The Elementary Education Teacher Program at Athens State University promotes the professional development of students who seek teaching as a career, students who will become Reflective Practitioners.
The program is approved by the Alabama State Department of Education and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Students are advised and assisted in each phase of their preparation program.
Degreed Programs
The College of Education offers undergraduate degrees leading to Class B Certification in:
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education
- Elementary/Collaborative K-6 Education
- Physical Education
- Special Education K-6 (Collaborative Teacher)
- Special Education 6-12 (Collaborative Teacher)
- Technical Education: Early Instructor Option
Advising
Every undergraduate is assigned a success coach who serves as an advisor with a wide source of knowledge. A success coach can help you think about things you are not even thinking about, consider your options, plan your studies and classes, and help you navigate your path toward earning your degree. The Student Success Center is a central location to receive academic guidance, general support, and degree advising.
Applying to the Teacher Education Program
Students seeking a degree that leads to certification through a College of Education program, or a College of Arts and Sciences program with a minor in Education, must apply and be accepted into the Teacher Education Program (TEP). Admission to the University does not qualify as admission into the TEP program. Students applying for admission into the TEP Program must meet all the TEP admission requirements. No more than five courses in the Professional Education Requirements of the program of study may be completed before admittance to the TEP Program.
Internship
Internship (student teaching) is the culminating field experience in the teacher education curriculum. Each student teacher is engaged in full-time teaching responsibilities for a fourteen-week period under the guidance of a certified, experienced mentor teacher and a university supervisor. Student teaching opportunities are provided at a variety of locations depending on the specific certification program.
Field Experience
The Teacher Education Program at Athens State University promotes the professional development of students who seek teaching as a career. Field experience, a requirement of the Alabama State Department of Education, is an invaluable opportunity to observe and be involved in real-life teaching situations. During P-12 school visits students will learn pedagogy and management strategies and, in some instances, be allowed to practice their teaching skills.