Education, Teacher

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Program Website

If shaping the young minds of tomorrow's leaders interests you, then consider a major in Teacher Education. Stetson University offers one of the most outstanding teacher education programs in Florida. Our graduates are top recruits of local schools and districts, and boast a placement rate of more than 90 percent. Additionally, Stetson is one of only three private institutions in the state accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). In collaboration with the schools and the community, Stetson's Department of Teacher Education stresses a holistic program of individual development that views students as active inquirers and participants in their own growth. We offer undergraduate courses in DeLand and graduate courses in DeLand and Celebration.

Faculty

Our faculty members are actively involved in K-12 classrooms. Through our professional development school initiatives, students have the opportunity to work with the faculty on educational reform issues such as reading, technology, multicultural education, and educational leadership.Our faculty includes:

  • Nancy Billingsley, Ph.D., Ohio State University
  • Anita (Gail) Choice, Ph.D., University of Central Florida
  • Patrick C. Coggins, Ph.D., University of Connecticut; Jesse Ball duPont Professor
  • Carol A. Corcoran, Ed.D., University of Central Florida; elementary education, children's literature, literacy instruction
  • Glen Epley, Ph.D., Duke University; educational leadership, school law
  • Elizabeth (Bette) Heins, Ph.D., University of Virginia; Nina B. Hollis Professor; educational reform, exceptional student education, educational psychology, collaborative inclusion models, professional development schools, single-gender education, classroom management
  • Leanna Isaacson, Ph.D., University of South Florida; educational leadership and reform
  • Robert M. Leahy, Ph.D., Cornell University; philosophy of education, integrating theory and practice for authenticity
  • Douglas MacIsaac, Ed.S., Michigan State University; professional development schools, new teacher education and mentoring, curriculum and instruction
  • Kathy Jo Piechura-Couture, Ph.D., University of South Florida; educational reform, exceptional student education, technology, professional development schools, collaborative inclusion models and curriculum for children with behavioral disorders, single-gender education, program assessment models and technology integration
  • Mercedes Tichenor, Ed.D., Vanderbilt University; educational reform, elementary education, curriculum and instruction, teacher professionalism, family and school connections, single-gender education, mathematics pedagogy
  • Debra Touchton, Ph.D., University of South Florida; educational leadership, school reform, school reform in poverty schools, professional development schools

Special Features

At Stetson, students find small classes with dedicated, experienced teachers who take a personal interest in each student. We offer modern facilities and equipment, and most importantly, access to newly developing knowledge and innovations in the rapidly changing world of education. The Nina B. Hollis Institute for Educational Reform plans, implements and evaluates activities focused on systemic reform of education at the K-12 level. Specific areas include teacher skills and effectiveness, student achievement, degree and level of technology applications. Activities also include building coaching and mentoring skills in order to impact teaching effectiveness. Students are involved in professional development schools in the Stetson University network.

Internship Opportunities

Our students are prepared to work with diverse populations. Internship opportunities are required in elementary, middle or secondary teaching in area public schools. You will begin this field experience with your very first education class and continue it throughout your time at Stetson. At the graduate level, the department collaborates with a variety of school professionals regarding both informal field experiences and formal internships for our students.The majority of our students do their senior internships in Volusia County schools, with some going to Seminole, Orange and Osceola County schools. It is not unusual for students to be hired by the school where they did their senior internship.

Career Opportunities

Teaching is a dynamic and rewarding career. Stetson's Department of Teacher Education enjoys an excellent reputation among school leaders in Florida and throughout the Southeast. The department's undergraduate and graduate programs are fully accredited by both NCATE and the State of Florida. Graduates of Stetson's Education program are consistently among the teachers and administrators recognized as outstanding members of the profession. Nearly 100 percent of Stetson teacher education graduates find positions in all areas of public and private school teaching. Graduate candidates in administration are sought after for leadership positions and as educational consultants. Opportunities also are available in areas associated with education, such as publishing and education materials development and distribution.

Clubs and Organizations

In April 2012, Stetson's chapter of the Kappa Delta Pi international education honor society will celebrate its 60th anniversary. The department also sponsors a chapter of Florida Future Educators of America, an organization designed to provide opportunities for education students to interact with professional educators and to learn more about educational issues.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

  • The Minority Teacher Education Scholarship (MTES) program is administered by the Florida Fund for Minority Teachers, Inc. (FFMT). Awards go to minority students wishing to become teachers in Florida's public school system.
  • The Harry E. and Faustene T. Gaylord Endowed Scholarship Program provides scholarships for students who work with learning disabled students. Preference is given to students in the master's degree program in exceptional student education.

Department Awards

  • J. Norman and Lena B. Hobbs Award - outstanding rising senior
  • R. L. Carter Secondary Education Award - most outstanding intern in secondary schools
  • Ray V. Sowers Award - most outstanding graduate in Elementary Education
  • Kappa Delta Pi Scholarship Cash Award - KDP member who has demonstrated outstanding scholarship and service
  • Edward B. Henderson Award - most outstanding graduating senior in the Department of Teacher Education
  • Dorothy Ball Greenlaw Endowed Scholarship - awarded to an Elementary Education major in the term that student teaching is undertaken; recipient must exhibit the qualities of compassion and caring
  • M. Jean Greenlaw Scholarship - awarded to an Elementary Education senior with leadership qualities and a passion for teaching

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Contact:
Glen Epley
386-822-7078
gepley@stetson.edu

Full Time Faculty: 12

Degrees Offered:

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Education Specialist
  • Master of Education
  • Minor in Education

Our Graduates Attend:

  • Duke University
  • Florida State University
  • Princeton University
  • University of Florida
  • University of South Florida
  • University of Virginia