Elementary Education Major - Early Childhood Concentration, B.A./B.S.

General Information:

Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science

The College of the Ozarks’ Teacher Education Program will provide innovative technique, academic rigor, clinical experience, and ministry opportunities to commission faithful educators who will fulfill their calling. 

A student graduating with a degree in teacher education from College of the Ozarks will:

• understand and apply core content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge in the field of education (Academic);
• demonstrate a growth mindset and hard-work ethic to faithfully educate those in their care with innovative and relevant technique (Vocational);
• recognize the call to live out their faith in daily interaction with students, families, the schools and communities in which they serve (Christian);
• teach and model authentic examples of American citizenship while encouraging and participating in community and civic opportunities (Patriotic);
• appreciate and cultivate the God-created and man-made beauty in our world - adapting yet providing stability in an ever-changing culture (Cultural).

Requirements:

Early Childhood concentration: additional 9 credit hours

• EDU 403 - Early Childhood Leadership
• EDU 413 - Early Childhood Environment
• EDU 433 - Early Childhood Assessment and Instruction

Note:

All Elementary and Secondary Majors should apply for admission to the Teacher Education program by the end of their fourth semester. Minimum standards for admission include: 1) Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and passing all sections of the MoGEA (Missouri General Education Assessment); 2) 30 semester hours course work completed; 3) ACT score on file.

Students must apply for permission to enroll in student teaching the semester preceding the student teaching semester. Minimum standards for permission to enroll include: 1) minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 with minimum 3.0 in major and professional courses; 2) successful completion of teaching certification course requirements in one or more teaching fields; 3) minimum grade of  “C-“ in all professional education and major field courses required; 4) Successful completion of Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Missouri Content Assessment (MoCA) is required prior to student teaching.

NOTE: College of the Ozarks Teacher Education Program and Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Certification Standards that are in effect at the time of program completion must be met in order to be recommended for teaching certification.

College of the Ozarks students who completed the professional educational programs for teacher certification had a 100% pass rate on the prescribed state licensure tests for 2015-2016.