Teacher Education

Career Guide to JMU Majors, Copyright 2005

Academic Advising and Career Development
 

Departmental Web site: Education

College Web site:      College of Education

                                    College of Arts and Letters

                                    College of Integrated Science and Technology

                                    College of Science and Mathematics

Description of Teacher Education Programs:

James Madison University offers various programs that lead to licensure or advanced study in education.

Students interested in early childhood, elementary, middle grades, or special education minors are advised to major in interdisciplinary liberal studies (IDLS).  Students interested in the secondary education minor can select from an approved list of majors appropriate to complement this minor.  Students interested in art, music, or physical and health education, major in those areas.  The education minors in elementary, middle, secondary and special education are five-year programs with a combined degree, allowing students to earn a master's degree. The early childhood education and art and music education minors are completed as  undergraduate programs.  Teacher education programs include content on various aspects of education such as human development theory and research, philosophies and history of American education, teaching methods and materials, and educational technology integrated with opportunities for practical experience.  Students must declare an education minor and

apply for admission to teacher education programs by contacting the education support center in Maury Hall.  All of the teacher education programs are nationally accredited.  Scholarships and financial support are available to students interested in entering education.  The college of education also offers undergraduate minors in educational media, English as a second language (teacher licensure add-on only), human resource development, and military leadership.

Choices:  The occupations listed below provide a sample of career options one may choose with this academic background.  Many more occupations exist and are worth investigating.        

Career Information Resources:

Career Choices in Special Education:  http://www.specialedcareers.org/career_choices/index.html        

Childcare Workers: http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos170.htm

Child Daycare Services:  http://bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs032.htm

Educational Services:  http://bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs034.htm

Instructional Coordinators:  http://bls.gov/oco/ocos269.htm

Teachers:  Adult Literacy/Remedial/Self Enrichment Education:  http://bls.gov/oco/ocos064.htm

Teachers:  Preschool/Kindergarten/Elementary/Middle/Secondary: http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos069.htm

Teachers:  Special Education: http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos070.htm

Teaching Overseas:  http://www.state.gov/m/a/os/c6776.htm

A broad range of resources on career fields, internships, and job search information is also available in the Academic Advising and Career Development Resource Center located in 303 Wilson Hall.

Thinking about pursuing a Teacher Education Program?  FAQs answered:

Tell me more about the Teacher Education Programs at JMU.

Students who wish to pursue a course of study leading to initial teaching licensure must meet the requirements for admission in the Teacher Education Program and any admission requirements of the specialty program.  Students should begin the process by contacting the Education Support Center because there are many pieces to the application process.  Criteria for admission include a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, competency in written and oral English, mathematics and GPSY 160 (Human Growth and Development), and a satisfactory score on the Praxis PPST:  Reading, mathematics and writing rests.  Since students must closely follow their licensure program, it is extremely important to obtain and consult with an education advisor.

Tell me more about the specialty programs in teacher education.

A variety of opportunities exist in the area of teacher education.  The licensure programs combine both educational theory and practice in their requirements.  Students in early childhood education and elementary education are prepared to design activities to help young children learn about themselves and the social and physical environment.  Students in middle grade education are prepared to design curriculum and activities appropriate to the social, emotional, physical and intellectual needs of children ages 10 ‑14.  Secondary education prepares students to become high school teachers in content areas such as English, foreign languages, mathematics, natural sciences and social sciences.  The special education program prepares individuals to teach students of all educational levels, with mild handicaps, specifically those who have mental retardation, emotional disturbance, and learning disabilities.

Are there any particular characteristics that successful students in this field have possessed?

Strong communication skills, in both oral and written expression, are very essential.  Leadership ability, patience, enthusiasm, and an ability to handle a variety of situations are also important.

Who employs Education graduates?

Boards of education, book publishers, bookstores, colleges / universities, community organizations (i.e. YMCA, Red Cross), day care centers, federal government (i.e. Department of Education, Department of Defense, Department of State), magazine publishers, Montessori schools, nursery schools, Peace Corps, private schools, professional organizations, public schools, state / local government (i.e. school boards, Department of Education), technical schools, VISTA, and vocational services centers employee teachers.

What common major or minor combinations from other departments complement this major?

Early childhood, elementary, and middle education minors are required to declare interdisciplinary liberal studies (IDLS) as their major.  Special education minors will be advised to declare interdisciplinary liberal studies (IDLS) as their major.  It is not recommended to pursue an additional major or minor since the IDLS major and education minor are quite rigorous and time intensive.  Students pursuing secondary education as their minor should choose a major in the arts, humanities or sciences.  Students should consult with an advisor in the education program in which they are interested.  Some examples of majors include:  Interdisciplinary social sciences, geology, history, integrated science and technology, French, Spanish, English, biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

Are there any practicum or internship experiences through the department that are available to this major?

Students pursuing teacher licensure are required to have various practicum experiences and to student teach. Student teaching allows students to implement skills and knowledge learned in their teacher education programs under the guidance of a cooperating teacher and university supervisor.  These experiences are coordinated through the Education Support Center.  Practicum opportunities also exist through other education courses.  The Academic Advising and Career Development Resource Center, located in 303 Wilson Hall, also has information on education related internships.