Education Studies with Elementary Certification P-5 BA
Elective Course Work— Should be determined in consultation with the Education Studies Advisor to meet performance standards in elementary content areas including, but not limited, to art, computer science, dance, drama, economics, English literature and composition, health/physical education, mathematics, music, philosophy, political science, religion, and science (both biological and physical)
Exploring the Major— Students will begin the Education Studies program with EDS 150 (see course sequencing below). Those students past their first year (including transfers) will be given priority for registration in EDS 150. Because students in EDS 150 will begin participating in P-12 field experiences, they must complete a state criminal records clearance during the class. While taking EDS 150, students will be assigned to a mentoring relationship with an Education Studies Advisor to begin their second year.
Admission to the Major— Grades of C or higher in EDS 150 and B- or higher in one other EDS course (EDS 227); a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 or a 3.00 in the past 30 credit hours (equals approximately seven and a half full credit classes from Berea College); and demonstration of appropriate qualities of judgment, disposition, and temperament in classroom and field settings. Education Studies majors, together with their Advisors, will also construct a well-developed Curriculum Plan. Also see the Education Studies page in the catalog for information about the TEP, Student Teaching, and Recommendation for Certification.
Course Sequencing Considerations (in order to complete degree requirements within nine terms)— Students planning to major in Education Studies with Elementary Certification (P-5), are strongly encouraged to take EDS 150 in the second term of the first year, but no later than the first term of second year. (Multiple sections of EDS 150 are offered each Fall and Spring term.) Students will take courses in this approximate sequence, leading up to the pre-professional 8th term and Student Teaching in the 9th term: EDS 227, MAT 201, MAT 202, and EDS courses and electives in consultation with the Education Studies Advisor. EDS 440 is to be taken in the pre-professional term, which will be the Spring Term of the fourth year. EDS 487 and EDS 488 are to be taken in the ninth term (Fall Term). Throughout their preparation, students should seek to make connections between each of their General Education courses and their professional preparation as teachers.
Proficiency Requirements for Retention in and Completion of the Major— Students must meet all criteria for admission and retention at each stage of the Teacher Education Program. In addition to completing specified course requirements and required written assessments, portfolios, and performance assessment, each student must satisfy departmental standards for written and oral communication, demonstrated through the portfolio and course work; and demonstrate appropriate qualities of judgment, disposition, and temperament in classroom and field settings.
Other Considerations and Recommendations— Transfer students should contact Education Studies as early as possible because special rules may apply. Throughout their preparation, majors are expected to seek out rich and substantive experiences with students of the ages they plan to teach beyond those associated with EDS courses. Such activities include Center for Excellence in Learning through Service (CELTS) work (e.g., One-on-One Tutoring), working with after-school programs, summer camp experiences, etc.