Department of Teacher Education and Family Development

Department Information 

Department Chair: Shawn Christiansen
Teacher Education 318 ~ (435) 865-8171
christiansen@suu.edu

Administrative Assistant: Shirley Wilson
Teacher Education 324 ~ (435) 586-7802
wilson@suu.edu

Academic Advisor:
Sharwan Smith Student Center ~ (435) 586-5420
Teacher Education and Family Development - Heather Ogden (heatherogden1@suu.edu)

Website: http://www.suu.edu/ed/tehd/

Faculty:
Full Professors: Tom Cunningham, Prent Klag, David Lund;
Associate Professors: Shawn Christiansen, Rea Gubler, Michael McGarvey, Deb Hill, Bart Reynolds;
Assistant Professors: Karen Houser, Michiko Kobayashi, Carrie Trenholm, Nichole Wangsgard, Peggy Wittwer, Jim McCoy 

Degrees Offered 

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science

Elementary Education, B.A. 
Elementary Education, B.S. 

Family Life and Human Development

Family Life and Human Development: Early Childhood Development, B.A. 
Family Life and Human Development: Early Childhood Development, B.S. 
Family Life and Human Development: Family Services, B.A. 
Family Life and Human Development: Family Services, B.S.  

Areas of Concentration (Teaching)

Elementary Education Art 
English as a Second Language 
Elementary Early Childhood Education  (K-3 License)
English/Language Arts Elementary Education 
Elementary Education Science Education 
K-8 Mathematics Elementary Education 
Elementary Integrated Studies 
(These areas of concentration only apply to Elementary Education Majors)

Special Education Mild/Moderate Dual Licensure Concentration: K-12 
Gifted and Talented (Graduate Level Concentration)  

Non-Teaching Minors

Early Childhood Development Minor 
Family Services Minor  

The Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development’s Professional Teacher Education Program (PTEP) is currently accredited through the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC).

Overview of Programs 

Our undergraduate and graduate teacher education programs offer preparation and continuing professional development for teachers, supervisors, curriculum specialists and other professional personnel pursuing careers in early childhood, elementary education and secondary education settings. The Master of Education Degree (M.Ed.)  program is designed for persons who desire to engage in a graduate program that will help them improve their competencies as educators. Two degree options exist for students who wish to pursue careers in child and family development. The bachelor’s degree programs introduce students to family services and early childhood development. 

Mission

As members of a life-long community, the department’s mission is to prepare compassionate and reflective professionals focused on the whole child, inclusive of family and community, who celebrate learning, value diversity and excellence, and promote creative and critical thinking,

Goals of Professional Teacher Education

• offer sound and accessible preprofessional and professional preparation at undergraduate and graduate levels,
• provide scholarly contributions, leadership, and service at state, national, and international levels,
• contribute to the instructional, intellectual, economic, social, and cultural diversity missions of the University.

The Department strives to:

• develop maximal potential of individuals and groups for learning, living, and working,
• enhance the emotional, intellectual, and adaptive capabilities of children and adults across the life span and in a variety of settings,
• promote life-long learning of capable, knowledgeable, caring professionals through initial, advanced, and continuing education,
• respect the dignity of each person and all cultures.

Family Development Mission

Graduates are grounded in a strong foundation of early childhood education, developmentally appropriate practice, human development over the lifespan, marriage and family relationships, and family services. The graduate has an interdisciplinary understanding of education and practice and how to best serve children and families.

Professional Teacher Education Program Mission

The mission of the Professional Teacher Education Program (PTEP) at SUU is to direct the operation of a coherent professional education program to produce teachers and administrators who possess the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to positively impact learning for all students in diverse classroom environments.

The Beverley Taylor Sorenson (BTS) College of Education and Human Development’s Professional Teacher Education Program has a reputation for both academic rigor and solid connections to educational practice in the public schools.
 

Department/Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate is grounded in a strong foundation of education, developmentally appropriate practice, human development over the lifespan, marriage and family relationships, and family services.
• The graduate has developed skills to work with children, young adults and families across the family life cycle in a wide variety of settings.
• The graduate has developed an interdisciplinary understanding of education and practice and how to best serve children, families and communities.
• The graduate is sensitive to the diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds of the children, families and communities they serve.
• The graduate understands their personal values and professional ethics as they relate to best serving children and families.

Other Information

Licensure by the Utah State Office of Education

Level One Licensure

• Entry Level Licensure-Utah State Office of Education
• Passing score on the Praxis Content Test
• Professional Portfolio Assessment by Utah State Board of Education Committee
• Teacher entry year mentor and supervisor evaluations
• Graduate Follow-up Questionnaire
• Teacher Supervisor Questionnaire

Level Two Licensure

• Score of at least 160 on Praxis PLT Exam
• Passing score on the Praxis Content Test
• Professional Educator Level Licensure-Utah State Office of Ed
• Professional Portfolio Assessment by Utah State Board of Education Committee & School District Teaching Evaluations
• Utah State Office of Education Licensure and/or recertification points.

Level Three Licensure

• NBPTS Certification
• Doctoral Degree

Note on Graduation Requirements and Licensure

Graduation requirements as listed in the catalog apply to SUU only. It is possible that additional, unforeseen university and/or Utah State Teaching License requirement changes may add additional course work, examinations, etc. to the program. In order to be recommended for a Utah State Teaching License, all such requirements must be met, even though they may not appear in the current version of the catalog. BTS College of Education and Human Development and Academic Advisors will provide update information. 

The Praxis State Licensure and Program Requirement Exams

The Utah State Office of Education (USOE) adopted a series of tests for initial teacher licensure. Required tests are dependent upon the content (subject) area and grade level teacher candidates are preparing to teach. In addition, the Professional Teacher Education Programs require certain exams be taken in order to be eligible for graduation prior to licensure.

Secondary education majors are required to take and pass the PRAXIS II Subject Assessment (content) for their major. The Praxis II Subject Assessment (content) test must be taken and passed prior to placement for student teaching. If a content area test is not available in the major area of study, candidates may take the exam for their minor. Secondary education majors are also required to take the Praxis II PLT (Principals of Learning and Teaching) Secondary 7-12 test and must do so in order to graduate and/or be eligible for licensure. It is highly recommended that the Praxis II PLT be taken prior to student teaching.

Elementary majors are required to take and pass the Elementary Multiple Subjects Knowledge (content test) prior to being admitted into the Block* (*final pedagogical courses prior to student teaching). They are also required to take the Praxis II PLT (Principals of Learning and Teaching) K-6 test in order to graduate and/or be eligible for licensure. It is highly recommended the Praxis II PLT is taken prior to student teaching.

Students seeking to dual license in Special Education majors in addition to meeting either elementary or secondary content requirements are required to take the Special Education Knowledge-Based Core Principles test.

Registration and testing dates are published and announced. All tests are offered on campus through the SUU Student Services and Testing Center. Teacher candidates may also take the tests at any approved ETS test site. For registration forms and test dates and times consult the PRAXIS Bulletin.

A final word about the Praxis II PLT (Principals of Learning and Teaching) - Although failing the PRAXIS II PLT will not prevent a teacher candidate from completing the Professional Teacher Education Program or from graduating from SUU, the Praxis II PLT is required; primarily as an assessment tool to identify strengths and weaknesses of beginning teachers produced by the College. However, the Utah Education Code requires that teachers pass the PRAXIS II PLT in order to move from the initial Level I license to a Level II educator license. Teachers who fail to pass the test at the end of their Entry Year Experience (EYE) are required to develop a professional growth plan in collaboration with their employing district. Utah state Level I Teachers have up to three years to complete the test and qualify for Level II educator licensure.

Teacher candidates must meet the requirements as listed above for Praxis II exams respective to Elementary and Secondary Education programs, to be recommended by the BTS College of Education and Human Development for a Utah Educator License Level I; issued by the USOE. Contact Teacher Education Academic Advisor for required content test.

Admissions

A. Admission Procedures

Admission to the elementary or secondary education program is a separate process from Southern Utah University admission. Admission is competitive with a specific number of applicants being admitted each semester. Admission to the PTEP does not guarantee recommendation for license.

Required PTEP courses that may be taken prior to PTEP Admission:

 Professional Teacher Education Program Admission Component:
Admission packets, forms, and criteria are available in the Department of Teacher Education and Family Development ~ Teacher Education 324. Students desiring PTEP admission must:

1. Complete Professional Teacher Education Program Admission Folder. Written application must be submitted to the Department of Teacher Education and Family Development. Complete applications for admission must be submitted by the following deadlines:
   • Spring Admission - Last Friday in September
   • Fall Admission - Last Friday in January
      
2. Complete and receive Utah State Office of Education Background (Fingerprint) Clearance: Criminal Background Check
   A criminal background check is required before a Teacher Education candidate can work in the public schools in extended practicum and student teaching. Background Check information is available online at www.utah.gov/teachers.
   
   In compliance with the guidelines established by the Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission for Standards of Ethical Conduct for Utah Educators, it is expected that any candidate for admission to the teacher education programs at all Utah teacher education institutions, will voluntarily indicate to the teacher education institution that he/she has been convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony, or has been denied admission to any other teacher education program.
   
   Utah State Board of Education policy requires that teacher candidates’ fingerprints be submitted to the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI), a state agency, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which will search regional and national files for criminal convictions. Licensure cannot be obtained until the background clearance is complete and approved. In some cases, sealed records may be accessed to determine the candidates’ fitness for teaching. Background checks are valid for three years from the date they are completed.
    
3. Have required 2.75 CUM GPA. with a 3.0 CUM GPA for the semester (12 credit minimum) prior to admission. Failure to maintain a 3.0 once admitted to PTEP will result in probation. Two semesters of probation, with a GPA below 3.0, will result in revocation from program. A formal appeal is required for reinstatement.
    
4. Have received a “C” grade or higher on all completed General Education required courses.
    
5. Interview
    
6. Have taken PPST (reading, math, & writing) and received score of 175 or higher on each subtest

It is the responsibility of the student to assure admission components are complete and appropriately submitted. Notification of admission status will be approximately three weeks after completed folders are submitted. Students who are denied initial admission may appeal through the Professional Practices Committee or reapply in the future. Students must be willing to sign statements indicating compliance with the PTEP dress and behavior standards as well as Standards of Ethical Conduct for Utah Educators.

Required PTEP courses taken after admittance to the PTEP

*Require BTS College of Education and Human Development PTEP and Academic Advisor Approval

Students completing Area of Specialization courses with a course prefix of ECED, EDRG, EESL, or SPED must be admitted to the Professional Teacher Education Program.

Professional Teacher Education Program Capstone:

All prerequisites, general and specialization education courses must be completed prior to recommendation to Capstone. In addition:

2. Maintain a “B” grade or better for all Teacher Education courses including the following course prefixes: ECED, EDRG, EDUC, EESL, ELED, FLHD, SCED, SPED.

3. Receive recommendation to Capstone by PTEP Disposition Committee, Chair of Teacher Education and Family Development and Academic Advisor.

Required PTEP courses taken after being admitted to Capstone.

*Student-Teaching Courses

Student-Teaching
The Student-Teacher candidates must receive a unanimous recommendation from all PTEP professors. Student-Teacher candidates must submit and application to the Teacher Education Department Field Service Placement Office:

1. Student-Teaching Application are available online at http://www.suu.edu/ed/tehd and must be submitted to Field Service Placement Office by the date specified:
   • Student-Teaching in the Fall application due second Tuesday, prior February
   • Student-Teaching in the Spring application due second Tuesday, prior September.
      
2. A Student Teaching License from the Utah State Office of Education. Application at: https://secure.utah.gov/elr/welcome.html
    
3. Fees for Student Teaching: Students will be assessed a $20.00 per credit hour fee for student teaching. This will include the following student teaching courses: ECED 4980, ELED 4980, SCED 4980 and SPED 4980.
    
4. No teacher candidate will receive credit for student teaching while employed by a school district, other than an SUU approved internship.

The Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development is committed to a high quality student teaching experience. They are also committed to promoting and maintaining standards of excellence that meet College, Department, University, State, and National competencies. Student teaching placements will be made based on the following information:

1. Collaborative agreements made with cooperating school districts to place a specified number of teacher candidates in their district. This is based upon the school district’s needs and upon having sufficient numbers of mentor teachers and subject/grade availability. Each semester the Teacher Education Department will determine those districts that will be identified as cooperating school districts.
2. Placement requests for districts that are not identified as cooperating districts will be reviewed on a case by case basis. No placements will be made in such a district unless supervision requirements and arrangements are met.
3. Approximately 140 clinical practice placements are available each semester. Due to financial constraints and limited human resources for supervision, the Teacher Education Department will place the majority of student teaching within 125 miles of Southern Utah University. Additional placements may be made in Clark and Lincoln Counties, Nevada and other locales. Any other out of state student teaching placements are discouraged. Such placements are reviewed on a case by case basis.
4. No placement made outside of the Field Services Placement Office will be accepted.

Teacher Education Department Field Service Placement Office will seek placement for the teacher candidate in a district and school approved by the department. Placement of teacher candidates will be done by the SUU Teacher Education Department Field Service Placement Office in collaboration with cooperating districts. Once placed, the teacher candidate will be notified in writing and will be given 10 days upon the receipt of placement notification to accept the placement or make written appeal.

Upon acceptance of student teaching placement, the student will be registered for the required number of student teaching hours, and pay all required fees. Registration for student teaching will be done by the Teacher Education Department and will be completed no later than the final day of registration for seniors. Any student withdrawing from student teaching after registration will forfeit student teaching fees.

Students will be assigned to their student teaching placement for the time needed to complete their licensure requirements. Students must successfully complete their student teaching assignment and be evaluated by their mentor teacher(s) and Education supervisor. These evaluations and all other criteria are to be given to the Education Supervisor no later than one week prior to the last day of finals in any given semester. Student teaching accountability folders will be reviewed by the Teacher Education Department. Completed folders will be forwarded to the appropriate department for filing of permanent records and data collection.

A graduation and licensure check will be completed by the College of Education and Human Development Dean’s Office and the Academic Advisor. Recommendations for licensure will be forwarded to the Utah State Office of Education. Incomplete student folders will not be forwarded to the licensure office until completed.

Student Teaching - Out of Utah
Any out of State placements are discouraged. Since the Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development at SUU licenses teachers in Utah and follows guidelines established by the USOE and accreditation agencies. Out of state placements must meet rigorous standards and conditions. They are as follows:

• All Out of State Student Teaching placements are reviewed on a case by case basis by the Department Chair and Field Service Placement Office.
• Individuals requesting an Out of State Placement must be in good standing and present a compelling reason for such a placement. This is to be submitted in writing to the Program Specialist over Field Placements six (6) months prior to the deadline of the semester they desire to do their Student Teaching. All candidates, as well as schools/districts outside of Utah where placement is requested, must agree to follow all policies and procedures established by SUU’s College of Education and Human Development for Student Teaching.
• Candidates seeking Out of State Student Teaching Placement must be willing to pay any additional costs or fees related to supervision and the successful completion of Student Teaching. Candidates will be expected to cover all other expenses related to relocation based upon the placement.
• In the event a Candidate must be removed from an Out of State Placement, action will follow current procedures as identified in the College of Education and Human Development

Teaching Internship Opportunities
Periodically the Teacher Education Department and Cooperating School Districts within the State of Utah collaborate and provide teaching internship opportunities for qualified teacher candidates. Such internships can provide teacher candidates with valuable experiences that enhance their professional skills and development. Teacher candidates who are interested in a teaching internship in a public school must have all course work completed including all of their professional education courses, with the exception of clinical practice. Teacher candidates must meet the same requirements necessary for student teaching. Any student who is interested in a teaching internship must contact the Department Chair for admission requirements and application. (Forms are available online at http://www.suu.edu/ed/tehd)

B. Policy for Transfer Students

All transfer students must have their teacher education credit hours evaluated. They must meet the following conditions:

1. Recency Requirement: Professional education courses completed prior to the SUU Elementary or Secondary education program are evaluated for content and current educational standards. Courses older than ten (10) years will not be accepted. Some programs and endorsements may vary, check with department.
2. Practicum: Practicum experience will be permitted only when the following conditions have been satisfied:
   1. Time spent in practicum and student teaching is equivalent to SUU requirements.
   2. Evidence documenting successful participation and completion of such experiences.
   3.  The student has completed all professional teacher education course work and content majors and minors (or approved equivalents) as required by the Department of Teacher Education and Family Development.
3. Course articulation: transfer courses being considered must articulate with existing course work at Southern Utah University.

C. Professional Practices Committee

The Southern Utah University PTEP Professional Practices Committee (PPC) is responsible for insuring that all students admitted to PTEP are in compliance with all State of Utah licensure requirements as well as all Southern Utah University institutional requirements.

Students seeking educator licensure at Southern Utah University found to be in violation of the established Standards of Ethical Conduct for Utah Educators’ will be referred to the PPC. Students not in compliance may be referred to the Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The PPC shall also have the authority to review students’ appeals regarding such catalog requirements as admissions, completion of graduation and licensure requirements, student teaching evaluations, etc. The PPC schedule meetings on an as needed basis.

D. Appeals Process - Due Process Procedure

Students who have applied for and been denied admission to college programs may appeal the decision to the College of Education and Human Development PPC. The BTS College of Education and Human Development Academic Advisor will provide the students with an appeal form and a copy of the due process memorandum. Following consideration of the student appeal the PPC, through the Academic Advisor, will inform the student in writing the appeals decision and any stipulation/conditions attached to the decision. This written notice and the action of the committee will be noted on the copy of the appeals form returned to the student. If the student wishes to appeal the decision or stipulations/conditions attached to the committee decision, the student may appeal to the Dean of the BTS College of Education and Human Development. The Academic Advisor will provide the student with another copy of the appeal form and will notify the Dean of a possible appeal by noting such on the original appeal and forwarding a copy to the Dean of the BTS College of Education and Human Development.

E. Probation, Revocation and Reinstatement

After being admitted to the PTEP, a student’s GPA may not fall below the 3.0 standard. Should it be necessary to place a student on probation or revoke the student’s admission, the due process procedure will be followed. The definitions and procedures below will govern situations involving probation, revocation and reinstatement.

Probation

Students who have been admitted to the PTEP must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA each semester. Failure to maintain a 3.0 GPA for one semester will result in the Academic Advisor sending a letter to the student informing him/her that he/she is on probation. Students on probation will be removed from probationary status by the Academic Advisor if the student’s GPA, the next semester, is a minimum 3.0. Students on probation may continue enrolling in Education courses.

Revocation

A student who fails to meet the 3.0 GPA any two semesters will be informed that his/her admission to the PTEP has been revoked. The student will not be allowed to enroll in education courses until he/she has been reinstated.

Reinstatement

A student whose admission has been revoked must apply through the Professional Practices Committee (PPC) for reinstatement to the PTEP. After submitting an application for reinstatement, the student may be readmitted after 12 credit hours of 3.0 GPA with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better.

Note: Students applying for reinstatement should be aware that the  dates of registration and posting of grades may result in them not being reinstated in time to enroll in education classes they may need. By the time their 3.0 GPA has been verified the class(es) needed  may be closed.

Area of Concentration

An approved area of concentration is required for elementary education majors. To teach in grades 7 and 8, a secondary teaching content minor is required. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisor before making course-work selections.

Special Education (Mild/Moderate) Dual-Licensure (K-12)

1. Statement of Philosophy

To facilitate inclusion with a collaboration emphasis, all students wishing to certify in Mild/Moderate Special Education at SUU must also be certified in elementary or secondary education.

Students planning to teach students with mild/moderate learning, behavioral, or intellectual disabilities must complete the major in mild/moderate special education in addition to either the Elementary Major or the Secondary Education Licensure.

2. Admission to the Mild/Moderate Special Education program

The SUU Mild/Moderate Special Education program is a very carefully sequenced program. The program is limited to 35 students per group who start each sequence of classes. New sequences of classes start each fall semester.

Admission to the SUU Mild/Moderate Special Education program is contingent on the following:

1. Admission to the PTEP.
2. Completion of SPED 3030  with a grade of “B” or better.

Continued enrollment in the Mild/Moderate Special Education program is contingent on the maintenance of a “B” grade or better in all classes in the program. Application materials and further information regarding this program may be obtained by contacting the Teacher Education Department.

3. Specific Special Education/Dual-Licensure Student Teaching Requirements:

To be eligible to complete student teaching in a special education school setting, the teacher candidate:

• Must have been officially admitted to the PTEP Capstone
• Must have completed all requirements for the Major in Elementary Ed or Academic Major for Secondary Ed
• Will not register for any other course work during student teaching
• Will have completed all PTEP and Special Education Courses