Undergraduate Program in Education

The Discipline

Beyond the goals of the Christian perspective in the liberal arts curriculum, the teacher certification program seeks to give its students a grasp of key concepts and skills of teaching, based on psychological and sociological principles applied to the theory and practice of educational techniques. The School of Education has identified its Effective Teaching Model with six integrated components. Each component represents one of the six domains for effective teaching.

Career opportunities

Elementary certification covers grades K-5 in all subjects and, if the student chooses and is eligible, grades six, seven, and eight in the candidate's major or minor disciplines. Secondary certification covers grades seven through twelve in the candidate's major and minor disciplines. K-12 endorsement, for both elementary and secondary candidates is available for majors in art, music, exercise and sport science and special education: learning disabilities.

The "highly qualified" definition of the No Child Left Behind federal legislation may affect the subjects which a certified teacher is qualified to teach. The School of Education will have available the most recent information through the Michigan Department of Education regarding this federal legislation.

Program strengths and emphases

The School of Education at Spring Arbor University is approved by the Michigan Department of Education for certification in Michigan. Students planning to be certified in other states should consult with the Certification Officer in the School of Education office early in the program. Students desiring Michigan certification are responsible for meeting all certification requirements of the Michigan Department of Education and the State Board of Education, whether or not they are explicitly stated in this web site or other University publications.

The School is also accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), 2010 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 500, Washington, D.C., 20036. This accreditation includes the undergraduate and graduate levels of professional education programs offered at Spring Arbor University. The program complies with the U.S. Department of Education Title II, Section 207 reporting procedures. Copies of the report are available upon request to the School of Education office.

Spring Arbor University 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 Spring Arbor University..