Bachelor of Science Elementary Education

What is distinctive about a degree in Elementary Education at the University of Dubuque?

The mission of the Teacher Education Program is to prepare qualified, caring, and effective educators. This mission is based on a conceptual framework with five components:

• Professional dispositions guided by the Iowa Code of Ethics.
• Content knowledge - a thorough understanding of the content required to teach a lesson. The University of Dubuque's liberal arts focus provides a solid foundation of core courses.
• Pedagogical knowledge - includes the general principles of teaching and an understanding of instruction and classroom management.
• Knowledge of learners - the practitioner candidate understands theories of development and how students learn.
• UD's practitioner candidates must demonstrate competency in the program goals, which are aligned with InTASC standards, the Iowa state core, and Iowa licensing standards.

The Teacher Education Program offers numerous endorsements (minors) that can be completed with your major. Endorsement areas allow you to add flexibility to your teaching license and help you find the perfect job.

Education is a very rewarding profession. It fulfills a need to serve children, provides opportunities to build relationships within a community, and allows meaningful contributions to society. The teacher education program at the University of Dubuque provides a supportive environment as preservice teachers prepare to become professional educators who are prepared to take control of their own classroom.

The initial years (2-3) in a teaching career are meant for gathering experience and gaining the competencies which enable new teachers to serve their colleagues as teacher-leaders. University of Dubuque graduates often continue their formal education by obtaining a master's degree in education, counseling, or administration which can then lead to careers as an Instructional Coach, Curriculum Director, School Psychologist, Guidance Counselor, Principal, or Superintendent. Working for local Area Education Agencies (AEA), Regional Offices of Education (ROE), Cooperative Education Service Agencies (CESA), or even state Departments of Education can also be future careers after spending time as a classroom teacher.

Admission to Teacher Education is a formal process, representing the initial step towards becoming eligible for recommendation for an Iowa teaching license. Applications are electronic and may be requested from the Teacher Education Secretary at 307 Smith Hall. Applicants should note that admission to Teacher Education does not guarantee subsequent approval for Student Teaching. Approval for Student Teaching is a process separate from admission to Teacher Education.

It is recommended that students complete the process for Admission to Teacher Education by the second term of their sophomore year. The Teacher Education Admissions Committee, made up of Education faculty, meets in December and May. Application deadlines are December 1 and May 1.

ADMISSION CRITERIA:

1. Complete ENG 101, RES 104, COM 101, MATH 112 (or higher), EDU 100, EDU 200, and EDU 202.
2. Earn a GPA of 2.75 or higher.
3. Earn no grade below C.
4. Complete an admission interview.
5. You may not have taken any course leading to graduation or licensure more than 2 times (only 1 retake of a course).
6. Submit online application form (request the form from the Teacher Education Secretary at 307 Smith Hall).
7. Submit formal essay (see below).
8. Complete at least 10 hours of education related service (mandatory beginning in Fall 2011).
9. Complete at least 20 hours of school-based experience.
10. Have an excellent disposition to teach. This includes an average of 2.0 or higher on the UD Disposition Evaluation Assessment (as recommended by the State of Iowa) as well as written evaluations from education course instructors. Students who display behaviors, including academic dishonesty, that are in opposition to the University of Dubuque Mission Statement or values associated with the UD Wendt Character Initiative may not be accepted into the Program.

The Teacher Education program meets the educational requirements for Professional Licensure in the State of Iowa as well as many other states. For information about how our program aligns with licensure requirements in a specific state, contact the head of the Teacher Education program, Dr. Chad Biermeier by email at CBiermeier@dbq.edu.

University of Dubuque Approval to Student Teach Requirements
Student teaching, the culminating experience for the Education student, should take place the term before graduation. During the spring term of the academic year prior to the year when a student expects to student teach, an Application to Obtain Approval for Student Teaching must be completed and submitted to the Teacher Education Office no later than March 1. Approval is necessary before student teaching. Final approval for student teaching is dependent on the Teacher Education faculty's review of the following:

1. Admission to, and retention in, the Teacher Education Program
2. Completion of the QCEE Certificate Program
3. Application to Obtain Approval for Student Teaching (Due March 1st academic year prior to student teaching)
4. Academic transcripts to verify successful completion of all general education requirements, all professional education requirements, and content core requirements with a grade of C or higher. No incomplete or WIP grades may appear on the transcript except the current term, which must be completed in the current term.
5. Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher
6. Have an excellent disposition to teach. This includes an average of 2.0 or higher on the UD Disposition Evaluation Assessment (as recommended by the State of Iowa) as well as written evaluations from education and Core course instructors. Students who display behaviors, including academic dishonesty, that are in opposition to the University of Dubuque Mission statement or values associated with the UD Wendt Character Initiative may not be accepted into the program
7. All required school-based experiences have been successfully documented
8. Submission of a program portfolio that demonstrates a rating of "Met" in each of the program goals

Transfer students must consult with the Department Chair of Teacher Education for their specific requirements, complete one term at the University of Dubuque and meet the above criteria.