The School of Education offers majors in ten National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and Florida State Approved Teacher Education Programs, Elementary Education, Exceptional Student Education (K-12), Middle Grades English, General Science and Mathematics, Secondary Education Biology, English, and Mathematics, Physical Education (K-12) and Music Education (K-12). The bachelor of science degrees offered in these specialized fields, along with the teacher education curriculum, prepare students for a professional teaching career in the respective content areas. Additionally, a minor is available in Health Education.

The curricular offerings in the Professional Education Program provide opportunities to learn and practice appropriate theories, concepts, and strategies. The Professional Education Program provides teacher trainees with the skills and competencies necessary to be effective educators by emphasizing such areas as methodologies of instruction, curriculum development, classroom management, assessment, field activities, and internship experience. The curriculum developed for majors leading to teacher certification is based on NCATE standards, national standards, and the State Board of Education rules prescribed in Chapter 6A.5FAC of the Department of Education for the State of Florida. The School must make program modifications as mandated by the State.

MISSION STATEMENT

The professional education program at Florida Memorial University is designed to uphold and carry out the mission of the University to provide effective academic programs that lead to life-long learning and leadership through service. The dynamics of change have led to the continuation of high expectations for the quality of educators prepared at this institution, from increasing the diversity of the student population to revising the program that addresses the use of technology.

Effective educators are expected to demonstrate scholarship, service, and research as they prepare to become professionals in their respective fields. Graduates of the teacher education program are noted for their professionalism and their belief that all children can learn. The School’s vision may be captured by the following theme: “Continuing the Heritage, Legacy and Tradition of Florida Memorial University: Preparing Constructivist, Competent, Educators, C 3E.”

Admission to the Professional Education Program

The curriculum for the Professional Education Program is designed to be fulfilled in approximately two years after completion of the general education program for education majors required by Florida Memorial University. Although students may declare education as a major upon admission to the University, students are not fully admitted into the program until the following requirements are met:

1. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 at the completion of the core curriculum
2. A passing score on all four subsections of the General Knowledge (GK) examination
3. An above average pre-student evaluation for EDU 313 – Pre-student teaching
4. A one-page written statement entitled “Reasons for Teacher Education Career Choice”

Provisional status for admittance into the Professional Education Program will be granted to any student who has not met all the requirements for full admission. Provisional status will be granted at the discretion of the Professional Education Program faculty committee.

Admission to Teacher Education Internship

 The Professional Education Program concludes with the Education Internship. The internship experience provides the vehicle for teacher trainees to demonstrate teacher competencies by connecting the theoretical with the practical experiences through implementation of the teaching process. Application must be completed by the announced deadline one semester prior to the internship experience. Internship is completed during the last semester of the senior year. Before applying for internship, students must be fully accepted into the Professional Education Program, including passing all subsections of the General Knowledge Examination (see above admission requirements). Students must also complete all required education courses. Acceptance into the Education Internship Program is granted by the Professional Education Program faculty committee. Additionally, to qualify for acceptance into the internship program, students must first satisfy the following requirements:

1. An overall GPA 2.5 or higher
   
2. A typed one page essay on “My Philosophy of Education”
   
3. Successful completion of 150 clock hours in pre-student teaching
   experiences or the equivalent with average or above average evaluations
   
4. Successful completion of the Professional section of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE)
   
5. Completion of local school districts/school requirements including a background clearance

Graduation Requirements

Before graduating from the School of Education Professional Education Program, the student must have

1. Completed all requirements for the Professional Education Program (see above admission requirements)
   
2. Passed the subject area of the FTCE examination
   
3. Completed graduation requirements
   
4. Completed and submitted all appropriate materials for graduation with the Registrar. (Education programs are subject to change based on mandates from the Florida Department of Education.)

Accomplished Practices (PDF)

Click here to go to the The Florida Fund for Minority Teachers (FFMT) website.