Department of Teacher Education and Administration

Main Office
Matthews Hall, Room 206

Mailing address:
1155 Union Circle #310740
Denton, TX 76203-5017
940-565-2920
Fax: 940-565-4952

Curriculum and Instruction
Reading Education
Matthews Hall, Room 218
940-565-2922

Elementary Education
Secondary Education
Matthews Hall, Room 204
940-565-2826

Educational Administration
Matthews Hall, Room 218
940-565-2175

Nancy Nelson, Chair

The Department of Teacher Education and Administration offers undergraduate and graduate programs to develop highly competent teachers, school administrators and others who wish to provide educational leadership to organizations. Effective instruction, curriculum development and evaluation are emphasized in all programs. Students use current theory and research to make decisions about effective practice. The department strives to improve practice through generation of new knowledge and through service to educational institutions, governmental agencies and practitioners at all levels.

The teacher education programs at the University of North Texas have a long history of preparing effective teachers. As the needs of children and schools of Texas change, the programs continue to change. In 1992, the teacher education programs began to establish professional development schools, which are field-based educator preparation programs. In professional development school programs, public school teachers and administrators collaborate with faculty from the University of North Texas to prepare teachers for the challenges of the new century. Teacher education students in professional development schools learn and apply their knowledge and skills in clinical settings under the supervision of master teachers. The programs in teacher education are working toward the goal of assuring that all students recommended for certification have had experience in professional development schools.

Programs in teacher education are approved by the State Board for Educator Certification (1701 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701 [www.tea.state.tx.us]) and are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) (2010 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036-1023; 202-466-7496 [www.ncate.org]).

The department offers teacher certification programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduates seeking teacher certification in early childhood through grade six (EC–6) or grades 4–8 should enroll in the Bachelor of Science program with a major in interdisciplinary studies. Undergraduates seeking certification in all-level or secondary education receive a degree though the major department and add the required courses for teacher certification.

Students who have earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited university may have their undergraduate transcript evaluated in the Teacher Education and Administration Office in Matthews Hall, Room 204E, to develop a post-baccalaureate certification plan. Post-baccalaureate students must apply for admission and be admitted to the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies prior to enrolling in any classes (see the Graduate Catalog for admission requirements).

Programs of Study

The department offers an undergraduate programs in the following area:

Bachelor of Science with a major in interdisciplinary studies (early childhood through grade 6 or grades 4 through 8)

Admission, Review and Retention (ARR) Committee

The ARR Committee reviews referrals made by faculty and determines a course of action. The ARR Committee also reviews student appeals and determines an appropriate course of action regarding changes in the student’s course of study. Any instructor in the College of Education has the right and responsibility to refer any student to the ARR Committee if that instructor has a concern about a student’s academic progress, behavioral characteristics or communication skills that indicates potential problems in school settings.

Admission to Teacher Education

To enroll in any teacher preparation course, with the exceptions of EDEE 2000 and EDSP 3210 , students

must have completed the University Core Curriculum and field of study with a 2.75 GPA or have at least 60 hours (junior standing) with a 2.75 GPA. (See “General University Requirements ” in the Academics section of this catalog.) Programs in teacher education require specific courses contained in parts of the University Core Curriculum to satisfy particular degree requirements. Students should consult program advisors in Matthews Hall, Room 105, for best choices in the core;
must have passing scores on THEA (formerly TASP) (Reading = 240, Math = 230, Writing = 220);
must formally apply and be admitted to Teacher Education through the College of Education Student Advising Office in Matthews Hall, Room 105; and
must meet all requirements for the specific certification level listed in the following table.

Teacher Certification

Teacher certification is a function of the State Board for Educator Certification within the Educator Certification and Standards Division of the Texas Education Agency. Completion of the bachelor’s degree and the required education courses does not necessarily result in certification by the agency. All undergraduate students seeking recommendation for initial teacher certification through the University of North Texas must (1) successfully complete an approved teacher education program for the preparation of early childhood, middle grades, secondary or all-level teachers; (2) successfully complete student teaching, which includes attending appropriate seminars and passing a comprehensive teacher preparation examination; and (3) pass appropriate sections of the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES), as applicable. The TExES is offered at least once each long term/semester and once in the summer. Contact the TExES Advising Office in Matthews Hall, Room 103, for further information (940-369-8601).

Those seeking early childhood or middle grades generalist certification must present acceptable scores on the Elementary Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) and the EC–6 Generalist or 4–8 Generalist portions of the TExES required for specific certifications. Students seeking EC–6 or 4–8 generalist certification along with special education, bilingual education, or ESL education certification will either take a special version of the Generalist examination or will take an additional examination in addition to the PPR and Generalist tests. Those seeking basic secondary certification must present acceptable scores on the Secondary Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) and content area portions of the TExES. Additional certifications may require satisfactory scores on portions related to those areas. Students should contact the TExES Advising Office in Matthews Hall, Room 103, to determine which exams apply to them and for other pertinent information. Students working on a teacher certification plan must meet all requirements stated on their certification (deficiency) plan.

Early Childhood Education

Student Advising Office
Matthews Hall, Room 105
940-565-2736

Career Advising
Matthews Hall, Room 119
940-565-4646

Early Childhood Education provides students a program of study and career opportunities in fields relating to the care and education of young children, birth to age eight.

The Child Development Laboratory is an accredited preschool program for children ages 3 through 5. In addition, it serves as a model, an observation site and a training center for undergraduate and graduate students in fields related to young children. Research related to early childhood issues is conducted by graduate students and faculty members from across the university.

Programs of Study

Students interested in pursuing teacher certification in early childhood education (EC–6) should consult the information regarding the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (see section regarding Admission to Teacher Certification also in this catalog).

Scholarships

The program offers several scholarships designated specifically for students majoring in early childhood education (EC–6) at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Early childhood education students may also be eligible for scholarships awarded through the Department of Teacher Education and Administration in Matthews Hall, Room 218.

Applications are available in the program office, Matthews Hall, Room 119. Deadlines for application vary slightly with each academic year, but generally occur in early February, with awards generally being announced in late spring. Check with the department office, Stovall Hall, Room 155, for additional scholarship information.

Elementary Education

State Requirements

The degree requirements for the BS with a major in interdisciplinary studies meet or exceed those mandated by the State of Texas.

Scholarships

The University of North Texas is committed to excellence in all academic programs. In keeping with this commitment the university offers a variety of scholarships and awards to continuing students and to exceptional entering freshmen and transfer students. The university has two categories of competitive academic scholarships: general and departmental. Information on general scholarships may be obtained from Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.

The programs in elementary and reading education have many scholarships available to undergraduate students. These include the following: Dr. Watt Clack Meadows Scholars Secondary Education Scholarship; R.C. Bradley Scholarship; Ben C. Bryson Scholarship for Teachers; Laverne Gregory and William Earl Cooper Memorial Scholarship; Carroll L. and Lewis M. Corson Scholarship; Linda Martin Crowder Memorial Scholarship, Dr. Kaaren C. Day Elementary Education Scholarship; Reva Sykes Friedsam Scholarship; Violet and Eunice Garrish Cooke County Education Scholarship; Corinne Gibson Memorial Scholarship; John H. Guyer Family Scholarship; Dr. Clifford A. Hardy Memorial Scholarship; E. Lamar Hoke Memorial Scholarship; Mary Anne Bussey Johnson Scholarship; Bessie and Joe Killen Education Scholarship; Suzanne and Elmer Kretzschmar Scholarship; Maydell Matthews Laney Elementary Education Scholarship; Richard Magers Scholarship; James Carl and Rena Mae Matthews Scholarship; Dean Emeritus James R. Miller Scholarship; Frankie Martin Montgomery Memorial Scholarship; Tommye Frerich Rafes Scholarship; Phyllis Ray Scholarship; Carlos L. and Gregoria Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship; Martha F. Turner Shining Star Scholarship Endowment; Margaret Virginia Stevens Memorial Scholarship; Helen Young Stricklin Memorial Scholarship; Harold Sunderman Memorial Scholarship in Secondary Education; William Austin Turner, Jr. Memorial Scholarship; B. Dwain Vance Scholarship for Science Teachers; Phillip and Margaret Walker Memorial Scholarship; Mary Carlisle Webb Scholarship; Mary E.J. Wells Scholarship; Dr. Ann Sartin Windle Memorial Scholarship; and Betsy and James Wood Scholarship.

Information on these scholarships may be obtained in Matthews Hall, Room 218.

Secondary Education

Secondary Education, in cooperation with other schools and departments, offers a complete curriculum of teacher preparation. A Standard Teacher’s Certificate for teaching grades 8–12 is available with the completion of a major in an approved teaching field and a minor in secondary education .

Undergraduate professional development courses in secondary education constitute a minor for bachelor’s degree programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business or the College of Public Affairs and Community Service. The program of studies offered through Secondary Education meets all current professional development requirements for Texas teacher certification.

Requirements for Secondary and All-Level Teacher Certification

The State of Texas Teacher’s Certificate requires completion of an approved four-year degree program. Completion of the bachelor’s degree in the content area (see explanation of options below) and the professional development sequence meets the requirements of the State Board for Educator Certification for the Standard Secondary Teacher’s Certificate for grades 8–12.

Minor in Mathematics and Science Secondary Teaching

Individuals interested in pursuing certification in math or science teaching at the secondary level may wish to pursue a minor through the Teach North Texas program. See “Teach North Texas ” in the College of Arts and Sciences section of this catalog.

Degree/Certification Plan

The degree/certification plan is the official document outlining the student’s course of study. The student is responsible for initiating the degree/certification plan process and should do so as soon as possible after being formally enrolled at the university and prior to the first term/semester in teacher education.

Advising should be sought in the Student Advising Office. The student, with advisement, makes decisions relating to the program of study. The degree/certification plan is subsequently prepared in the College of Education Student Advising Office in Matthews Hall, Room 105. Degree/certification plan processing takes four to six weeks. Students must make an appointment to review completed degree/certification plans in Matthews Hall, Room 105. Any changes in degree/certification plans must be approved by the academic departments and the Department of Teacher Education and Administration office.

Educational Administration

See Graduate Catalog.

Educational Curriculum and Instruction

See Graduate Catalog.

Graduate Degrees

The department offers graduate programs in the following areas:

Master of Science with a major in early childhood studies
Master of Education with a major in reading education*
Master of Education with a major in educational administration
Doctor of Education with a major in educational administration
Master of Education with a major in secondary education
Master of Education with a major in curriculum and instruction
Master of Science with a major in early childhood studies
Doctor of Philosophy with a major in educational studies

The PhD with a major in educational studies offers concentrations in curriculum studies, early childhood studies, education leadership, and language and literacy studies.

*This program not currently accepting students.

For further information on graduate degrees and certificates available in the graduate programs, consult the Graduate Catalog.