administered through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the State of Missouri.
3. Have been granted a bachelor's degree by the university.

Recommendation for Certification. Final recommendation for certification in the State of Missouri is determined by satisfactory completion of college course work required for graduation and certification.

Content Assessment. All students are required to take the Missouri Content Assessment in the specialty area (see Criteria for Licensure) and achieve the mandated score before receiving recommendation for certification.

Post-Graduation Level. The following assessments are administered to graduates of an education program and their employers/supervisors one year after the students' completion of the program:

• Graduate Evaluation
• Employer Evaluation (sent to principal or employer)