Teaching Academy

Pursue a career in Teaching and become an inspiration to the youth of tomorrow

This program offers students a sequence of courses needed to become a professional in the field of education. This includes an understanding of education in the United States, the ability to work effectively with all students, educational technology, classroom management, student assessment, communication skills, and other skills needed to support the learning activities of students in today’s classrooms.

Outline of Courses

Introduction to the Teaching Profession

This course is designed to focus on the profession of teaching and related careers – history, purposes, issues, ethics, laws and regulations, roles, and qualifications. Emphasis is placed on identifying the current, historical, philosophical and social perspectives of American education, including trends and issues. During the course students will participate in a minimum of 20 hours of guided observations and field experiences in multiple settings to help them assess their personal interest in pursuing careers in this field and to identify effective learning environments. Students will begin the development of a working portfolio to be assembled upon completion of the program. The course is also designed for students to learn about leadership and skill opportunities afforded through participation in CTSO activities.

Human Growth and Development

This course prepares students to understand the nature of human development from conception through adolescence and the connection of the students’ development and plans for working with students. Emphasis is placed on theories of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development, the effect of heredity and the environment, the role of caregivers and the family, health and safety concerns, and contemporary issues. Students will participate in a minimum of 30 hours of planned, guided observations of children from birth through adolescence in a variety of settings to help students further understand theories of human development. Students will continue to develop the components of his or her working portfolio to be assembled upon completion of the program.

Foundations of Curriculum and Instruction

This course is designed for students to develop the knowledge and skills of curriculum delivery models in response to the developmental needs of all children. Students will develop various instructional materials and activities to promote learning, classroom management strategies, and a supportive classroom environment. Students will research and understand the basic theories of motivation that increase student engagement which is tied to student learning. Students will participate in a minimum of 50 hours of guided observations and field experiences to critique and develop classroom lessons. Students will continue to develop the components of a working portfolio to be assembled upon completion of the program.

Principles of Teaching Internship

The course is designed for students to apply their knowledge in real world education settings. Students must complete a minimum of 150 hours of internship in an approved setting based on students’ area of interests. The internship is designed for students to work with a mentor teacher to provide daily supervision and provide the students the opportunities to integrate content and pedagogical knowledge. Students will be observed by the instructor using the local school district’s approved formal observation process during the internship. The student will submit a completed portfolio by the end of the course for feedback.