(http://www.uncw.edu/ed/)
Kenneth Teitelbaum, dean
Carol P. McNulty, associate dean, academic and student affairs
Ann D. Potts, associate dean, teacher education and outreach
The Donald R. Watson College of Education is a community of scholars dedicated to teaching, learning, creating, and extending knowledge through research. The faculty strives to model effective teaching practices, provide a variety of understandings related to the field of education, encourage application of generalizations learned in field experience sites, enhance collaborative efforts with public and private school systems, and contribute to the knowledge base by engaging in theoretical and applied research. The mission is to develop highly competent professionals to serve in educational leadership roles.
The Watson College of Education offers programs of study leading to the Bachelor of Arts degrees in education of young children, elementary education, middle grades education, and special education, and programs leading to secondary (9-12) and special subjects (K-12) teacher licensure. Students who have baccalaureate degrees and want to add teacher licensure must complete the same requirements as degree-seeking students. In addition, graduate programs in elementary education, middle grades education, language and literacy education, secondary education, curriculum/instruction supervision, school administration, higher education, and instructional technology are available. A doctoral program, Ed.D. in educational leadership and administration, also is offered. Add-on licensure areas in Teaching English as a second language, elementary mathematics, and academically and intellectually gifted are available for individuals who have earned a North Carolina initial license.
Students wishing to pursue teacher preparation programs must be formally admitted to the Watson College of Education and to the Teacher Education Program. For students pursuing education of young children, elementary education, middle grades education, special education, or special subjects (i.e. health and physical education, music, and foreign language) programs, admission is required before enrollment in education courses in the upper division (i.e., courses numbered higher than EDN 303 or SED 250 ). Requirements for admission are:
- Completion of the university requirements in English, mathematics and a science laboratory course with a grade of “C-” or better in each course.
- Completion of introductory educational foundations coursework (i.e., EDN 200 and EDNL 200 with a grade of “C-” or better.
- Completion of 45 or more college credit hours with a minimum overall grade point average of 2.70 on a 4.00 scale on work attempted at UNCW. Transfer students must earn a 2.70 on a minimum of 12 hours completed at UNCW.
- Passing scores on teacher education entry tests specified and mandated by the Board of Education of the State of North Carolina.
For students pursuing secondary teacher licensure (grades 9-12) in biology, chemistry, comprehensive science, earth science, English, mathematics, or social studies, admission is required prior to enrollment in Block 1 courses (i.e., SEC 200 or higher)* **. Requirements for admission are:
- Completion of the university requirements in English, mathematics and a science laboratory course with a grade of “C-” or better in each course.
- Completion of four semesters of full-time college study or the equivalent of junior status with a minimum overall grade point average of 2.70 on a 4.00 scale on work attempted at UNCW. Transfer students must earn a 2.70 on a minimum of 12 hours completed at UNCW.
- Passing scores on teacher education entry tests specified and mandated by the Board of Education of the State of North Carolina.
*Secondary students should plan to be admitted to the Watson College of Education in the spring or summer of their sophomore year and begin SEC coursework in the fall of their junior year. Students may only begin the secondary program in the fall semester.
**Transfer students are allowed to take Block 1 SEC courses as part of the “12 hours at UNCW” without being admitted to WCE. To be eligible to enroll in Block 2 courses, students should apply and have met all requirements to be accepted to WCE by the end of the fall semester (December 1).
Each degree program is designed to meet North Carolina State Board of Education guidelines for teacher licensure and includes courses in university studies, professional education and collateral areas, and a content specialization. All programs offered by the Watson College of Education are accredited by the appropriate state, regional, and national accrediting agencies. Students may obtain specific information on recommended course sequences leading to timely graduation by contacting the appropriate academic advisor, the associate dean for Academic and Student Affairs, or by reviewing programs of study at www.uncw.edu/ed/advising.
Computer Requirement
Students in licensure programs in the Watson College of Education are expected to utilize appropriate technologies in their courses and practica. Therefore, students should anticipate that basic computer skills will be required and recognize that computer and information technologies are infused throughout courses in the various program areas. A grade of “C-” or better is required in EDN 303 - Instructional Technology for all teacher licensure students except those in secondary education who must complete SEC 300 with a grade of “C-” or better and those in music who take a technology course in their major.
Oral Communication Requirement
Oral and written communications is considered to be particularly important for entry into the teaching profession. As a result, skills in oral and written communications are stressed in courses throughout the programs of study leading to teacher licensure and are evaluated during the practicum semester. The culminating review and demonstration of oral language is addressed in the following courses depending upon the student’s licensure area: EDN 409 (allied programs), EDN 411 (elementary and middle grades), EDN 465 (education of young children program), SEC 431 (secondary education) or SED 411 (special education).
Note: Licensure requirements change and program requirements must be adjusted to accommodate new mandated competencies and guidelines. Students must meet the Teacher Education Program requirements in place at the time of their eligibility for admission to the Watson College of Education. Similarly, they must meet the licensure requirements in effect, including mastery of Essential and Advanced Technology standards, at the time their applications are submitted to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Students are advised to check with their advisors or the associate dean’s office to stay informed of programmatic changes.
Title II Test Scores Reporting Data
In accordance with federal Title II requirements, the Watson College of Education reports the following Praxis test scores for student teachers in 2011-2012:
Praxis Specialty Area Tests: Watson College of Education pass rate = 94%; all institutions in North Carolina pass rate = 97%
Bachelor of Arts
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