Teacher Education

Fenice B. Boyd, Chair

The Department of Teacher Education offers degree programs in early childhood, elementary, and middle level education.

Entrance Requirements

New freshmen who meet University admissions standards are eligible for admission to early childhood, elementary, or middle level degree programs offered by the College of Education. To transfer into one of these degree programs, students must have a minimum overall cumulative 2.5 GPA.  Students with less than 30 semester hours completed must also meet freshman admission requirements. Note:  To be eligible for progression into the Professional Program in Education, student must achieve a minimum 2.75 overall GPA.

Progression Requirements

To remain in the early childhood, elementary, or middle level degree programs offered by the College of Education, a student must make satisfactory progress toward the degree. A student who fails to make satisfactory progress, as identified in each program area, may be placed on an Action Plan or deemed ineligible to progress in the program in which enrolled. An Action Plan will be written that describes specific goals, actions, and criteria which the student must meet in order to be eligible to progress. Students may repeat one time only, one course offered through a department in the College of Education for which an unsatisfactory grade was earned. Students who earn more than one unsatisfactory grade in an Education course will no longer be eligible to progress in the program.

Any student who fails to meet a progression requirement to continue in an undergraduate program in the College of Education and wishes to transfer to a different major in the Department of Instruction and Teacher Education must petition the new program and be approved for admission by the faculty of the program.

Additionally, all students in the college are subject to the regulations on probation, suspension, and readmission in the section of this bulletin titled “Academic Regulations” under the heading “Academic Standards Policies.”

Professional Program

Admission to the professional program in early childhood, elementary, or middle level education is granted by the dean of the College of Education and constitutes the first “midpoint” review in each respective assessment system. Professional program and internship admission requirements can be found in the description of each program area.

Exit Requirements

  1. Successfully complete all degree requirements.
  2. Complete and submit an application for graduation to the College of Education’s Office of Student Affairs early in the last semester of the senior year. Students should consult the official University calendar for the specific date that the application is due.

Early Childhood Education

The Department of Instruction and Teacher Education offers a program leading to a B.A. degree in early childhood education. Students successfully completing all certification requirements are eligible to apply for a professional credential to teach preschool through grade 3.

The Early Childhood Education Professional Program

Upon completion of 60 semester hours of course work, including courses specified by the program area, the candidate may apply for admission to the Professional Program in Early Childhood Education.

For admission to the professional program, the candidate must:

  1. meet the state basic skills testing requirement;
  2. pass the USC Education and Economic Development Act Assessment;
  3. achieve a minimum overall GPA of 2.75
  4. achieve a GPA of 3.00 or higher and no grade lower than C on education courses and field experiences;
  5. earn a grade of C or better in specific course work as required by the program area.

The Early Childhood Internship Admission Requirements

For admission to the internship semesters, the candidate must:

  1. be admitted to the professional program;
  2. achieve a minimum overall GPA of 2.75
  3. achieve a GPA of 3.00 or higher in all education course work with no grade lower than C;
  4. achieve a grade of C or better in specified course work as required by the program area and completed since entry into the professional program;
  5. successfully complete criminal background check as required by the S.C. Department of Education by program deadline;
  6. earn a grade of B or better in either EDEC 342P or EDEC 443 to meet the dispositions requirement for admission to Internship II.  An action plan is required for students who make a grade of C or C+ in either EDEC 342P or EDEC 443.
  7. Submit satisfactory work sample as required by the program area.

Elementary Education

The Department of Instruction and Teacher Education offers a program leading to a B.A. degree in elementary education. Students successfully completing all degree and certification requirements are eligible to apply for a professional credential to teach grades 2 through 6.

The Elementary Education Professional Program

Upon completion of 60 semester hours of course work including courses specified by the program area, the candidate may apply for admission to the Professional Program in Elementary Education.

For admission to the professional program, the candidate must:

  1. meet the state basic skills testing requirement;
  2. pass the USC Education and Economic Development Act Assessment;
  3. achieve an  minimum overall GPA of 2.75
  4. achieve a GPA of 3.00 or higher and no grade lower than C in education courses and field experiences;
  5. earn minimum required grade in specific course work as required by the program area.

The Elementary Education Internship Admission Requirements

For admission to the senior internship semesters, the candidate must:

  1. be admitted to the professional program;
  2. achieve a minimum overall GPA of 2.75;
  3. achieve a GPA of 3.00 or higher in all education course work;
  4. achieve a grade of C or better in specific course work as required by the program area;
  5. pass criminal background check as required by the S.C. Department of Education by program deadline.

In addition to the above, for admission to EDEL 490 a GPA of 3.00 or higher is required in EDEL 440, EDEL 450, EDEL 460, EDEL 471 and EDRD 431.

Middle Level Education

The Department of Teaching and Instruction offers a program leading to a B.A. or B.S. degree in middle level education. Students successfully completing certification requirements are eligible to apply for a professional credential to teach grades 5 through 8.

Students pursuing a B.A. degree will complete 27 hours in liberal arts and 14 hours in science and mathematics and complete concentrations in English and social studies. Students pursuing a B.S. degree will complete 24 hours in liberal arts and 19 hours in science and mathematics and complete concentrations in science and mathematics. Students completing English/mathematics, English/science, social studies/mathematics, or social studies/science concentrations can choose between pursuing a B.A. or B.S. degree.

The Middle Level Education Professional Program

Upon completion of 60 hours of course work, including the completion of the 9-semester-hour education core (EDTE 201, EDFI 300, and EDPY 401), the candidate may apply for admission to the Professional Education Program in Middle Level Education. For admission to the professional program the candidate must have:

  1. successfully meet the state basic skills testing requirement;
  2. pass the USC Education and Economic Development Act Assessment;
  3. achieve a minimum overall GPA of 2.75
  4. achieve a GPA of 3.00 or higher and no grade lower than C in education courses and field experiences;
  5. grade of C or better in specific course work as required by the program area.

The Middle Level Internship Admission Requirements

For admission into EDML 498 Internship A in the Middle School, a candidate must:

  1. be admitted to the professional program;
  2. complete EDML 321;
  3. earn a grade of C or better in specific course work as required by the program area;
  4. achieve a GPA of 3.00 or higher in all education course work;
  5. comply with criminal background check and health screening requirements.

For admission into EDML 499 Internship B in the Middle School, a candidate must:

  1. complete EDTE 522;
  2. earn a grade of C or better in specific course work as required by the program area;
  3. complete four of the six courses in each of the two content areas.
EDCS 625  - Solving Practical Problems in School Curriculum  (3 Credits)  
An introduction to current and promising designs and approaches to curriculum development from grades K-12.
EDCS 690  - Independent Study  (1-3 Credits)  
EDEC 540  - The Young Child: Behavior and Development in Early Childhood  (3 Credits)  
Service-learning and seminar experiences addressing intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development, prenatal through grade three, within an ecological context. Child’s critical thinking, creative expression, and diagnosis/assessment emphasized.
EDEC 546  - Education of Young Children: An Ecological Approach  (3 Credits)  
An ecological study with emphasis on home-school relations, parent involvement, and community resources. Multicultural perspectives and needs of exceptional children addressed.
Corequisite: EDEC 469.
EDEC 547  - Field Problems: Teaching Mathematics Using Manipulative Materials, Grades K-3  (3 Credits)  
Instructional approaches and materials for teaching elementary school mathematics, grades K-3.
EDEC 570  - Internship in Environments for Teaching and Learning  (3 Credits)  
Internship for practice in classrooms appropriate to early childhood education related to curriculum design and assessment. Admission to the professional program in early childhood education.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Internships
EDEC 608  - Parent Involvement in Early Childhood Education  (3 Credits)  
Analysis of programs and practices for involving parents in early childhood educational settings. Emphasizes objectives, methods, techniques, and materials for program development. Community resources for supporting programs for children in various instructional settings.
EDEC 690  - Independent Study  (1-3 Credits)  
EDEL 505P  - Inquiry Practicum: The Elementary School  (1 Credit)  
Identifying and understanding the various components of the elementary environment through the practice of inquiry through field-based experiences.
Corequisite: EDEL 305.
EDEL 506  - Integrated Curriculum in Elementary Schools  (3 Credits)  
Examining and practicing a variety of approaches that connect the content of different elementary school subjects.
EDEL 506P  - Inquiry Practicum: Roles of Elementary Teachers  (1 Credit)  
Identifying and understanding the roles of elementary teachers through the practice of inquiry through field-based experiences.
Corequisite: EDEL 506.
EDEL 510  - Teaching Second Languages to Young Children  (3 Credits)  
To assist prospective teachers of young children in the development of a second language and multicultural learning activities. Practicum sessions are an integral part.
Prerequisites: 210 level of a foreign language or its equivalent.
Cross-listed course: FORL 510
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Internships
EDEL 515  - Science in the Elementary School  (3 Credits)  
Reinforces the science background of prospective and practicing elementary teachers. Innovations are examined. Emphasis is placed on methods, materials, community resources, and evaluation procedures.
EDEL 544  - Modern Approaches to Mathematics Teaching  (3 Credits)  
Curriculum and pedagogy for mathematics topics taught in grades 3 through 8.
EDEL 548  - Field Problems: Teaching Mathematics Using Manipulative Materials, Grades 4-6  (3 Credits)  
Instructional approaches and materials for teaching elementary school mathematics, grades 4-6. This course cannot be applied to a graduate degree in the elementary education program.
EDEL 560  - Social Studies in the Elementary/ Middle School  (3 Credits)  
Fundamentals of social studies education in the elementary/middle school.
EDEL 570  - Internship in Environments for Teaching and Learning  (3 Credits)  
Internship for practice in classrooms appropriate to elementary education related to curriculum design and assessment.
Prerequisites: Admission to the internship in elementary education.
EDEL 571  - Internship in Planning and Motivation  (3 Credits)  
Field experience that emphasizes planning lessons that actively engage students in learning.
Prerequisites: Admission to the internship in elementary education.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Internships
EDEL 642  - Teaching Mathematics to Young Children  (3 Credits)  
Analysis of a developmental approach to teaching children under the age of 9.
EDEL 645  - Diagnostic Teaching of Arithmetic  (3 Credits)  
Analysis of the concepts and skills of arithmetic in the school mathematics curriculum; exploration of diagnostic-prescriptive teaching methods.
EDEL 670  - Language Arts in the Elementary and Middle School  (3 Credits)  
Examine the content, goals, and methods of teaching language arts in elementary and middle school.
EDEL 690  - Independent Study  (1-3 Credits)  
EDML 553  - Methods and Materials for Teaching Science in the Middle Grades  (3 Credits)  
A study of methods, techniques, and materials of instruction appropriate to science teaching in the middle school.
EDML 563  - Methods and Materials for Teaching Social Studies in the Middle School  (3 Credits)  
A study of goals, content, methods, and materials of instruction in middle school social studies.
EDML 572  - Middle Level Literacy Assessment  (3 Credits)  
Introduces literacy assessment for individual and small groups or middle level students.
EDML 573  - Methods and Materials for Teaching English/Language Arts in the Middle Grades  (3 Credits)  
Introduces goals, content, and methods of teaching language arts at the middle level.
EDML 583  - Methods and Materials for Teaching Mathematics in the Middle Grades  (3 Credits)  
A study of methods, techniques, and materials of instruction appropriate to mathematics teaching in the middle school.
EDML 584  - Middle School Internship Seminar  (3 Credits)  
Inquiry into the issues that arise during internship B experiences including classroom management, adolescent development, legal/professional responsibilities, multicultural perspectives, and needs of exceptional children.
Corequisite: EDML 599.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Internships
EDRD 500  - Content Area Literacy PK-12  (3 Credits)  
A survey of research and practice which facilitates students' literacy skills in the content areas. For K-12 content area teachers of art, dance, physical education, foreign language, music and theatre.
EDRD 511  - Teaching Reading to Adults I  (3 Credits)  
Diagnostic and prescriptive modes of teaching reading to adults, based on the physical, psychological, intellectual, and social characteristics of the adult learner.
EDRD 512  - Teaching Reading to Adults II  (3 Credits)  
Preparation of materials for teaching basic reading skills to adults and practicum experiences in teaching adults to read.
Prerequisites: EDCO 511 or EDRD 511.
EDRD 514  - Teaching of Reading in the Elementary School  (3 Credits)  
Study of the various phases of reading in their relation to a modern program of education and the place of reading in the curriculum. Emphasis on modern practices in the classroom teaching of reading.
EDRD 518  - Reading in the Secondary School  (3 Credits)  
The place of reading instruction in high schools, the programming of special services in reading instruction, methods of teaching basic and developmental reading skills, and case studies of programs. Demonstrations of tests and devices.
EDRD 600  - Foundations of Reading Instruction  (3 Credits)  
An overview of reading and its curriculum implications: grades K-12 and adults. Emphasis is placed on current trends and issues and related methodologies.
EDRD 650  - Teaching Reading Through A Literature Emphasis  (3 Credits)  
Integrating appropriate literature into traditional and alternative reading programs. Identifying appropriate literature for classroom use and recreational reading. Use of literature as a means of developing and reinforcing reading skills.
EDRD 651  - Introduction to Teaching Media Literacy  (3 Credits)  
A survey of analysis of electronic and non-print media themes and messages aimed at youth, with special emphasis on design and implementation of curricula for enhancing children’s media literacy.
EDRD 690  - Independent Study  (1-3 Credits)  
EDSE 500  - Equity and Community Engagement  (3 Credits)  
Field-based inquiry into theories of critical multicultural education, culturally relevant and equity pedagogies with an emphasis on middle/high school students and engaging parents and the larger school community.
EDSE 502  - Teachers and Teaching  (3 Credits)  
Teaching as reflective and ethical practice. Professional standards, teacher leadership and school change, and various roles of professional educators.
EDSE 508  - Teaching Middle and High School (Business Education)  (3 Credits)  
A study of methods, techniques, and materials of instruction in middle and high school business education.
EDSE 528  - Study of the Teaching of Business Education in the Secondary School  (3 Credits)  
Teaching techniques and methodology related to the business education curriculum, emerging technology and software.
EDSE 547  - Teaching Middle and High School (English)  (3 Credits)  
A study of methods, techniques, and materials of instruction in middle and high school English.
Prerequisites: Admission to MAT program for graduate students; EDSE 402 for undergraduate students.
EDSE 548  - Earth Science for Teachers I  (3 Credits)  
Origin, internal structure and internal processes of the earth, including plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain building. Required field trips, two lectures, and three lab hours per week. Cannot be used in MS or PhD programs in geology.
Cross-listed course: GEOL 540
EDSE 549  - Earth Science for Teachers II  (3 Credits)  
Surface processes acting on the earth; introduction to weather and climate, weathering, erosion, and sedimentary processes; land form evolution; ocean currents and tides, near-shore geologic processes. Required field trips, two lecture, and three lab hours per week. Cannot be used in MS or PhD programs in geology.
Prerequisites: D or better in EDSE 548 or C or better in GEOL 540.
Cross-listed course: GEOL 541
EDSE 550  - Teaching Middle and High School (Mathematics)  (3 Credits)  
A study of methods, techniques, and materials of instruction in middle and high school mathematics.
EDSE 551  - Teaching Middle and High School (Health)  (3 Credits)  
A study of methods, techniques, and materials of instruction in middle and high school health.
EDSE 552  - Teaching Middle and High School (Marketing Education)  (3 Credits)  
A study of methods, techniques, and materials of instruction in middle and high school marketing education.
EDSE 553  - Teaching Middle and High School (Science)  (3 Credits)  
A study of methods, techniques, and materials of instruction in middle and high school science.
EDSE 554  - Teaching Middle and High School (Theatre and Speech)  (3 Credits)  
A study of methods, techniques, and materials of instruction in middle and high school theatre and speech.
EDSE 558  - Teaching Middle and High School (History and Social Studies)  (3 Credits)  
A study of methods, techniques, and materials of instruction in middle and high school history and social studies.
EDSE 575  - Teaching Foreign Languages in Secondary Schools  (3 Credits)  
Current methods, techniques, and materials of instruction appropriate for secondary schools.
Prerequisites: 210 level of a foreign language or its equivalent.
Cross-listed course: FORL 511
EDSE 580  - Teaching Advanced Latin in Secondary School  (3 Credits)  
Methods and materials for teaching the Latin Advanced Placement courses in secondary school.
Corequisite: LATN 580.
EDSE 584  - Middle and High School Internship Seminar  (3 Credits)  
Classroom management, service learning, legal/professional responsibilities, multicultural perspectives and needs of exceptional children.
Corequisite: Internship II.
EDSE 585  - Secondary Internship Seminar I  (1 Credit)  
Integration of content, pedagogy, and disposition knowledge learned during coursework with Internship I field experiences.
Corequisite: Students must be enrolled in the Internship I field experiences.
EDSE 586  - Secondary Internship Seminar II  (2 Credits)  
Integration of content, pedagogy, and disposition knowledge learned during coursework with Internship II field experiences.
Corequisite: Students must be enrolled in the Internship II field experiences.
EDSE 660  - Teaching Mathematics with Manipulatives, Grades 7-12  (3 Credits)  
Methods and materials for using manipulative devices to teach middle and high school level mathematics.
EDSE 670  - Graphics Calculators in High School Mathematics  (3 Credits)  
Methods and materials for using graphics calculators to teach algebra, elementary functions, and analytic geometry.
EDSE 690  - Independent Study  (1-3 Credits)  
EDTE 500  - Mathematics Knowledge for Teaching I: PK-8   (3 Credits)  
Pedagogical content knowledge for teaching number concepts and operations, fraction, ratio, and proportional reasoning, and algebraic reasoning.
EDTE 501  - Mathematics Knowledge for Teaching II: PK-8  (3 Credits)  
Pedagogical content knowledge for teaching number and operations, data concepts and statistical reasoning, geometry, measurement, and spatial reasoning.
Prerequisites: C or better in EDTE 500.
EDTE 522  - Integrated Curriculum at the Middle Level  (3 Credits)  
Constructing, teaching, and assessing an integrated curriculum for students in middle schools. Upper level undergraduate students exploring middle level education.
EDTE 590A  - Internship in Curriculum and Assessment  (3 Credits)  
Internship for practice in classrooms appropriate to the level of certification sought (early childhood or elementary) related to curriculum design and assessment.
Prerequisites: admission to internship II in early childhood or elementary education.
Corequisite: EDTE 590B and EDTE 590C.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Internships
EDTE 590B  - Internship in Teaching  (3 Credits)  
Internship for practice in classrooms appropriate to the level of certification sought (early childhood or elementary) related to interactive teaching.
Prerequisites: admission to internship II in early childhood or elementary education.
Corequisite: EDTE 590A and EDTE 590C.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Internships
EDTE 590C  - Internship in Professional Roles  (3 Credits)  
Internship for practice in classrooms appropriate to the level of certification sought (early childhood or elementary) related to professional roles.
Prerequisites: admission to internship II in early childhood or elementary education.
Corequisite: EDTE 590A and EDTE 590B.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Internships
EDTE 600  - Systematic Effective Teaching  (3 Credits)  
Application of research-supported effective teaching techniques to the teaching-learning process, including demonstration lessons, observations, and supervisory conferences.
EDTE 605  - Cooperative/Team Learning in Education  (3 Credits)  
Instructional approaches, materials, and procedures for utilizing cooperative/team learning in education.
EDTE 610  - Integrated Reading and Writing Instruction  (3 Credits)  
Theoretical bases and techniques for teaching reading and writing in the elementary school, using multiple subject areas.
EDTE 611  - Whole Language: Concepts and Practices  (3 Credits)  
Development of concepts, materials, and practices to implement a whole language philosophy.
EDTE 620  - Restructuring Schools: Teachers and Classrooms  (3 Credits)  
Examination of issues related to restructuring schools based on different assumptions about teaching, learning, and assessment.
EDTE 621  - Middle Level School Today  (3 Credits)  
National trends in the middle level school; emphasis on the relationship of early adolescent developmental characteristics to organization, curriculum, instruction, and teaching.
EDTE 625  - Integrating Character Education into Instructional Programs  (3 Credits)  
Rationale, processes, and methodologies for integrating character education into school or school district instructional programs.
EDTE 626  - Service Learning for Schools, Community, and Workplace Responsibility  (3 Credits)  
Assist school personnel in designing academic, personal, civic, and workplace responsibility.
EDTE 631  - Technology to Support Instruction  (3 Credits)  
Introduction to computers, educational technology, and selected applications for instructional management.
EDTE 671  - Computers in Science Education  (3 Credits)  
Use of computer technology in teaching and managing science classes and problems in grades K-12.