College of education

Transcription

1 College of education

2 The Future of GCU Grand Canyon University continues to expand in incredible ways and has completed a more than $240 million campus expansion project. Most recently, GCU s flourishing campus has seen the debut of a new Student Recreation Center with a state-of-the-art athletic training facility, new student union, a classroom facility and offices for the bodies and are approved by the Arizona State Board of Education. In addition, six of the College s programs have received national recognition status from several specialized professional associations. National recognition indicates that the programs have been benchmarked against national expectations for teacher or principal quality and found acceptable to the association. College of Education, and a classroom and lab facility for the College The College of Education curriculum is aligned to the standards and of Arts and Sciences and College of Theology. An additional student principles of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards dining center opened in 2011, complete with a 6-lane bowling alley and Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium, as called Thunder Alley, and a club-like Christian music venue known as well as the standards of various specialized professional associations Thunderground. Student housing on campus continues to grow as such as the: A History of Excellence As a professional educator, or someone considering becoming a teacher or administrator, you understand the importance of education GCU offers a variety of education programs, including reading, TESOL, early childhood, elementary, secondary, special education, and well, with the opening of new suite-style dorms including Canyon Hall in 2010, Prescott Hall which opened in the fall of 2011, and Camelback Hall and Sedona Hall which opened in the fall of Arguably the main attraction of the campus expansion is the 5,000-seat Grand Canyon University Arena, home to the men s and women s basketball National Council of Teachers for Mathematics National Association for the Education of Young Children International Reading Association Council for Exceptional Children and the role it plays in a student s life. Grand Canyon University was founded in 1949, and has since built a strong reputation as a quality Teacher s College. As a private Christian university, GCU is regionally accredited and recognized as offering some of the best online educational administration. Earning a degree from GCU s College of Education provides the essential knowledge and in-demand skills needed for today s most demanding and diverse classrooms. teams as well as the host of other sports events, concerts, and entertainment events. Nationally Recognized Education Programs Accreditation Grand Canyon University ensures that your degree is valuable and recognized with the following accreditations: education programs in the nation by noteworthy sources including Located in Phoenix, Arizona, the prestigious Christian university offers The primary goal of GCU s College of Education is to produce highly- - Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Fortune Small Business, Technology & Learning Magazine, Fox.com, bachelor s, master s and doctoral degree programs in education. effective teachers and administrators who have the knowledge, skills Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges Online Education Database (OEDb) and more. Students have the flexibility of attending class at our traditional and dispositions to stimulate change in their students, schools and and Schools ( ; Phoenix campus or online at the times and places that are most convenient. Evening cohorts are also available and meet one evening per week at our main Phoenix campus as well as select, off-site satellite locations. communities. Grand Canyon University s teacher and administrator licensure degree programs reflect the standards and principles of national accrediting - The College of Education is approved by the Arizona State Board of Education to offer credentials for the certification of elementary, secondary, and special education teachers, and administrators.

3 GCU's Online Programs Why Teachers Choose GCU? GCU s Online Programs The College of Education Promise Convenience: At GCU, you Alignment to Standards: All Transfer friendly: GCU will GCU s online programs allow you to be in any location, studying at Grand Canyon University s College of Education encourages graduates can take courses online or at programs are aligned with applicable request your transcripts, evaluate any time of day or night you choose, while still enjoying the close to make a personal commitment of excellence to both their students our Phoenix campus. state and national standards and have been your undergraduate or graduate coursework, connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions. and the profession. This commitment is nurtured throughout the program developed using Wiggins and McTighe s and determine within 24 hours your anticipated GCU emphasizes individual attention for both traditional undergraduate students as well as the working professional. Students at Grand Canyon University receive 24/7 technical support through our easy-to-use online learning system. of study and solidified during student teaching. Believing in the preparedness of our graduates, the excellence of our programs and the personal commitment graduates have made to both their students and the profession, the College promises to provide first-year teaching assistance, as necessary, to graduates recommended for teacher certification. Assistance may be requested by the graduate, principal or superin- Flexible scheduling: You can start classes every eight weeks throughout the year, enabling you to earn your bachelor s, master s, or doctoral degree sooner. Value: The College of Education equips students to perform ethically within the context of their jobs and to create Understanding by Design curriculum framework to ensure more engaging and effective learning. Academic excellence: Quality academic programs provide the essential knowledge and skills needed to be effective in today s complex business world. graduation date. No GRE or entrance exams are required. Christian worldview: Our general education curriculum includes a mandatory Christian Worldview class to ensure an educational perspective of Biblical truth. tendent at no expense and can range from a refresher course in the a framework of high standards within their Appropriately-Sized Classes: Evening Cohorts Some individuals prefer the face-to-face interaction that can only be achieved through attending a traditional campus setting. For this reason, we offer classes that meet one evening per week at GCU s main campus, as well as select, off-site satellite locations. If there is a group of educators at your school or in your district who desire to start a degree program at the same time, GCU can develop an evening cohort that allows you area of difficulty to GCU faculty mentoring. Coachable areas include, but are not limited to, curriculum planning and design, classroom management, and differentiated instruction. organizations. Field experience: Courses provide opportunities to engage in real-world experiences, applying learning concepts throughout the program. Our dynamic courses are appropriately sized for each content area and offer engaging interaction with classmates as well as individual attention from instructors who care about your success. Earlier graduation: Our 4-credit courses allow you to complete your Career Services: The Office of Career Services provides the resources, professional knowledge and support to help students explore their interests and options in order to successfully transition from academics into a purposeful and satisfying career. to learn together and serve as a support network. degree program in less time.

4 The Growing Field of Education While the field of education continues to grow and there is an increasing need for all types of Early Childhood Education According to the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA), Children in high quality child care Special Education According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the field of special education, excellent job prospects are expected due to rising Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) In November 2009, President Obama announced the Educate to Innovate campaign that had the overarching goal of increasing teachers, there is an especially high demand for those in early childhood education, special programs perform better in math, language, and reading and show fewer behavioral problems. Furthermore, according to NACCRRA, the education level of the childcare provider is the best indicator for enrollments of special education students and reported shortages of qualified teachers. This growth is due to earlier diagnoses along with legislation placing more importance on training and employing math and science skills for American students. Reaffirming and strengthening America s role as the world s engine of scientific discovery and technological innovation is essential to meeting the education, and English as a Second Language. * childcare quality. Children in early child care and education are better prepared for school when their teachers have higher levels individuals with disabilities. As a result, an increased number of positions are available for special education teachers. According to challenges of this century, said President Obama. That s why I am committed to making the improvement of STEM education over the * According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which shows these three fields to each have higher-than-average rates of growth from 2008 to 2018). of education and specialized training. In fact, the Center for the Child Care Workforce has shown that the strongest indicator of the childcare provider s ability to engage children in developmentally appropriate activities is the amount of formal education they ve obtained. Due to the continued push for preschool and other early childhood education programs, the job outlook for early childhood education teachers is projected at a 19 percent growth from 2008 to 2018 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). the Bureau of Labor Statistics, The number of special education teachers is expected to increase by 17 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is faster than the average for all occupations. English as a Second Language Through 2018, there will be significant employment growth for English as a Second Language teachers (Bureau of Labor Statistics). This is largely due to the increasing number of U.S. immigrants needing to learn and improve their English skills. next decade a national priority. One of the President s main objectives for STEM education is to improve the quality of math and science instruction in order to increase the level of student performance in these areas. Due to the high demand, GCU offers bachelor s degrees in elementary education with an emphasis in science and math and secondary education with an emphasis in biology, chemistry and math.

5 What GCU Education Students Have to Say What GCU Education Graduates Have to Say Statement of Educational Philosohpy Every faculty member of the College of Education has been so kind and helpful. It is obvious that they genuinely care about each and every student. The instructors of the education program are truly preparing me for a career as a teacher by sharing their personal experiences. Jenna Pearson, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Early Childhood, Expected Graduation: 2014 I chose GCU because of its small classroom environment which offered the advantage of building relationships with my professors and peers. Most importantly, this University is I chose GCU because it was a small Christian school. I was able to grow in my faith and the school offers a real sense of community; you become a family when you attend GCU. I was well prepared in lesson planning which has been very beneficial in my career because we are required to submit lesson plans every week to our principal and coach. The teachers at GCU also taught me a number of different strategies, which I currently use in my classroom. Rachael Lawrence, 4 th GRADE TEACHER, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education 2010, 2010 Rodel Promising Student Teacher faith based, and as a Christian, it's very important for me to For anyone interested in pursuing their degree in education, follow God s purpose and grow in my relationship with Him. I d tell them it s one simple formula: Grand Canyon University GCU has provided services and mentors on campus that allow + The Rodel Foundation of Arizona = 100% success! GCU me to do that. Also, the professors at GCU really prepare you for your future career by providing you with the tools to succeed in college and in your profession. katie kemp, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Special Education, Expected Graduation: 2013 was very supportive in my endeavors and the College of Education has a strong and rigorous curriculum in place to ensure students are ready for the 21st century classroom. Couple that with the high standards and support Rodel has to offer and it s any educator s dream come true. Learning We believe that all students can learn and that highly effective, innovative and collaborative teaching and administration maximizes best practices as well as student learning and achievement. Effective teachers and administrators are leading We believe that education is a powerful tool with which to purposefully engage a diverse, global community. As our teacher and administrator candidates find their purpose and calling within education, they seek to lead others to reach their God-given serving The culture and Christian heritage of the University promotes a spirit of servant leadership within the College of Education s faculty, staff and learners so they can serve people within the broader educational community. anthony perez, 2 nd GRADE ELD TEACHER, Master of Education in Elementary Education, 2011, 2011 Rodel Promising Student Teacher highly educated, skilled, committed and compassionate; they ensure all students potential in order for them to influence the changing world. learn to the best of their ability.

6 Top Ten Reasons School Districts Employ GCU Graduates Frequently Asked Questions 1 GCU has over a 60-year history of providing quality teacher and administrator degree programs. 5 GCU graduates are involved in their local community and practice servant leadership. 6 GCU provides quality preparation of learners as they enter the field of education. 8 Mentorship services are provided to GCU education graduates in the first year of their employment in a district as requested. Since I m not a computer genius will I be able to take online classes? Do I have to take classes full time? GCU s online platform is user friendly and simple, even for students Many GCU students opt for a part-time class schedule. Furthermore, who are not technologically savvy. Your Academic Counselor will you can take classes around your busy schedule, whether online, at walk you through your first class and offer assistance as needed. the traditional campus, or through our convenient evening cohorts. 2 GCU has a Christian heritage. 9 GCU hires only outstanding faculty Is it difficult to transfer credits? How long will it take me to graduate? 3 School districts have had positive experiences employing GCU graduates as teachers and administrative interns. 4 GCU s College of Education Office of Field Experience provides excellent service and support to its students. 7 GCU's College of Education faculty members serve as mentors and supervisors during student teaching experiences. members who are passionate about their field. We do not use teaching assistants. 10 In 2011, a 29,000-square-foot College of Education classroom and administration building opened in the heart of GCU s campus. Your Academic Counselor handles the credit transfer process and evaluates your credits in just 24 hours. By letting us do all the work, this is a stress-free process for you. Will the GCU faculty teach me theory-based concepts that are not applicable to the real world? At GCU, you ll learn relevant, real-world knowledge from subject matter experts so you can immediately start applying the concepts and skills to your job. GCU s 4-credit courses allow you to complete your degree program in less time. As every student s situation is different, we recommend contacting an Enrollment Counselor to have your transcripts evaluated and determine your estimated date of graduation. How do I get started? Contact an Enrollment Counselor today at to get started on your college degree!

7 Grand Canyon University Makes Transferring Simple! College of Education Degree Programs Alternative Credit Options Transferring college credits is a straightforward process at Grand Canyon University. We make your path to graduation clear, allowing you to achieve your full potential and find your purpose in your chosen career. You may also be able to save valuable time and money by taking advantage of a variety of alternative transfer credit options, which allow you to graduate sooner by earning additional college credits toward your bachelor s degree. Students may transfer a total of 30 credits from all alternative transfer credit options combined. Alternative Testing Programs National testing exams offer another choice to demonstrate mastery of course content, without sitting through a class. - College Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the College Entrance Examination Board - Prometric DSST Exams (Formerly DANTES) - Excelsior College Exams - Berlitz Language Evaluation American Council on Education (ACE) ACE provides a recommended list of formal courses and examinations completed outside of a traditional classroom. This allows students to gain credits for their professional learning experiences and apply them to their academic program at GCU. Professional Schools and Training (PST) GCU identified a list of nationally-recognized professional certificates that students can submit for college credits. Each certificate requires contact hours for experiences of professional schooling and training such as seminars, workshops, certificate training programs, formalized onthe-job training, licenses and apprenticeships. National Board Certified Teachers As a way to recognize and honor those teachers who have achieved National Board Certification, the College of Education allows graduate students to apply their National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification to courses within many graduatelevel programs of study. Life Learning Assessment (LLA) Students can submit life experiences in the form of an essay or Life Learning Assessment (LLA) for up to eight alternative credits. In order to submit the essay, the student must take ENG-135, a course designed to teach the fundamentals of the paper to assist in the compilation of the paper. Once the course is completed, the student can then submit various essays for up to eight alternative credits. undergraduate Bachelor of Science in: Early Childhood Education (1) Elementary Education and Special Education (1) Elementary Education: Early Childhood Education (1) Elementary Education: English (1) Elementary Education: Math (1) Elementary Education: Science (1) Secondary Education: Business Education (1) Secondary Education: English (1) Secondary Education: Math (1) Secondary Education: Biology (1) * Secondary Education: Chemistry (1) * Secondary Education: Physical Education (1) * graduate Master of Arts in: Teaching with an Emphasis in Professional Learning Communities (3) Teaching with an Emphasis in Teacher Leadership (3) Master of Education in: Curriculum and Instruction: Reading with an Emphasis in Elementary Education (3) Curriculum and Instruction: Reading with an Emphasis in Secondary Education (3) Curriculum and Instruction: Technology (3) (1) (2) Early Childhood Education Educational Leadership (3) Educational Administration (4) (1) (2) Elementary Education (1) (2) Secondary Education (1) (2) Special Education: Cross-Categorical Special Education: Certified Special Educators (3) Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (3) in collaboration with gcu's college of doctoral studies Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in: Behavioral Health Christian Ministry Higher Education Leadership K-12 Leadership Organizational Development Special Education * Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology with an Emphasis in: Cognition and Instruction ** Industrial and Organizational Psychology ** Integrating Technology, Learning and Psychology ** Performance Psychology ** **This degree is not intended for those seeking licensure in clinical practice. Those interested in licensure or certification should identify the applicable requirements by inquiring directly with their state or province. (1) Initial Program Leads to Initial Teacher Licensure (2) Initial Program Does Not Lead to Teacher Licensure This program does not include a student teaching component, and does not therefore lead to licensure, but may lead to career advancement for those already licensed as teachers. (3) Advanced Program for Continuing Professional Education (4) Advanced Program for Principal Licensure. (*) All entering Ed.D. learners in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Special Education, must have obtained an undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degree in education to be admitted into the program. Applicants to the program are responsible for contacting their state department of education for licensure requirements and program approval. Arizona or home state fingerprint/background clearance is required for all practicum/ field experiences and student teaching. Furthermore, applicants should consult the Grand Canyon University Catalog, the University Policy Handbook, and an academic counselor to obtain information regarding current policies and procedures inherent in a teacher licensure program. In order to meet the needs of our students, Grand Canyon University frequently adds new degree programs. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at gcu.edu/disclosures. Please note, not all GCU programs are available in all states and in all learning modalities. Program availability is contingent on student enrollment. Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. ( ; For a full listing of degree programs visit gcu.edu

8 Online Continuing Education Credits for Teachers Teachers are required to regularly earn continuing education credits to qualify for recertification and endorsements. At GCU, teachers can earn these credits with our three-week, three-graduate-credit online courses without taking the focus off of their students. These courses direct bill Some employers or school districts may offer to pay tuition directly. In these situations, the employer will create an account with GCU so bills can be sent directly to them. This payment relationship bypasses students completely; however, employers must first complete a Direct Bill Voucher to submit with the student s application. provide a challenging and innovative variety in today's most critical topics in a 100% online format. We currently offer over 30 courses, with some of the most popular fulfilling endorsement requirements for special education and reading. Check with your state department of education and school district to ensure these courses will apply. Individual Courses GCU offers students the option to take any course from our bachelor s and master s degree programs individually. These can be used to fulfill core subject area requirements, transfer into a degree program, or provide in-depth information on a topic of interest. Undergraduatelevel courses are offered at our Phoenix campus as well as online, and graduate-level courses are offered online. Financing your GCU Education Rise to the Challenge of Leadership SM At Grand Canyon University, our doctoral programs are dynamic, responding to the needs of a global society. Through our programs, learners develop the insight and inspiration needed to take organizations to the next level. Going beyond the typical program of study to focus on servant leadership, innovation and ethics, GCU s doctoral programs offer the rare opportunity to evolve your leadership expertise in ways that positively impact all stakeholders in your organization. Earn an Education Degree from a University with a Reputation for Producing Quality Teachers. Join thousands of other students enrolled in GCU s quality programs built to meet the diverse needs of today s educational settings. To learn more about our degree programs and get started without delay, contact an Enrollment Counselor today. One size never fits all and the options available for financing your education are no exception. Fortunately, at GCU we are here to walk you through the various choices so you can find the one that best fits your needs. Options include financial aid, scholarships, direct bill, and military benefits or visit us at gcu.edu/education

9 Get the knowledge and skills you need to lead, advance in your career and be a living testimony of your Christian faith and values. To learn more about Grand Canyon University, our degree programs, available scholarships and more, contact an Enrollment Counselor today at: or gcu.edu/education Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools ( ; Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved