Courses of Study
Undergraduate—The college offers approved undergraduate programs leading to the Bachelor of Science degree and eligibility for teacher licensure in Tennessee and in those states which grant reciprocity privileges to graduates of institutions accredited by NCATE. Courses of study include:
- Art Education (K-12)
- Early Childhood Education (PreK-3)
- Exceptional Learning (K-12)
- Health and Exercise Science Pedagogy:K-12
- Foreign Language Education (K-12) (French, Latin, Spanish)
- Middle Grades Education (4-8)
- Music Education (K-12) (B.M.)
- Secondary Education (7-12) with concentrations in English, mathematics, natural sciences (biology, chemistry, earth and space science, physics), and social sciences (economics, geography, political science, history)
- Theatre Education (K-12)
Graduate — The School of Educational Leadership, through the Graduate Studies Division, offers NCATE accredited and Tennessee approved programs which lead to the Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree and the Master of Science (M.S.) degree with a concentration in Athletic Training. The Educational Specialist in Instructional Technology or School Psychology, and the Ed.D. (doctorate) in Learning and Leadership are also offered. For further information, refer to the UTC Graduate Bulletin, the Graduate School Office, 103 Race Hall, or the Graduate Studies Division within the college.
Field Placements
Students should note that field placements are required in order to satisfactorily complete many courses successfully. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 5, Part 5610 specifies that all students wishing to enter approved teacher training programs in Tennessee are required to have a fingerprint-based criminal history background check. In order to comply with TCA 49-5-5610, if a students is required to complete a field placement, the student must complete the fingerprinting requirement satisfactorily before beginning the fieldwork. The student must also provide proof of current professional liability insurance. Details can be found on the Teacher Preparation Academy website and questions should be directed to the TPA Field Placement Coordinator.
Professional Development School I (PDS I)
The Professional Development School I (PDS I) is an intensive, semester-long field experience. Participants spend all day, every day, in a cohort assigned to a local school. In this exploratory experience, the University students work with the faculty and students at all levels of grades K-12, both in the classroom and in non-classroom settings. University faculty provide on-site instruction through an integrated presentation format.
PDS I participants complete a predetermined core of courses specific to each discipline. Listed below are the courses required for PDS I within the appropriate discipline.
Early Child Education: PreK-3: Education 317, 323, 309, 499; Early Childhood 345, 446; University Studies 330
Foreign Language Education: Education 321, 400, 418, 433, 499; Early Childhood 242
Middle Grades Education: Education 306, 321, 400, 418, 499; Early Childhood 242 and 445
Secondary Education (English, Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences) Education 321, 400, 418, 433, 499; Early Childhood 242
Exceptional Learning: K-12: Education 317, 323, 336, 400, 499; Early Childhood 241 or 242, and 445
Students pursuing teacher licensure through UTC’s teacher preparation program must meet requirements in four sequential checkpoints. Effective for students enrolled in Education 201 in fall of 2004 and subsequent semesters, the checkpoints control admission to PDS I, admission to the Teacher Education Program, admission to student teaching and recommendation for licensure.
Included in the checkpoint requirements are successful completion of specified coursework, achievement of appropriate grade point averages, and appropriate test scores on the ACT, SAT or Praxis I as well as on the state-mandated Praxis II tests for the licensure area. In addition, specified paperwork must be submitted in each checkpoint. Success in meeting checkpoint requirements leads to success in completing the teacher preparation program.
Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 5, Part 5610 specifies that all students wishing to enter approved teacher training programs in Tennessee are required to have a fingerprint-based criminal history background check. In order to comply with TCA 49-5-5610, students seeking to complete the Professional Development School (PDS) program must complete this requirement satisfactorily before they can be accepted into PDS. Students must also provide proof of current professional liability insurance. Details can be found on the Teacher Preparation Academy website and questions should be directed to the TPA Field Placement Coordinator.
Admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP)*
Applicants who demonstrate qualifications and characteristics reasonably expected for entry into the teaching profession will be considered for admission to the teacher education program. Selection of qualified students is usually made on the basis of application during the sophomore year, with the exception of transfer students who are required to complete a semester of residence at UTC before their admission can be finalized. Applications should be filed no later than the first semester of the junior year. A student who has not been officially admitted to the TEP will not be permitted to register for certain 400-level professional education courses. Prior to formal application to the TEP, freshman, sophomore, and particularly transfer, students must consult with an advisor in the College of Health, Education and Professional Studies to plan their programs. This advisory procedure also applies to students (including post-baccalaureate and graduate) seeking initial teacher licensure or endorsement.
All students (undergraduate, post-baccalaureate and graduate) must satisfy official TEP admission standards set by UTC, the Tennessee Department of Education, and the College of Health, Education and Professional Studies. A student who has earned a degree or credit hours at another institution may be required to enroll in additional courses, including the student teaching expe
