Teaching & Educational Leadership Department

Department website: https://www.atu.edu/tel

The Department of Teaching and Educational Leadership offers degree and licensure programs across three areas: Elementary Education (Grades K-6), Middle Level Education (Grades 4-8), and Secondary Education (with grade level preparation available for 7-12, 4-12, or K-12, depending on the specific secondary major). In addition to these bachelor's degree programs, the department also offers an associate's degree in Early Childhood Education.

The Department of Teaching and Educational Leadership provides essential guidance and professional courses for future educators planning to teach in elementary, middle, or secondary schools. Our teacher education program holds accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Additionally, many of Arkansas Tech University’s educator licensure programs have earned specialized national recognition or accreditation in their respective fields.

Teacher candidates aspiring to teach physical education, elementary education, or middle level education must enroll in the College of Education and Health. Those planning to teach in other disciplines should enroll in the appropriate academic department related to their field of interest.

For incoming freshmen or sophomores who have not yet chosen a major or specific teaching level, the College of Education and Health recommends enrolling in the undeclared program (see “Undecided Study”). Along with fulfilling general education requirements, candidates in this program are encouraged to take elective courses that broaden their educational experience and assist in selecting a major. Advisors are assigned to help guide undecided students as they explore their options.

Aspiring teacher candidates should carefully consider the demands of the teaching profession. Essential qualities for success in this field include intellectual curiosity, a genuine interest in children and young people, an understanding of their needs and development, a commitment to mastering effective teaching methods, and a demonstration of professional dispositions. Candidates should also develop an understanding of the role of schools in society.

Teacher candidates who choose to pursue the professional teacher education program will complete their studies in at least two stages. Refer to the curriculum section for specific program requirements. Completion of courses in the candidate's area of specialization will also be required. Admission to Arkansas Tech University is required to begin the process, but separate admission to the teacher education program is necessary. Declaration of a teaching major is also a prerequisite for formal application to the teacher education program. In addition to the admission requirements for Tech and the chosen major, further criteria can be found in the Admissions section.

Admission & Retention in Teacher Education

Teacher candidates must be formally admitted to the Teacher Education Program at Arkansas Tech University before enrolling in upper-division professional education courses (3000-4000 level). Applications should be submitted electronically to the Director of Teacher Education Student Services (Crabaugh 109).

For secondary education, candidates must have two advisors—one from the College of Education and Health and one from their teaching concentration department. They must meet pre-admission requirements, maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.70, and submit an approved plan of study. Elementary and middle-level education majors will have one advisor from the Department of Teaching and Educational Leadership. Admission is based on completion of core courses with grades of “C” or higher and consideration of factors such as emotional stability, health, intellectual curiosity, and social awareness. Candidates must maintain satisfactory progress to remain eligible for the program.

Appeals of Admission Decisions

Candidates may appeal a denial of admission to Teacher Education. Appeals must be based on new or exceptional circumstances and submitted in writing to the Director of Teacher Education Student Services. The appeal is reviewed by the Committee, with further escalation possible to the Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs, whose decision is final.

Internship

The internship is the capstone experience and requires full-time commitment during the senior year. Placements are coordinated by the College of Education and Health to ensure the best experience. Candidates must devote one semester to a full-time internship in an approved school and should plan accordingly.

Internship Criteria

Candidates must complete all professional education courses with a grade of “C” or higher and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.70 to qualify for internship. Secondary education candidates must also meet Praxis II Specialty Area score requirements.

Appeals of Internship Eligibility

Candidates may appeal decisions regarding eligibility or placement in internship to the Director of Teacher Education Student Services, with further escalation possible to the Appeals Committee, Dean, and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Internship Application Process

Candidates must submit internship applications by October 15 for spring placements and March 15 for fall placements. Late applications may delay the internship experience. Priority will be given to candidates who meet deadlines and preregister for internship. Application forms are available on the Teacher Education Student Services website.

Transfer Students

Transfer students should review the Transfer Credit Policy and consult with their academic advisor to determine eligibility for transfer credits in their chosen program.

Teacher Licensure Requirements

Candidates must successfully complete the Praxis II Specialty Area and Principles of Learning and Teaching exams. Scores must be sent directly from ETS to Arkansas Tech University.

Praxis Series

For information regarding the Praxis Series, refer to Item E under "Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees." Institutions must report teacher candidate pass rates on required assessments, which include over 400 hours of classroom experience during the internship. All programs are approved by the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

For more information, visit www.atu.edu/ci.

The teacher education program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). In addition to this national accreditation, several educator licensure programs at Arkansas Tech University have received specialized national recognition or specialty accreditation, where applicable. All programs are also approved by the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), formerly known as the Arkansas Department of Education.

Academic Catalog