Education
The Teacher Education Program at Georgetown College is rooted in the liberal studies tradition, the Vision Statement, and the Eight Guiding Principles of the College. The phrase developing scholars who are competent and caring educators, committed to a spirit of service and learning serves as the theme and philosophical basis that guides the “dynamics” of the teacher education program here. This philosophy embraces an ethic of caring coupled with excellence in curriculum design and professional practice. It provides both the conceptual framework for the undergraduate and graduate teacher education programs and a guide for program development and evaluation. These concepts are best expressed in the program model depicted above, which includes three primary domains: (1) Professional Skills and Competencies, (2) Professional Values and Dispositions, and (3) Reflective Practice.
A variety of classroom and on-campus experiences, extensive fieldwork, and continuous counseling and evaluation of students are integral components of the Teacher Education Program, and serve to meet the following objectives:
- to send teachers into the workforce who possess the professional skills and competencies necessary for effecting high levels of achievement for all students;
- to send teachers into the workforce who have the professional values and dispositions necessary for creating supportive and constructive learning communities;
- to send teachers into the workforce who engage in continuous reflective practice in order to improve their own teaching, increase student learning, and to make positive changes in their school and communities.
Within this framework, bachelor’s degree level students are able to meet Kentucky’s New Teacher Standards for Preparation and Certification and graduate students enhance their ability to meet the Experienced Teacher Standards. All students must complete the appropriate PRAXIS Tests to receive certification. Please note the EPSB disclaimer in the next paragraph.
Contact the Department
Education Department
Georgetown College
400 East College Street
Georgetown, KY 40324
www.georgetowncollege.edu/edu/
Career Ideas for Education
| AREA | EMPLOYERS | STRATEGIES |
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K-12 |
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| Teaching: Pre-school , Elementary, Middle, Secondary
Administration: Principalship, Superintendency Special Services: Guidance Counseling, School Psychology, School Social Work, Occupational and Physical Therapy, Audiology and Speech Pathology, Library/Information Services, Special Education, Curriculum Supervision, Subject Area Supervision |
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Complete a college level teacher preparation program. Obtain teaching certificate/license for desired subject area and/or grade level. Requirements for certification/licensure vary by state. Obtain dual certification for better employability. Private schools may not require certification or licensure. Obtain master’s degree in subject area for increased employability. Get involved in student teacher organizations. Acquire teaching experience. Obtain Ph.D. and certificate in school administration. Graduate study required for “special service” fields. Obtain master’s degree in area to become specialist. Requirements for certification and/or accreditation vary by state. |
HIGHER EDUCATION |
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Earn Ph.D. to teach and research at four-year institutions. Master’s or Ph.D. degree is required to teach at two-year schools. Earn a Ph.D. in higher education administration for upper level positions in university administration. Earn master’s in student personnel, student development, or counseling for student affairs positions. Obtain master’s in library/information sciences. Gain related experience through student positions such as Resident Assistants, Orientation Leaders, etc. Seek leadership roles in campus organizations. |
ADULT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION |
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Attain a master’s or Ph.D. degree in adult education or a graduate degree in a subject or specialized area. Gain a reputation of expertise and experience in a subject, profession, art, craft or trade. Obtain teaching or instructional experience. May need certification or accreditation. |
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY |
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Take some general business and computer courses. Earn a graduate degree in human resource development. Gain experience in organizational development or marketing. Become current with business and industry literature and news. Learn desktop publishing and other software packages. |
GOVERNMENT |
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Federal government agencies: Department of Education, Department of Defense, Overseas schools for military dependents, Department of Labor, Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), Health and Human Services, Library of Congress, National Archives, National Science Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, Peace Corps, Social service agencies, Vista, State and local government | Learn federal, state, and local job application procedures. Gain experience and an advanced, typically Ph.D, degree for top positions in government. |
NONPROFIT |
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Gain experience through volunteer work or internships. Develop writing and public speaking skills. Learn to work with people of different ages and backgrounds. Add additional coursework in area of interest such as human services, counseling or psychology. Consider certification in special education for greater employability. |
General Information
- Develop excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
- Develop good computer skills.
- Demonstrate enthusiasm and energy for the field.
- Need desire to work with and help people.
- Obtain part-time, summer, internship, or volunteer experience with the age group you intend to work with in various settings: pre-schools, daycares, camps, community agencies, adult centers, YMCA’s, etc.
- Participate in co-curricular activities and related organizations to broaden skills and interests.
- Decide on level of teaching and specific area of interest.
- Bachelor’s degree is sufficient for certification/licensure to teach K-12 in most states. Obtain a master’s degree for advancement and increased earning potential. Advanced degree required for specialists, education administration, college teaching and other professional positions.
- For career options outside of education, identify transferable skills learned in teaching that are applicable to alternative careers: effective communication both verbal and written, teaching and instruction, program planning, organization and record-keeping, working under pressure and meeting deadlines, motivational skills, creativity, working autonomously, decision-making, problem solving, and research skills.
Helpful Links
- American Association of School Administrators
- National Educator’s Association Tomorrow’s Teachers
- The National Clearinghouse for Professors in Special Education
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
- Teacher Certification Requirements
- Teachers-Preschool, Kindergarten, Middle, and Secondary from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Special Education Teachers from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Education Administrators from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Teachers and Adult Literacy and Remedial and Selp-Enrichment Education from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Teachers-Postsecondary from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
(2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer
