Education
Program Director: Visiting Associate Professor Rommy Fuller
Program Overview:
The Education program has majors leading to a BS in Elementary Education, a BS in Physical Education preK-12, and Mathematics students may work toward a second major in Education if they are interested in teaching at the secondary level. Mathematics students interested in pursuing a recommendation for a teaching license in the State of Vermont must complete all of the designated requirements for the Mathematics major, and they must complete a sequence of Education courses to help prepare them to become secondary mathematics teachers.
Mission:
The Education majors provide essential course content and preparation in knowledge and performance standards set forth by the State of Vermont Agency of Education in their Core Teaching Standards. The Education program is in line with the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium standards from which Vermont’s Core Teaching Standards were adapted. Education programming also fulfills the endorsement standards outlined by the Vermont Agency of Education for each area of Education-related licensure that is offered at NU. Norwich University hopes to contribute to the important field of education by producing well-prepared, dynamic educators who will have a positive impact on their students.
Goals:
- To foster student knowledge and to promote student acquisition of the dispositions and practices of professional educators.
- To guide and develop students through the process of becoming a teacher.
- To prepare students for lifelong career development.
Outcomes:
- Students will be able to apply their knowledge of learner development, learner differences, learning environments, content knowledge, and assessment to plan for and execute instruction using a variety of different instructional strategies that meet the needs of all learners.
- Students will be able to apply content in authentic, meaningful ways that promotes critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and engagement for their students.
- Students will analyze the field of education including major concepts of teaching and learning, theoretical constructs, and historical foundations.
- Students will reflect on their own development as a teacher in order to set a pattern of life-long, professional learning, and ethical practice.
- Students will demonstrate growth in teaching skills, strategies, and dispositions.
- Students will demonstrate their ability to provide culturally-responsive teaching that aims to eradicate discrimination and bias in the classroom.
Careers for this Major:
- Classroom teacher: public school, private school
- Preparation for overseas schools for military dependents
- International teacher of English, or other subject matter
- Test preparation companies
- School support personnel
- Public or non-profit organizations which support education
- Tutoring and learning centers
- Graduate study in specialized fields such as: English Language Learning, Special Education, Curriculum & Instruction, College Professor, School Principal / Assistant Principal, Dean of Students, Behavioral Specialist, Reading Specialist, Math Specialist
Dual Options in Elementary Education
Though most Norwich Elementary Education students fulfill the requirements to be eligible for a teaching license, some students choose to pursue a degree in Elementary Education, but not licensure. To that end, the Education program offers a choice of two different options that will allow students to choose the path that meets their needs:
Option 1: Degree with Recommendation for License
These students fulfill all of the course requirements of the endorsement area including application to, and completion of Student Teaching. In order to be eligible for Student Teaching, students must meet all Praxis requirements for their endorsement area(s), and they must meet the GPA requirements set forth by the Vermont Agency of Education. Students must declare the Licensure option prior to application to Student Teaching. A student who does not meet the State of Vermont requirements for licensure may still obtain a B.S. in Elementary Education from Norwich University providing the student meets all requirements for the major except Student Teaching, and makes up Student Teaching credits following the requirements for the Degree only option.
Option 2: Degree with No License
These students fulfill all of the course requirements of the endorsement area except application to, and completion of Student Teaching. These students are not on track to be recommended for teaching licensure, but instead graduate with a B.S. in Elementary Education. They must fulfill the credits in lieu of Student Teaching with other courses directly related to the field of education. These courses are to be determined with their advisors, and will fulfill the upper level graduation requirements. The Degree option is ideal for students that wish to teach in a non-traditional setting (private schools, museums, daycare centers, private tutoring, etc.), internationally, or those who wish to seek a teaching license or pursue an educational specialist endorsement through graduate studies. The Degree option is also ideal for transfer students that would like a B.S. in Elementary Education, but do not want to stay for additional semesters in order to work through the requirements for licensure.
Admission to Student Teaching for Licensure Seeking:
Prior to being allowed into Student Teaching, students have senior standing, have completed all required courses for the endorsement areas being sought, have fulfilled GPA requirements (see below), have been recommended by faculty in both Education, and in the major / concentration, have passed Praxis requirements (see below), and completed the Application to Student Teach by the required deadline.
Grade Point Average Requirements for Licensure Seeking:
In order to successfully complete the Licensure option at Norwich University, students are required to have a 3.0 GPA both in Education, and overall. Secondary Education students must have achieved a 3.0 in Education courses, have a 3.0 in subject major courses, have a 3.0 average overall. This GPA requirement must be attained by Licensure option students before being placed in Student Teaching and before graduation. In order to be recommended for licensure, all Licensure option candidates must earn a B or better for Student Teaching.
Praxis Requirements for Licensure Seeking:
All Education majors seeking recommendation for licensure are required to take the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) test and the Praxis II Content Tests before they will be admitted into Student Teaching. The Praxis Core tests “measure academic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics deemed by teacher educators to be essential for all candidates preparing to be a teacher, no matter what content area or grade-level they aspire to teach” (ETS, 2019). Praxis Core should be taken and passed before the conclusion of the sophomore year. Praxis II is an assessment of content specific material and instructional pedagogy. For Elementary Education majors, this includes mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies. Praxis II should be taken around the spring of the junior year. Both Praxis tests are to be passed, with results received by the Director of Education Teacher Licensure prior to placement in Student Teaching. Other licensure requirements, such as the licensure portfolio and fingerprints, are articulated in the Student Teaching Handbook. All students preparing to Student Teach must apply by a specified deadline set forth by the Director of Education. The Student Teaching Application is available upon request, it will be sent via email to all Education students who have declared an Education major, and it will be discussed each fall at the Education Advising Plenary.
Core Concentration (CC) for Elementary Education Majors (Licensure):
Students studying Elementary Education who are seeking licensure must select 30 credits (nine of these credits should be at the 300-level or above) in one of the core academic areas below (may draw from General Education coursework):
- Language Arts (English, Spanish)
- The Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, Environmental Science)
- Mathematics
- Social Studies (History, Psychology, Political Science)
Education/Elementary Teacher Licensure (B.S.) – Curriculum Map 2020-2021 Catalog
Must maintain a 3.0 cumulative Grade Point Average in the Education major.
| Freshman | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Cr. | Comp. | Spring | Cr. | Comp. |
| EN 101 Composition and Literature I | 3 | EN 102 Composition and Literature II | 3 | ||
| ED 104 Foundations of Education | 3 | ED 262 Child Growth and Development | 3 | ||
| MA 160 Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers I | 3 | MA 161 Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers II (General Education Math) | 3 | ||
| General Education History | 3 | Core Concentration Course | 3 | ||
| PY 211 Introduction to Psychology (General Education Social Science) | 3 | Core Concentration Course | 3 | ||
| Fall Semester Total Cr.: | 15 | Spring Semester Total Cr.: | 15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||||
| Fall | Cr. | Comp. | Spring | Cr. | Comp. |
| ED 234 Learning and Teaching Strategies | 4 | ED 315 Special Needs Child | 3 | ||
| General Education Lab Science | 4 | General Education Lab Science | 4 | ||
| General Education Literature | 3 | General Education Arts & Humanities | 3 | ||
| Core Concentration Course | 3 | Core Concentration Course | 3 | ||
| Core Concentration Course | 3 | ||||
| Fall Semester Total Cr.: | 14 | Spring Semester Total Cr.: | 16 | ||
| Junior | |||||
| Fall | Cr. | Comp. | Spring | Cr. | Comp. |
| ED 364 Language and Literacy I | 4 | ED 351 Methods of Teaching Science to Elementary Students | 3 | ||
| MA 360 Teaching Mathematics at the Elementary - Middle School Level | 3 | ED 367 Language and Literacy II | 3 | ||
| Core Concentration | 3 | PY 352 Learning and Memory | 4 | ||
| Core Concentration | 3 | SO 214 Racial and Cultural Minorities | 3 | ||
| Core Concentration | 3 | General Education Ethics | 3 | ||
| Fall Semester Total Cr.: | 16 | Spring Semester Total Cr.: | 16 | ||
| Senior | |||||
| Fall | Cr. | Comp. | Spring | Cr. | Comp. |
| ED 377 Instructional Methods in the Social Studies | 3 | ED 425 Student Teaching (Capstone) | 12 | ||
| ED 432 Curriculum & Methods of Instruction Capstone | 4 | ||||
| Core Concentration | 3 | ||||
| Core Concentration | 3 | ||||
| General Education Leadership | 3 | ||||
| Fall Semester Total Cr.: | 16 | Spring Semester Total Cr.: | 12 | ||
| TOTAL CREDITS FOR THIS MAJOR: 120 | |||||
Core Concentration Courses
Elementary Education requires 30 credits of “core” study aside from Education coursework for licensure. Core subjects are typically described as language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
The Fifth-Year Program
For those with degrees in appropriate fields, an opportunity to become a candidate for licensure is provided through a “fifth-year” program. These students are non-matriculating students. Each candidate’s course work and experience are evaluated and a program of study is recommended. Typically, for candidates without education or psychology courses, the program takes 1-1/2 – 2 years to complete. Because of course sequencing, a candidate with some of the required courses must commit to a minimum of one year. Candidates must meet the same requirements for licensure as those students enrolled in the Education Major.
Vermont Licensure Portfolio
All licensure candidates are required to complete a portfolio. Development of the portfolio begins early on as candidates collect evidence that will be used in various parts of the portfolio. Substantial progress toward completion must be demonstrated before the student is admitted to Student Teaching. The portfolio must be completed and passing before final grades are submitted for Student Teaching in order for a candidate to be recommended for licensure.
Praxis Tests
In order to be recommended for licensure, candidates must achieve a passing score on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators and the PRAXIS II Content Tests. These tests are discussed in detail with Education students during their individual advising times.
All students are required to pass PRAXIS I Core Academic Skills for Educators test and the Praxis II Content tests prior to placement in ED 425 Student Teaching.
The Department of Psychology and Education offers only Secondary Licensure in Mathematics. To review the requirements, please review the Mathematics Department within the College of Science and Mathematics, Math Major with a Concentration in Secondary Education.
The Fifth-Year Program
For those with degrees in appropriate fields, an opportunity to become a candidate for licensure is provided through a “fifth-year” program. These students are non-matriculating students. Each candidate’s course work and experience are evaluated and a program of study is recommended. Typically, for candidates without education or psychology courses, the program takes 1-1/2 – 2 years to complete. Because of course sequencing, a candidate with some of the required courses must commit to a minimum of one year. Candidates must meet the same requirements for licensure as those students enrolled in the Education Major.
Vermont Licensure Portfolio
All licensure candidates are required to complete a portfolio. Development of the portfolio begins early on as candidates collect evidence that will be used in various parts of the portfolio. Substantial progress toward completion must be demonstrated before the student is admitted to Student Teaching. The portfolio must be completed and passing before final grades are submitted for Student Teaching in order for a candidate to be recommended for licensure.
Praxis Tests
In order to be recommended for licensure, candidates must achieve a passing score on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators and the PRAXIS II Content Tests. These tests are discussed in detail with Education students during their individual advising times.
All students are required to pass PRAXIS I Core Academic Skills for Educators test and the Praxis II Content tests prior to placement in ED 425 Student Teaching.
Education Non-Licensure (B.S.) – Curriculum Map 2020-2021 Catalog
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Cr. | Spring | Cr. |
| ED 104 Foundations of Education | 3 | EN 102 Composition and Literature II | 3 |
| EN 101 Composition and Literature I | 3 | ED 262 Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| MA 160 Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers I | 3 | MA 161 Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers II (General Education Math) | 3 |
| PY 211 Introduction to Psychology (General Education Social Science) | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| General Education History | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| Semester Total Credits | 15 | Semester Total Credits | 15 |
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Cr. | Spring | Cr. |
| ED 234 Learning and Teaching Strategies | 4 | ED 315 Special Needs Child | 3 |
| General Education Lab Science | 4 | General Education Lab Science | 4 |
| General Education Literature | 3 | General Education Arts/Humanities | 3 |
| Free Elective1 | 4 | Free Elective1 | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 | ||
| Semester Total Credits | 15 | Semester Total Credits | 16 |
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Cr. | Spring | Cr. |
| ED 364 Language and Literacy I1 | 4 | ED 351 Methods of Teaching Science to Elementary Students | 3 |
| MA 360 Teaching Mathematics at the Elementary - Middle School Level | 3 | ED 367 Language and Literacy II1 | 3 |
| General Education Ethics | 3 | PY 352 Learning and Memory | 4 |
| Free Elective | 3 | SO 214 Racial and Cultural Minorities | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| Semester Total Credits | 16 | Semester Total Credits | 16 |
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Cr. | Spring | Cr. |
| ED 377 Instructional Methods in the Social Studies | 3 | ED 480 Education Internship (Or Education Electives) | 12 |
| ED 432 Curriculum & Methods of Instruction Capstone | 4 | ||
| General Education Leadership2 | 3 | ||
| Free Elective | 3 | ||
| Free Elective | 3 | ||
| Semester Total Credits | 16 | Semester Total Credits | 12 |
| Total Credits For This Major: 121 | |||
| 1 | These courses can be taken in the Sophomore or Junior year. When the required course is taken the opposite year take a Free Elective. |
| 2 | When Leadership taken as a 1 hour course, additional free elective hours may be necessary. |
Elementary Education Minor 2020-2021 Catalog
| ED 234 | Learning and Teaching Strategies | 4 |
| PY 220 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| ED 315 | Special Needs Child | 3 |
| And three of the following four courses: | 9-11 | |
| ED 432 | Curriculum & Methods of Instruction Capstone | 4 |
| ED 351 | Methods of Teaching Science to Elementary Students | 3 |
| ED 360 | Language Arts and Teaching Reading in the Elementary School | 4 |
| MA 360 | Teaching Mathematics at the Elementary - Middle School Level (Pre-requisites include MA 160 and MA 161) | 3 |
| Total Cr. | 19-21 | |
Secondary Education Minor 2020-2021 Catalog
| ED 234 | Learning and Teaching Strategies | 4 |
| PY 220 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| ED 315 | Special Needs Child | 3 |
| ED 363 | Reading and Writing in the Content Area | 4 |
| ED 368 | Curriculum & Methods in Secondary Subjects | 4 |
| PY 324 | Adolescent Psychology | 3 |
| Total Cr. | 21 | |
Courses
ED 104 Foundations of Education 3 Cr.
This course examines the historical, sociological, and philosophical foundations of the American educational system. Current trends in education will be reviewed and evaluated. Issues affecting the role of the teacher, including school governance and finance, legal foundations, social influences, and educational reform will be explored. This course is a prerequisite course for ED 234 Learning Strategies for Education Majors. 3 lecture hours. (Fall, Spring).
ED 110 Creative Drama for Teaching and Learning 3 Cr.
Students explore creative drama as an educational tool for the classroom. Unlike traditional methods of instruction that rely on a teacher-centered model, creative drama flips the paradigm to promote a participant-centered learning environment where students create, perform and evaluate all aspects of their learning. Students learn the ways in which creative drama is in line with both proficiency-based models of education and personalized learning models. 3 Lecture hours. (Spring).
ED 188 No Norwich Equivalent 6 Cr.
ED 1XX Education Transfer Elective 3 Cr.
This course is used for transfer when no equivalent Norwich course exists.
ED 234 Learning and Teaching Strategies 4 Cr.
Students practice and evaluate the most commonly used teaching strategies in elementary and secondary classrooms. Topics include planning, instructional objectives, educational technology and assessment of learning. All students participate in micro-teaching situations, and are introduced to current standards for their respective disciplines. These include but are not limited to the C3, Next Generation, Common Core, SHAPE and ISTE standards. Students are also introduced to Vermont's Core Teaching Standards (CTS), the inTASC standards for which the CTS were derived and the Vermont Licensure Portfolio. 4 Lecture hours and 12 hours of classroom observation required. Prerequisite: ED 104 (Fall).
ED 262 Child Growth and Development 3 Cr.
Students trace the development of the human being cognitively, linguistically, socially, emotionally and physically from conception to the onset of adolescence. Students examine various theories of learning, language acquisition, attachment, moral development and intelligence. Special attention is given to genetic, environmental, epigenetic factors and how they affect academic readiness and academic performance in school. 3 Lecture hours. Prerequisite: PY 211 (Spring).
ED 288 No Norwich Equivalent 6 Cr.
ED 299 Education Pilot Course 3 Cr.
A course is permitted to run as a pilot without seeking faculty approval for one academic year. The section will include the title of the course. A student will not earn credit for a pilot course and the course when approved as its own course.
ED 2XX Education Transfer Elective 3 Cr.
This course is used for transfer when no equivalent Norwich course exists.
ED 315 Special Needs Child 3 Cr.
An introduction to the developmental, emotional, behavioral, and learning characteristics of the special child. Topic areas include learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, emotional disorders and physical disabilities. Also included are federal and state laws, regulations, curricular adaptations and integration strategies. Prerequisite: ED 234 (Spring).
ED 351 Methods of Teaching Science to Elementary Students 3 Cr.
Students examine objectives, methods and content in elementary science instruction. Emphasis is on learner preparation, teaching and carryng out science activities. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) as well as the Vermont endorsement standards of Elementary Education are examined and used for planning. This course cannot be used to meet general Education Goal 4. 3 Lecture hours. 10 Practicum hours. Prerequisite: ED 234 (Spring).
ED 360 Language Arts and Teaching Reading in the Elementary School 4 Cr.
A study of language development and reading, including an introduction to traditional instructional methodologies of reading and a study of the whole language approach to the language arts. Students will have opportunities to apply theory in various settings. Required for elementary teacher licensure candidates. Twelve hours of classroom observation are required in this course. A service Learning component is also attached to this course which will provides students an opportunity to work in the community in the context of literacy. Development of portfolio continues. Prerequisite: ED 234.
ED 363 Reading and Writing in the Content Area 4 Cr.
Students examine the structure of English and strategies to teach literacy skills to students in the content areas. Various methodologies for teaching decoding, encoding, reading fluency, vocabulary acquisition, writing and reading comprehension are emphasized in this course. Students learn strategies for integrating subjects; they learn models of assessment and instructional intervention. Vermont's endorsement standards are addressed as are the Common Core State Standards and the Core Teaching Standards. A practicum of 30 hours required. 4 Lecture hours. Prerequisite: ED 234; Restrictions: Education majors (Spring).
ED 364 Language and Literacy I 4 Cr.
Students in this course learn and apply the research on best practice for teaching literacy to elementary age children. Students learn multiple domains of language that relate to instruction including phonology, orthography, morphology and other crucial language systems and patterns upon which proficient reading and spelling depends. A series of dynamic strategies of teaching literacy skills to elementary children are introduced. 4 Lecture hours. 12 Practicum hours. Corequisite: ED 234 (Fall).
ED 367 Language and Literacy II 3 Cr.
Students gain in depth knowledge of phonetics, phonology, orthography and morphology which are the building blocks for effective teaching of word recognition, vocabulary and spelling. Various methodologies for teaching vocabulary acquisition and reading comprehension are emphasized in this course as well as story grammar and approaches to effectively teach writing. Students learn strategies for assessment and instructional intervention and work closely with the State of Vermont endorsement requirements as well as the Common Core standards. 3 Lecture hours. Prerequisite: ED 361 (Spring).
ED 368 Curriculum & Methods in Secondary Subjects 4 Cr.
An examination of the curriculum and teaching strategies associated with the subjects taught in the secondary school, including English, mathematics, science, and social studies. Students will learn about the general methods for teaching at the Middle/High school level, but will concentrate on their area of content concentration in both their practicum and final project. Knowledge and research in child growth and development is used as a guide for determining the curriculum materials and procedures that are suitable for secondary education students. Students work with adolescents, develop curriculum, and teach lessons in the Middle/High School. Students will keep a reflective journal of all their experiences in the practicum. Required for Teacher Education Licensure secondary track. A Practicum of 30 hours will be required in this course. Development of a portfolio continues. (Fall).
ED 375 Language Development and Disorders 3 Cr.
Students learn how language typically develops for native English speakers from birth onward. The ways in which language development affect age-normed literacy development is considered. A wide array of expressive and receptive language disorders and language-based learning disabilities are examined in contrast to what has been documented for typically developing individuals. Students will gain in-depth knowledge of the theoretical explanations for the cause of developmental dyslexia since it is the most common language-based learning disability. 3 Lecture hours. Prerequisite: Sophomore or higher. (Spring).
ED 377 Instructional Methods in the Social Studies 3 Cr.
Students study several aspects of the socials studies including history, culture, society, politics and its importance in elementary and secondary school settings. Students examine historical content, how we have developed our understanding of historical events and how to think critically about topics related to social studies. Attention is given to pedagogical practice for social studies teachers with a strong emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion. Students analyze examples of classroom behavior through the lens of multicultural and social justice education and they consider the challenging nature of managing diverse classroom spaces. 3 Lecture hours. Prerequisite: ED 324 (Fall).
ED 388 No Norwich Equivalent 6 Cr.
ED 3XX Education Transfer Elective 3 Cr.
This course is used for transfer when no equivalent Norwich course exists.
ED 401 Topics in Education 1 Cr.
In this course students are involved in individual investigation, survey, or a project related to education.
ED 403 Topics in Education 3 Cr.
In this course the student has an opportunity to select and read in a specific area of interest in education that is not available through regular course offerings.
ED 425 Student Teaching 12 Cr.
Student Teaching is the penultimate experience for students working to earn a recommendation for a Level 1 Vermont State teaching license. It entails a semester of full-time teaching experience totaling 13-15 weeks. For two of these weeks, the student teacher teaches solo, conforming to all of the duties and expectations of a regular classroom teacher. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all required Education courses; senior standing; GPA requirements fulfilled; praxis exams(s) passed or equivalent and permission of the education program. Restrictions: R2 Education Licensure seeking students. (Fall, Spring).
ED 432 Curriculum & Methods of Instruction Capstone 4 Cr.
Students explore the curriculum and instructional strategies associated with the subjects taught in K-12 learning environments. Knowledge and research in child growth and development is used as a guide for determining the curriculum materials and procedures that are suitable for student. Students complete parts of the Vermont Licensure Portfolio and they collaborate with peers to demonstrate their competencies in the Core Teaching standards. Required for all Education and Physical Education students. 4 Lecture hours and a practicum of 30 hours is required. Prerequisite: ED 234; Restrictions: Education and Physical Education students. (Fall).
ED 480 Education Internship 3-12 Cr.
Designed specifically for Degree option Education students, this course enables students to be placed in a traditional or non-traditional educational setting for hands on service learning experience. Course assignments and required hours are specific to the internship placement, and the number of credits selected for the course. Students seeking a 12 credit experience must fulfill 13-15 weeks of full day internship experience in an assigned setting. Contact hours for fewer credits will match the University model for contact hours and workload. Corequisite: ED 432 (Fall, Spring).
ED 488 No Norwich Equivalent 6 Cr.
ED 4XX Education Transfer Elective 3 Cr.
This course is used for transfer when no equivalent Norwich course exists.