General Information
Underlying Principles
The following principles underlie all teacher preparation programs:
- The education of a teacher is a continuous, life-long process. In addition to emphasizing basic or fundamental preparation, the initial pre-service experience should aid the development of attitudes that encourage self-evaluation and improvement, and the acquisition of knowledge and skills that facilitate life-long learning.
- All teacher preparation degree programs provide intending teachers with essential practical skills, a knowledge of theory and its relationship to practice, liberal studies, and subject-matter competence.
- Augustana Faculty and the Faculty of Education are committed to providing quality teacher preparation programs; both faculties recognize the importance of continuously monitoring, evaluating and refining its offerings to adequately reflect changes in society and advances in knowledge.
- The Bachelor of Education degree consists of a minimum of 120 units.
In addition, the Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education (Augustana/Education) program particularly seeks to support students graduating from high school in rural regions and to encourage students in the program to find placements in rural areas.
Program Planning
The Faculties of Augustana and Education provide students with an official program outline when they are admitted. Using this, students are expected to be able to identify remaining course requirements for their particular degree program.
Students are responsible for being acquainted with all applicable regulations and meeting the requirements for the degree as outlined. Any exceptions to the requirements must be approved in writing by the Augustana Associate Dean (Academic) or the Associate Dean (Education Student Services), with one copy to be placed in the student’s file and one to be given to the student.
Elementary Education
Elementary Education prepares teachers to teach all subjects and to facilitate the learning of all children at the elementary school level within our multicultural society. Teaching proficiency depends on knowledge of subject matter, pedagogy, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, professional ethics, sensitivity to and respect for children and the sociocultural contexts in which they live, and an understanding of schooling in their social/political/economic environment. Developing attributes, fostering a sense of community, and developing a strong professional commitment reflected in a personal philosophy of education are the intent of Elementary Education.
Components of the Program
All students in the Elementary Route are enrolled in a generalist program that prepares prospective teachers in the required elementary school subjects. This degree consists of 120 units. Students should consult the program sheet provided at the time of their admission and seek advice from the Augustana Student Academic Services Office or the Faculty of Education Student Services Office.
Note: No more than 6 units in junior English, or equivalent, may be taken for credit in a Bachelor of Education degree program.