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School of Education & Human Development
The School of Education and Human Development provides teacher education, human development, and lifelong learning programs that enhance the professional and personal well-being of community residents.
The School's teacher education programs fall into three strands: Undergraduate Teacher Certifications; Graduate Endorsements, Certifications, and Degrees; and Professional Development Opportunities. In addition, the School administers the Institute for Reading Research, which conducts research and develops and delivers educational programs in collaboration with the Center for Teacher Education. Dispute Resolution, Noncredit Continuing Studies, Evening Credit Studies, Youth and Pre-College Programs, and the Summer Session extend the University's resources to individuals who wish to study on a part-time basis.
Additional information is available at www.smu.edu/education.
The Center for Teacher Education houses undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and graduate programs for both aspiring and practicing educators. Programs of study assist students in obtaining credentials for teaching in elementary, secondary, or all-level (grades K-12) settings. At the graduate level, a student may pursue a Master of Education (M.Ed.), a Master in Bilingual Education (M.B.E.), or a Master of Music Education (M.M.E.) as well as other credentials in areas such as gifted education, bilingual education, reading, and learning therapy. For information regarding any of SMU's teacher education opportunities, contact the Center for Teacher Education, Southern Methodist University, 415 Clements, P.O. Box 750455, Dallas, TX 75275-0455; 214-768-1311; or visit www.smu.edu/teacher_education.
Kathy Hargrove, Director
Professor: Patricia Mathes; Associate Professors: Jill H. Allor, Jiang (JoAnn) Lan, William Pulte, Kenneth L. Springer; Assistant Professors: Deborah Diffily; Paige Ware; Visiting Assistant Professor: Abigail Bartoshesky; Senior Lecturers: Katherine Hargrove, Barbara Morganfield; Lecturers: Lee Alvoid, Shelley Wright; Adjunct Lecturer: Karen Vickery; Teacher Certification Administrators: Paula Serna, Josie Acosta.
The Center for Teacher Education offers courses that lead to teaching certification at the elementary and secondary levels. Undergraduate students pursue an approved academic major in Dedman College or Meadows School of the Arts while seeking Texas teacher certification through the Center for Teacher Education in Early Childhood-Grade 4, Middle School (grades 4-8), or High School (grades 8-12). Music education students work toward an all-level (grades K-12) certificate. Those who have already earned a Bachelor's degree may also obtain teacher certification credentials through the post-baccalaureate program, which essentially mirrors the undergraduate program.
Each student in a certification program has an education faculty adviser who directs his/her program of study. The education faculty is committed to mentoring and supporting the learning of students. Students are expected to maintain high levels of performance and to develop habits of reflection as they develop knowledge and skills of practice.
The program of study includes 24 hours of coursework and six hours of student teaching/internship experience in all three certification programs: Early Childhood-Grade 4 (EC-4), Middle School (Grades 4-8), and High School (Grades 8-12). (See the list of courses below.)
Requirements for Admission to Teacher Education Programs. Students apply for formal admission to the program, submitting a transcript, essay, recommendation, character and fitness affidavit, and appropriate THEA or other test scores. Students must complete at least 45 hours of academic work with a G.P.A. of at least 2.50 and maintain grades of C or better and a minimum G.P.A. of at least 2.75 in a teaching field (e.g., English, mathematics, etc.). In addition, students must have attained a grade of C- or better in the following areas of the General Education Curriculum: Written English, Mathematical Sciences, Science and Technology, and History. Applicants also interview with members of the faculty of the center. Students may register for up to six hours of EDU coursework prior to formal admission. EDU 2350 (Educational Psychology) is a prerequisite for undergraduates enrolling in the certification program. Students complete the Personal Character and Professional Fitness Statement when they apply. A personal/criminal background check may be required prior to field experience and admission to student teaching. Applications for admission to Teacher Education may be obtained from the departmental office in 415 Clements Hall.
Required Courses. All of the courses in the program of study are based on the Texas standards for beginning teachers. Requirements can be completed in two regular semesters, such as Fall and Spring. Professors model learning experiences that are considered best practice for all learners in these courses. Students are expected to work collaboratively in small groups, complete simulated teacher tasks, pose questions for class inquiry, and use multiple resources to answer questions.
Field Experience. The teacher education program includes extensive field experience to help students prepare for careers in teaching. Background checks are required by most school districts prior to field experiences. The student progresses from observational activities in classrooms to teaching and learning practice sessions with individual students, small groups, and then whole class responsibilities in a carefully managed student teaching experience. SMU students receive mentoring from faculty noted for their exemplary records as both master teachers and scholars. Exemplary teachers from inner city to suburban settings also act as coaches during the field experience. Part of the field experience comes in the form of either a one-semester student teaching experience or a two-semester internship. During the one-semester experience, students work full-time for 15 weeks in an assigned classroom with a master teacher in the Dallas area. During this student teaching term, the six-semester-hour student teaching experience is regarded as "full-time" enrollment status at SMU for financial aid and academic purposes. In this way, graduates of the SMU teacher education program are better able to enter the teaching profession ready to meet the dynamic learning needs of today's youth.
Interview and Student Teaching Review. Prior to assignment to student teaching, candidates are reviewed by the faculty to determine whether adequate progress has been made in order to assume responsibility for school-age students. Such factors as academic performance, maturity, and a demonstrated sense of responsibility are among the factors considered. Students must have a 3.0 G.P.A. in all education courses before beginning student teaching.
EDU 2350. Educational Psychology. Application of psychological research and theory in educational settings. Topics include the learning process, individual differences among learners, motivation, the assessment of academic abilities, and successful classroom practice. (Prerequisite for all undergraduates.)
EDU 5121. Field Experience I. Field experiences coordinated with EC-4 courses. Class meets on a school campus. (Usually taken in first semester of program.)
EDU 5122. Field Experience II. Field experiences coordinated with EC-4 courses. Class meets on a school campus. (Usually taken midway through program.)
EDU 5123. Field Experience III. Field experiences coordinated with EC-4 courses. Class meets on a school campus. (Usually taken in semester prior to student teaching.)
EDU 5318. Formative/Summative Assessment. Explanation and practice of formal and informal assessment strategies and how assessment outcomes should inform instruction and be shared with families.
EDU 5327. Integrating Teaching and Learning. Review of the nature and design of educational activities: theory, research, and practice of lesson planning for active learning that meets the needs of individual students.
EDU 5331. EC-4 Content Area Studies. Exploration of science, social studies, art, music, drama, and physical education content for Pre-K-4 students and effective teaching strategies for each content area.
EDU 5349. Student and Professional Development. Investigation of the variety of student needs that teachers must meet as well as different aspects of professionalism expected of classroom teachers.
EDU 5355. EC-4 Mathematics. Evaluation of mathematics learning materials and teaching methods focusing on knowledge and skills required for prekindergarten through 4th-grade students.
EDU 5357. Emergent Literacy. Examination of principles of literacy learning in young children and predictable stages of oral language, writing, and reading development.
EDU 5358. Conventional Literacy. Introduction of theories, practices, and materials for teaching reading/writing in primary grades.
EDU 5363/5364. Student Teaching. Requirement of a 15-week assignment in an elementary school that has a diverse student population; a weekly seminar meets on campus. (Six hours of credit.)
EDU 5385/5386. Internship I and II. Internship requirement of service as teacher of record in grades EC-4. (Six hours' credit, two semesters of supervision.)
EDU 2350. Educational Psychology. Application of psychological research and theory in educational settings. Topics include the learning process, individual differences among learners, motivation, the assessment of academic abilities, and successful classroom practice. (Prerequisite for all undergraduates.)
EDU 5124. Field experience I. Beginning field experiences coordinated with MS/HS courses. Class meets on a school campus. (Usually taken in first semester of program.)
EDU 5125. Field Experience II. Intermediate field experiences coordinated with MS/HS courses. Class meets on a school campus. (Usually taken midway in program.)
EDU 5126. Field Experience III. Advanced field experiences coordinated with MS/HS courses. Class meets on a school campus. (Usually taken semester prior to student teaching.)
EDU 5315. MS/HS Formative and Summative Assessment. Examination of various formal and informal assessment methods and strategies specific to their content areas and levels of certification.
EDU 5335. Adolescent Development and Cognition. Focus on adolescent growth and development from an educational perspective. Emphasis is placed on the cognitive basis of changes in learning, motivation, academic performance, self-identity, morality, and social relationships that take place during adolescence.
EDU 5336/5337. Integrating Teaching and Learning. Emphasis on unit and lesson planning, with focus on alignment of objectives, assessment, and class activities. Examination of methods for incorporating theory into practice, teaching for higher-level learning, student-centered instructions, TAKS, and the role of the teacher in the learning process.
EDU 5348. Inclusive Classrooms in Urban and Multicultural Environments. Study of diversity, multicultural concepts, and inclusion and exploration of issues, policies, and professional practice relevant to teaching in urban schools.
EDU 5366/5367. Creating Successful Classrooms. Examination of current research promoting student-centered teaching and constructivist practices, including a variety of effective teaching and learning practices.
EDU 5368/5369. Establishing the Learning Environment. Examination of issues facing teachers in establishing and maintaining a positive and productive learning environment; study of professional aspects of teaching including ethics and professional growth.
EDU 5371. Content Area Methods. Identification of teaching strategies specific to content areas and levels of certification and examination of current research promoting literacy instruction, such as ways to integrate reading, writing, and oral language.
EDU 5373/5374. Student Teaching. Requirement of a 15-week assignment in a middle/high school that has a diverse student population; a weekly seminar meets on campus. (Six hours of credit.)
EDU 5375/5376. Internship I and II. Internship requirement of service as teacher of record in any of grades 4 through 12. (Six hours' credit, two semesters of supervision.)
Recommendation for Certification. Before the Center for Teacher Education will recommend a student for certification, all requirements 24 hours of coursework, a satisfactory student teaching or internship experience, and passing scores on two TExES (Texas Examinations of Educator Standards) tests must be fulfilled. For EC-Grade 4, the two TExES tests include the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (EC-Grade 4) test and the EC-Grade 4 Generalist test. Students preparing for teaching in secondary schools must pass the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities TExES test for 4-8 or 8-12 and a TExES test in their content area.
TExES Preparation Seminar. The State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) requires that persons seeking teacher certification take and pass the state-mandated TExES tests in the desired area(s) of certification. The SMU Center for Teacher Education requires all students to take and satisfactorily complete the SMU TExES Preparation Seminar. In the rare instance where a student does not pass the TExES test, a faculty mentor may be assigned to help develop an individual plan of supplemental study to complement a second taking of the TExES Preparation Seminar.
SMU offers three Master's degrees for educators the Master of Education (M.Ed.), the Master of Bilingual Education (M.B.E.), and the Master of Music Education (M.M.E) as well as a number of special certifications and endorsements approved by the State Board of Educator Certification; certificates and endorsements are offered in the areas of gifted and talented education, bilingual education, learning therapy, and reading. Additionally, the center offers a variety of noncredit and credit workshops, lectures, and seminars that address topics of social and scholarly significance to professional educators.
M.Ed. is a 36-hour degree program designed for the educator whose interest lies in broadening both academic preparation and classroom skills.
Gifted Supplemental Certification program provides the graduate courses in gifted/talented education that are required for teachers to earn the state certification. The program is offered through the Gifted Students Institute, which also offers a series of one- and two-day in-service seminars led by nationally recognized experts in the field of gifted education. The institute serves two broad missions. It conducts research to advance knowledge of the nature and special needs of giftedness, and it serves the educational needs of three audiences gifted youth, educators, and parents of gifted children. For information on the gifted endorsement or other opportunities, contact the Gifted Students Institute, Southern Methodist University, 3108 Fondren Drive, P.O. Box 750383, Dallas, TX 75275-0383, 214-768-4383, www.smu.edu/gsi.
Master Reading Teacher program offers the 12 graduate hours required to earn the MRT certificate through State Board of Educator Certifications.
Learning Therapist program is a professional clinical-practice program designed for individuals who are interested in teaching reading skills to students with written-language disabilities. Graduates of the 22-credit-hour program are certified as professional Learning Therapists. To learn more about this opportunity, contact the Learning Therapist Program Office, Southern Methodist University, P.O. Box 750384, Dallas, TX 75275-0384; 214-768-7323.
M.B.E. and the Supplemental Certification in Bilingual Education are offered through the Bilingual Education office. Both programs address the needs of teachers in bilingual classrooms, K-12. The M.B.E. degree is a 36-credit-hour interdisciplinary program for teachers of students who are limited in English proficiency. The certifi-cation program provides the 12 graduate credit hours required for the Texas supplemental certification in bilingual education; this supplemental certification is also available with a Gifted and Talented focus. For additional information about SMU's bilingual education programs for teachers, contact the SMU Bilingual Education office at P.O. Box 750506, Dallas, TX 75275, or by phone at 214-768-2184.
The M.M.E., offered through Meadows School of the Arts, is designed for professionally employed educators in public or private schools; participants have the option to concentrate their studies in choral conducting, instrumental conducting, general music, or piano pedagogy.
Patricia Mathes, Texas Instruments Foundation Endowed Chair for Reading Research
In a world in which the ability to read has become increasingly important to academic, personal, and professional success, poor literacy levels among diverse populations remain high. SMU has responded to this crisis with the creation of the Institute for Reading Research, whose mission is the promotion of reading skills through research in the areas of reading acquisition and progress in young children, adult literacy, reading instruction, and bilingual education. The institute is also committed to the delivery of programs and activities that serve the reading-enhancement needs of the community at large.
The institute was made possible, in part, through the generous support of the Texas Instruments (TI) Foundation, which has endowed the faculty chair and directorship of the institute. The TI Foundation has long been active in creating and funding programs that address the needs of academically at-risk children. For additional information, call 214-768-8477 or visit www.smu.edu/readingresearch.
Tony Picchioni, Director
Mediation, negotiation, and conflict management are the focus of SMU's Dispute Resolution Certificate Program and Professional Seminar Series. The graduate program requires the completion of 21 credit hours for certification, and the Seminar Series offers frequent credit and noncredit workshops. The program provides formal training and practical experience in professional dispute resolution for use in corporate, civic, legal, domestic, religious, and educational settings. This program is located at SMU-in-Legacy, 5228 Tennyson Parkway, Plano, TX 75024; 972-473-3435; www.smu.edu/dispute_resolution.
Kathi Watts, Director
Baccalaureate Degrees. Designed to be the part-time interdisciplinary equivalent of the daytime Bachelor's degrees in Dedman College, the Bachelor of Social Sciences and Bachelor of Humanities evening degree programs serve students who wish to complete their undergraduate education in the evening on a part-time basis. Applicants must have earned at least 45 term hours of transferable coursework and meet the University's admission requirements for transfer students.
The major area of study for the Social Sciences degree requires 36 term hours in coursework taken from the following disciplines: psychology, sociology, economics, anthropology, and political science. Up to 45 term hours of electives may be earned.
The Humanities degree requires 36 credit hours in coursework taken from art history, English literature, foreign language and literature, history, philosophy, and religious studies. Up to 45 term hours of electives may be earned.
For details concerning admission and program requirements, contact the Evening Credit Studies Office, Southern Methodist University, 6410 North Ownby, P.O. Box 750382, Dallas, TX 75275-0382; 214-768-6483; www.smu.edu/evening_bachelors.
Master of Liberal Arts. The Master of Liberal Arts graduate program provides a multidisciplinary approach to the study of the liberal arts. Choosing from a wide variety of courses in behavioral sciences, fine arts, humanities, science and culture, and social sciences, students design their own program of study to meet their personal and professional needs. The M.L.A. degree is open to persons holding a Bachelor's or higher professional degree from an accredited university or college. Thirty-six hours of graduate study are to be completed within six years after beginning the program. For further information, contact the M.L.A. Office, Southern Methodist University, 6410 North Ownby, P.O. Box 750253, Dallas, TX 75275-0253; 214-768-4273; www.smu.edu/mla.
Office of Nondegree Credit Studies facilitates study by adult students who do not want to work toward a degree but want to take undergraduate or graduate credit courses in the day or evening. The admissions policies and procedures reflect the special needs and circumstances of part-time adult students. For more information, contact the Office of Nondegree Credit Studies, Southern Methodist University, 6410 North Ownby, P.O. Box 750382, Dallas, TX 75275-0382; 214-768-4272; www.smu.edu/continuing_education/ndcs.html.
Rebecca Hood, Director
SMU's Summer Session offers a comprehensive program for collegiate undergraduates and graduates. Courses are provided by Dedman College, Meadows School of the Arts, the Cox School of Business, and the School of Engineering. Courses are taught at the Dallas campus, at SMU-in-Taos at Fort Burgwin in New Mexico, and at numerous international study locations.
Students from other colleges or universities who desire to attend SMU's Summer Session are required to sign statements indicating that they are eligible to reenter the last institution they attended.
To learn more about SMU's Summer Session, contact the Summer Session Office, Southern Methodist University, 6410 North Ownby, P.O. Box 750382, Dallas, TX 75275-0382: 214-768-4272; www.smu.edu/summer.
Amy Heitzman, Director
The Noncredit Continuing Studies Office offers a variety of informal courses, seminars, lectures, conferences, certificate programs, and professional development workshops. For additional information, see www.continuingstudies.smu.edu. Printed information is available from the Continuing Studies Office, Southern Methodist University, 6404 North Ownby, P.O. Box 750275, Dallas, TX 75275-0275. Call 214-768-8446.
Informal Courses. These courses of varying lengths address different cultural, scholarly, personal, and professional topics. Additional information is available at www.smu.edu/informal.
Creative Writing Workshops. Creative writing instructors, noted authors, and publishers lead noncredit writing workshops. Selected participants are invited to submit manuscripts for review by New York literary agents, editors, and publishing houses. Additional information is available at www.creativewriting.smu.edu.
International Languages. Noncredit language-conversation courses typically include Spanish, French, Italian, German, Arabic, Russian, Mandarin Chinese, and Japanese. Additional information is available at www.smu.edu/informal.
Graduate Test Preparation. Study courses for the GRE, GMAT, and LSAT are offered throughout the year. Additional information is available at www.smu.edu/testprep.
Certificate Program in Financial Planning. SMU offers a certification in this fast-growing professional field. Additional information is available at www.smu.edu/cpfp.
Kathy Hargrove and Rebecca Hood, Directors
The Division offers five programs that serve the educational and enrichment needs of youth.
College Experience (offered through the Gifted Students Institute) allows a small and carefully chosen group of highly motivated and academically able high school students to get a head start on college and a taste of campus life through SMU credit opportunities available during the summer; www.smu.edu/ce.
Talented and Gifted (TAG) (offered through the Gifted Students Institute) provides intellectual challenges and cultural and social learning experiences to academically accelerated students completing the seventh, eighth, or ninth grade. TAG is a summer opportunity that offers both credit and noncredit courses; www.smu.edu/tag.
Challenges (offered through the Gifted Students Institute) nurtures the critical-thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving skills of children ages 5-12 through workshops grounded in science, music, math, and language.
Academic Enhancement offers a variety of workshops for students ages 4 through 18. Workshop topics include study skills, reading, test preparation, math/science, vocabulary, and writing. Additional information is available at www.smu.edu/read.
Summer Youth Program offers one- and two-week special-interest enrichment workshops throughout the summer in the areas of technology, computers, multimedia, writing, art, math, science, literature, gaming, the Internet, study skills, leadership, and social skills. Additional information is available at www.smu.edu/summer_youth.
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