College of Education

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The College of Education (COE) is the organizational unit for the Department of Teacher Education and the Interdisciplinary Studies Program, TRIO Programs, and the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP). The Dean of the College of Education provides leadership for the unit and works collaboratively with deans of the other units to ensure continuity with university-wide initiatives and to develop school and community partners.

The Department of Teacher Education prepares students to become eligible for Georgia certification through Bachelor of Science in Education (BSED) programs in the following areas: Middle Grades Education (4-8) with concentration areas in Mathematics, Science, English/Language Arts, or Social Studies (students must select two); Secondary Education (6-12) with concentrations in Biology Education and Mathematics Education; and Engineering and Technology Education (P-12). Also, the Department of Teacher Education, in collaboration with the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences prepares students to become eligible for Georgia certification through the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Visual and Performing Arts with concentrations in Music Education (P-12). The Department provides course-based field experiences that culminate in a full-year experience with a practicum at a school site followed by student teaching. Under the guidance of a cooperating teacher and university supervisor, students integrate theory with practice in a school setting relevant to the certification area. All teacher certification programs are accredited by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC). Graduates who meet all certification requirements are eligible to apply to the GaPSC to become Georgia certified teachers.

There is also a post-baccalaureate option for students with bachelor’s degrees to add on teacher certification after graduation. Students who would like to determine eligibility for the post-baccalaureate program should contact the Department of Teacher Education.

The Interdisciplinary Studies Program leading to the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIDS) degree offers learning in a broad range of subject areas across the colleges and majors in the university. Students complete the general education and core courses in a science or non-science track and may choose to design the BIDS program of studies following an Interdisciplinary, Multidisciplinary Studies or an Educational Studies concentration. Students in the Educational Studies concentration typically complete Area F education courses and then select from education or educational studies courses. Students interested in Interdisciplinary Studies and concentration options should work with their advisor and consult with the BIDS program coordinator to map out a program of study.

TRIO Programs are Federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO at Savannah State University includes three programs–Educational Talent Search, Student Support Services, and Upward Bound. These programs are primarily designed to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post baccalaureate programs.

GEAR UP is a discretionary grant program designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. GEAR UP provides six-year grants to states and partnerships to provide services at high-poverty middle and high schools. GEAR UP grantees serve an entire cohort of students beginning no later than the seventh grade and follow the cohort through high school.

Savannah State University’s College of Education teacher preparation programs are approved by the University System of Georgia’s (USG) Board of Regents and the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) and the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).

Mission

Preparing Global, Reflective, Professional Educators
The mission of the Department of Teacher Education in collaboration with P-20 institutions is to prepare and empower professional educators with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to teach all students in a global, diverse educational setting, to provide inclusive learning environments, and to demonstrate ethical behavior.

Vision

The vision of the Department of Teacher Education strives to produce graduates who embrace dynamic educational changes that encompass technological innovations, diversity and global environments, and have the intellectual capacity to teach all children to be productive citizens in a global community. To this end, the department and its faculty are committed to on-going research that informs educational practice, exemplary teaching that addresses the needs of all learners, and collaborative partnerships that promote outreach activities to P-12 schools and to those in other disciplines. It is through intentional design and implementation that COE teacher preparation programs are standards-aligned, assessment focused, integrated with technology, and use researched-based pedagogy that embed learner-driven outcomes for all students.

Teacher Preparation Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)

The program student learning outcomes (PSLOs) are aligned to the unit’s mission and conceptual framework. As programs that are grounded in research- based teaching practices and that adheres to the principles, policies, and procedures framed in state and national standards, the teacher preparation programs in the College of Education’s Department of Teacher Education enable teacher candidates to be equipped to address the academic achievement of all students. More specifically, COE’s PSLOs are outlined in items 1-5 that define candidate proficiencies.

PSLO 1. Content and Pedagogical Knowledge

Teacher candidates will possess induction level content and pedagogical knowledge as demonstrated by the ability to address state and local curricula and standards that meet the needs of all students through relevant learning experiences.

PSLO 2. Instruction: Planning, Strategies, Differentiation, and Technology

Teacher candidates will use research-based, instructional strategies and technologies that are relevant to the content and that address individual learning needs and interests to actively engage learners in higher-order and critical thinking.

PSLO 3. Assessment: Strategies and Use of Data

Teacher candidates will be able to design and select varied diagnostic, formative, and summative assessment tools and strategies that are appropriate for the content and student population and use technology to analyze and develop data- driven solutions to improve instruction and provide constructive feedback to students, parents, and stakeholders.

PSLO 4. Supportive and Challenging Learning Environment

Teacher candidates will be able to create and maintain a supportive, student-centered academic environment in which learners are challenged and encouraged to become self-directed and reflective learners to achieve at their full potential.

PSLO 5. Professionalism and Communication

Teacher candidates will exhibit professional ethics and the dispositions expected of an educator through professional development, communication and collaboration with colleagues, and engagement with students and the school community.

Teacher Preparation

Acceptance and enrollment at Savannah State University (SSU) does not automatically qualify an applicant for the Teacher Education Program. In accordance with Board of Regents, the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, and the College of Education (COE), students seeking to become teacher candidates must apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program. During the first three semesters, students interested in the Teacher Education Program should enroll in Education Foundation courses and successfully complete course work and field hours in EDUC 2110 - Investigating Critical and Contemporary Issues in Education , EDUC 2120 - Socio-cultural Influences in Teaching and Learning , and EDUC 2130 - Exploring Teaching and Learning . Students should also complete general education and core requirements as outlined in this catalog and on program maps. In addition to required coursework, students MUST pass the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) as explained below.

Students interested in teacher education apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program and must:

1. Complete and submit an application for admission to the College of Education
2. Successfully complete at least 30 semester credits of accredited college coursework.
3. Complete 30 clock hours of field experience.
4. Submit a verification of tort liability insurance.
5. Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 (4.0 scale) grade point average (with grade of C or higher) for designated courses in the system core curriculum Areas A-F.
6. Submit passing scores on the GACE Program Admission Assessment or be exempt by acceptable SAT (totaling 1000 or more in Reading & Math or 1080 total if taken after July 2019) or ACT (totaling 43 in English & Math) scores.
7. Complete EDUC 2110 , EDUC 2120 , and EDUC 2130  with grades of C or higher.
8. Submit a positive recommendation along with the character disposition survey from a faculty member at Savannah State University.
9. Submit a Philosophy of Teaching as completed in Education Foundation courses (EDUC 2110 , EDUC 2120 , and EDUC 2130 ).
10. Complete an interview with a representative(s) of the Department of Teacher Education.

In addition to the requirements listed above, students must apply and be granted a Pre-Service Certification from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC).

Note: There are additional fees and assessment requirements, as mandated by the GaPSC, associated with teacher preparation that will be reviewed with students prior to admission.

Course Lettering System

Four capital letters followed by four numbers are used to designate individual courses. The following is a list of the abbreviations used in specific content areas.

College of Education

BSED students should refer to Program Maps for the complete, sequenced program of study. Program maps are found on the COE web pages and are available in the College of Education Office and from Professional advisors and faculty mentors.

Education program requirements may change at the discretion of the College of Education and the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

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