Education

Faculty

Suellyn M. Henke, chair and associate professor.
B.P., 1987, M.A.T., 1990, Ph.D., 2000, Miami University (Ohio). Appointed 2002.

Melissa J. Mercer-Tachick, assistant professor.
B.S., 1993, University of Michigan; M.A.T., 1996, George Washington University; M.Ed., 2000, University of Florida; Ph.D., 2006, University of Michigan. Appointed 2004.

Mary E. Schudel, visiting instructor.
B.A., 1966, Ohio Wesleyan University; M.A., 1979, Eastern Michigan University. Appointed 2005.

Kyle D. Shanton, associate professor.
B.A., 1985, University of Iowa; M.A., 1990, Ph.D., 1998, University of Arizona. Appointed 2006.

General Information

The Education Department is the academic unit housing the faculty and courses that support the mission of the Fritz Shurmur Education Institute and the teacher education program. Information about the program of study and certification may be found in this section. Summary information on the Institute may be found in the Academic Programs section.

Albion College's teacher certification program in elementary, secondary, and K-12 education is fully accredited by the Michigan Department of Education. We welcome students of all races, religions, or national origins and are in full compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Education Department Web site

Admission--Students may formally apply for admission to the teacher education program after successfully completing Education 201. They need to have a 2.7 cumulative grade point average, have taken and passed all three sections (Reading, Mathematics, and Writing) of the Michigan Basic Skills Tests and documented commitment by demonstrating previous work with children/adolescents in an educational setting. Detailed requirements for admission to the teacher certification program may be obtained directly from the Education Department.

Teacher education program students are required to maintain a 2.7 cumulative grade point average, and a 3.0 average in their major, minor and in other course work required for the teacher certification program.

Students must sign up for student teaching no later than January of the preceding academic year. Student teaching is a capstone experience that brings many significant responsibilities and obligations, and involves time commitments during and after school as well as many evenings. Therefore, student teachers must petition to receive advance permission from the Education Department to take other courses, work, hold leadership positions in organizations on- or off-campus, or participate in any activity that would potentially interfere with student teaching. In preparation for student teaching, students receive field experience integrated into course work in 200 and 300-level education classes. Students are expected to complete a digital (hypermedia) portfolio prior to completing their program of study. Students are also encouraged to acquire additional educational experience through volunteer or ancillary work in tutoring, outdoor camp, and community and regional programs focused on youth such as Foreign Language in Elementary Schools (FLES) or Big Brother/Big Sister. All students in the teacher education program are required to complete a Maymester course and integrated field experience (Education 396 or 397) a course and integrated field experience that begins during the spring semester and concludes full-time during three and one-half weeks in May as part of the junior year. There is no additional tuition charged for the Maymester; however, students will be charged for room and board during this period.

Albion College is a member of the Consortium for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching with Technology (COATT), a partnership of higher education and K-12 institutions that is committed to promoting and recognizing excellence in teaching with technology. Student teachers and practicing teachers may apply for the Michigan Certificate of Outstanding Achievement in Teaching with Technology (MCOATT) through Albion College. Further details are given at: http://www.albion.edu/education/courses/portfolio/mcoatt.asp.

Testing--Act 267 of the Public Acts of 1986 requires that all students wishing admission to any Michigan Teacher Education Program must take and pass the Basic Skills Test administered by National Evaluation Systems, Inc. This test should be taken during the freshman year and no later than the sophomore year as part of the teacher education admissions process. Cost, dates and site information are available online at http://www.mttc.nesinc.com.

All education students need to pass state subject area tests before they can be certified by the Michigan Department of Education. Elementary certification candidates must pass the elementary education test. If they wish to teach in their major in middle school, they must also pass the subject area test in their teaching major. All secondary and K-12 certification candidates must pass the subject area tests in their teaching major and minor. As requested by the Michigan Department of Education to release information on institutional reports for teacher tests, we are reporting that Albion College students who completed the education program for certification during the last academic year had a 100 percent passing rate for all the state-required certification tests.

Credentials--A professional service of maintaining and supplying recommendations for teacher education graduates is offered by the Office of Career Development.

Certification Fee--Michigan Act No. 339 requires that all teacher candidates pay a fee of $160 for the issuance of a certificate. Albion College is not involved in the collection of the fee. A Detroit bank bills the student and then remits payment to the State of Michigan. Albion College can only recommend a student for certification. The State of Michigan does not certify until the student pays the fee.

Professional Certification--The teacher's certificate issued by the State of Michigan to qualified graduates of approved teacher education institutions is a provisional certificate valid for up to six years.

All persons issued an original professional certificate are required to renew that certificate every five years on the basis of six semester hours of academic credit from an approved teacher preparation institution or the equivalent in State Board-approved professional development programs or activities that will award credits obtained as State Board Continuing Education Units.

Elementary Certification

Albion offers programs leading to Michigan certification at the elementary level (grades K-5) in the following subject areas:

Students accepted as candidates for elementary certification must:

• Complete a departmental teaching major of at least eight units.
• Complete a planned program which prepares students to teach all subjects levels K-5. This program currently includes: A laboratory science course (Biology 195, Chemistry 107, Geology 101, Geology 103, or Physics 105); English 203 or 101H; Psychology 251; English 348; and Mathematics 104.
• Complete all other requirements as specified by Albion's Education Department.

* May be taken either fall or spring semester.
** Either English 101H or English 203 satisfies planned program requirement.
*** Course meets intensively during three-and-a-half weeks in May, requires residence on campus, and is signed up for as part of the spring semester.

Course descriptions and prerequisites are listed in this catalog under the respective departments. Numbers in parentheses indicate units of credit awarded. Students apply for formal acceptance and admission into the teacher education program during their sophomore year, after completing Education 201. If a student desires to do off-campus study, the ideal semester to do so is the fall of the junior year.

Secondary Certification

Albion offers programs leading to Michigan certification at the secondary level (grades 6-12) in the subject areas listed below and K-12 certification in French, German and Spanish; music; and physical education.

The following are options for secondary teaching majors and minors:

* May be taken either fall or spring semester.
** Discuss appropriate course(s) with Education adviser.
*** Course meets intensively during three-and-a-half weeks in May, requires residence on campus, and is signed up for as part of part of the spring semester.

Course descriptions and prerequisites are listed in this catalog under the respective departments. Numbers in parentheses indicate units of credit awarded. Students apply for formal acceptance and admission into the teacher education program during their sophomore year, after completing Education 201. If a student desires to do off-campus study, the ideal semester to do so is the fall of the junior year.

Courses

201 Processes in Learning and Teaching (1) Fall, Spring
Introductory course for students interested in teacher education. Emphasizes understanding and application of four processes: (1) observation, (2) inquiry, (3) reflection/assessment, and (4) connection/creativity. These processes are essential in understanding and supporting personal and professional growth and in understanding teaching and learning in diverse K-12 classrooms. These processes, along with issues of personal and professional growth, will be explored in greater depth in all subsequent education course work. Mercer-Tachick, Shanton.

202 Foundational Contexts of Education (1) Fall, Spring
Prerequisite: Education 201.
An overview of the historical, social, political, multicultural and philosophical foundations of education. Provides the larger conceptual perspectives necessary for studying teaching, learning and education and critically examines the relationship among teachers, schools and society. Includes special education field study in area schools. Henke, Mercer-Tachick.

240, 241 Brass Instruments (1/4 each) Fall, Spring
Same as Music 240, 241. Alternate years--offered 2008-09. Staff.

242, 243 Woodwind Instruments (1/4 each) Fall, Spring
Same as Music 242, 243. Alternate years--offered 2009-10. Staff.

244, 245 Stringed Instruments (1/4 each) Fall, Spring
Same as Music 244, 245. Alternate years--offered 2009-10. Staff.

246 Percussion Instruments (1/4 each) Fall
Same as Music 246. Staff.

248 Children's Literature (1)
Literature for the elementary and middle school. Same as English 248. Staff.

259 Teaching for Understanding in a Diverse World: Inquiry and Reflection into the Pedagogy of Elementary Math and Science (1) Spring
Prerequisite: Education 201.
Supports elementary education students in developing subject-specific pedagogical content knowledge focusing on the intersection of the needs and interests of children, community and school resources, and curriculum standards and benchmarks. Inquiry-oriented and field-based. Mercer-Tachick.

302 Secondary Pedagogy in Physical Education (1) Fall
Same as Physical Education 302. Johnson.

310 Movement, Brain Development and the Classroom Teacher (1) Spring
Same as Physical Education 310. Johnson.

322 Teaching of Instrumental Music in the Schools
Same as Music 322. Alternate years--offered 2009-10. Staff.

325 Teaching of Music in the Elementary School (1) Spring
Same as Music 325. Alternate years--offered 2008-09. Staff.

328 Teaching of Choral Music in the Secondary School (1) Fall
Same as Music 328. Rose.

333 Physical Education in the Elementary Schools (1) Spring
Same as Physical Education 333. Johnson.

338, 339 Teaching for Understanding in a Diverse World: Inquiry and Reflection in the Pedagogy of the Humanities (1/2, 1) Fall
Prerequisites: Education 201, 202 and permission of department.
Supports secondary education students with majors/minors in art, English, foreign languages, and speech in developing subject-specific pedagogical content knowledge through the exploration of professional and theoretical literature, projects, and teaching experiences. Inquiry-oriented and field-based. Shanton.

345 Methods of Teaching of Foreign Languages (1)
Same as Foreign Language 345. Guenin-Lelle.

348, 349 Teaching for Understanding in a Diverse World: Inquiry and Reflection in the Pedagogy of the Social Sciences (1/2, 1) Fall
Prerequisites: Education 201, 202 and permission of department.
Supports secondary education students with majors/minors in history, political science, and psychology in developing subject-specific pedagogical content knowledge through the exploration of professional and theoretical literature, projects, and teaching experiences. Inquiry-oriented and field-based. Staff.

358, 359 Teaching for Understanding in a Diverse World: Inquiry and Reflection in the Pedagogy of the Sciences (1/2, 1) Fall
Prerequisites: Education 201, 202 and permission of department.
Supports secondary education students with majors/minors in biology, chemistry, geological sciences, physics, mathematics, and computer science in developing subject-specific pedagogical content knowledge through the exploration of professional and theoretical literature, projects, and teaching experiences. Inquiry-oriented and field-based. Mercer-Tachick.

360 Special Education in Physical Education (1) Fall
Same as Physical Education 360. Johnson.

371 Literacy Pedagogy in the Elementary School (1) Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: Education 201, 202.
Examines the relevant research base on literacy acquisition and a variety of pedagogical approaches based on competing theories about literacy. Looks at culturally responsive pedagogy with children from a variety of racial, economic, and ethnic backgrounds, and at the knowledge, skills, and attitudes involved with the program processes. Requires development, implementation, and assessment of lesson plans. Field experience includes observation and teaching in public school classrooms. Shanton.

372 Teaching Reading in the Content Areas at the Elementary Level (1/2) Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: Education 201, 202.
Examines theory and pedagogy in literacy in content areas in the elementary grades, integrating reading and writing instruction into subject matter from liberal arts disciplines across the curriculum to enhance lifelong literacy skills. Emphasizes development, teaching, and assessment of lesson plans, using children’s fiction and non-fiction literature. Field experience. Staff.

373 Literacy Pedagogy in Secondary Schools (1) Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: Education 201, 202.
Examines literacy pedagogy in the secondary content areas. Field experiences in public school classrooms provide opportunities to observe learners and to practice the skills, methods, and strategies for teaching content literacy. Should be taken the semester prior to student teaching. Henke, Staff.

374 Teaching Advanced Concepts in Biology (1/4) Spring
Prerequisites: Education 201, 202 and permission of department.
Extends elementary education students’ knowledge of biology-related scientific phenomena. Students design instructional experiences to teach concepts to K-8 audiences, culminating in final project which includes a digital portfolio and public performance. Mercer-Tachick, Staff.

375 Teaching Advanced Concepts in Chemistry (1/4) Spring
Prerequisites: Education 201, 202 and permission of department.
Extends elementary education students’ knowledge of chemistry-related scientific phenomena. Students design instructional experiences to teach concepts to K-8 audiences, culminating in final project which includes a digital portfolio and public performance. Mercer-Tachick, Staff.

376 Teaching Advanced Concepts in Geology (1/4) Spring
Prerequisites: Education 201, 202 and permission of department.
Extends elementary education students’ knowledge of geology-related scientific phenomena. Students design instructional experiences to teach concepts to K-8 audiences, culminating in final project which includes a digital portfolio and public performance. Mercer-Tachick, Staff.

377 Teaching Advanced Concepts in Physics (1/4) Spring
Prerequisites: Education 201, 202 and permission of department.
Extends elementary education students’ knowledge of physics-related scientific phenomena. Students design instructional experiences to teach concepts to K-8 audiences, culminating in final project which includes a digital portfolio and public performance. Mercer-Tachick, Staff.

388, 389 Selected Topics (1/2, 1) Fall, Spring
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Staff.

390 Curricula in Secondary Health Instruction (1/2) Spring
Same as Physical Education 390. Staff.

395 Secondary Health Education Methods (1) Spring
Same as Physical Education 395. Staff.

396 Boundary Crossings in Elementary Schools (1) Spring
Prerequisites: Education 201, 202, Psychology 251.
Focuses on learning about and working in the Albion Public Schools with children/youth from different backgrounds. Combines curriculum and classroom management theory and practice, and emphasizes exploring and developing integrative and creative teaching skills before doing the student teaching semester. Note: This Maymester course/experience begins during the spring semester and extends for three and one-half weeks after the spring semester for all junior elementary teacher education students. Shanton.

397 Boundary Crossings in Secondary Schools (1) Spring
Prerequisites: Education 201, 202, Psychology 251.
Focuses on learning about and working in the Albion Pubic Schools with youth from different backgrounds. Combines curriculum and classroom management theory and practice, and emphasizes exploring and developing integrative and creative teaching skills before doing the student teaching semester. Note: This Maymester course/experience begins during the spring semester and extends for three and one-half weeks after the spring semester for all junior secondary teacher education students. Henke, Mercer-Tachick.

398 Shurmur Mentorship-Practicum (1/2) Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: Education 201, 202, junior standing with a 2.7 cumulative GPA and permission of the Education Department.
Develops a deeper awareness of the complexities in education and policy issues. Pairs students with mentors who work with education policy issues. Includes interpretation and evaluation of current educational policy issues faced by administrators and legislators who work on behalf of children and youth. This course is optional, not a requirement for certification. Offered on a credit/no credit basis. Staff.

411, 412 Directed Study (1/2, 1) Staff.

421 Elementary Student Teaching (3) Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: Advising and permission from department. All elementary education courses need to be completed before student teaching.
A full school day, semester-long practicum at the elementary school level under the supervision of an experienced, well qualified teacher. Weekly seminars provide a continuing support system for student teachers by establishing an open forum for the sharing of readings, problems and experiences. Offered on a credit/no credit basis. Staff.

422 Secondary Student Teaching (3) Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: Advising and permission from department. All secondary education courses need to be completed before student teaching.
A full school day, semester-long practicum at the secondary school level under the supervision of an experienced, well qualified teacher. Weekly seminars provide a continuing support system for student teachers by establishing an open forum for the sharing of readings, problems and experiences. Offered on a credit/no credit basis. Staff.

423 Student Teaching, Kindergarten Through Grade 12 (K-12) (3) Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: Advising and permission from department. All education courses need to be completed for student teaching. For students desiring K-12 certification in physical education, music or foreign language.
A full school day, semester-long practicum is divided equally between the elementary and secondary levels and is done under the supervision of experienced, well qualified teachers. Weekly seminars provide a continuing support system for student teachers by establishing a congenial forum of peers and College supervisors for the sharing of readings, problems and experiences. Offered on a credit/no credit basis. Staff.

431 Seminar: Elementary Student Teaching (1) Fall, Spring
Prerequisite: Permission of department.
A capstone course reflecting on practice in the classroom. Focuses on professional development, portfolio design, technology integration and classroom management. Taken concurrently during student teaching semester. Mercer-Tachick, Staff.

432 Seminar: Secondary Student Teaching (1) Fall, Spring
Prerequisite: Permission of department.
A capstone course reflecting on practice in the classroom. Focuses on professional development, portfolio design, technology integration and classroom management. Taken concurrently during student teaching semester. Henke.