Undergraduate Programs

A USF student working with a young childCollege of Education undergraduate initial teacher certification programs prepare individuals for the field of Education. Theory and practice are integrated through professional coursework in education with a strong liberal arts foundation and a specific major while field experiences are completed in a variety of school settings.

These experiences provide opportunities for aspiring teachers to observe experienced teachers, practice newly emerging teaching skills and apply the knowledge gained from university coursework to the elementary, middle, and secondary schools. The program culminates in an advanced field experience (student teaching) during which the students synthesize the knowledge skills and dispositions required in the teaching profession.

 

 

College of Education Teacher Preparation Program Outcomes
 
Understanding Students

#1 Content Knowledge

The teacher understands the central concepts, methods of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) and creates learning experiences that make the content meaningful to all students.

#2 Human Development and Learning

The teacher understands how individuals grow, develop, and learn and provides learning opportunities that support the intellectual, social, and personal development of all students.

#3 Diversity

The teacher understands how students differ in their approaches to learning and creates instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners.

#4 Planning for Instruction

The teacher understands instructional planning and designs instruction based upon knowledge of the discipline, students, the community, and curriculum goals.

#5 Learning Environment

The teacher uses an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.

#6 Instructional Delivery

The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students' development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.

#7 Communication

The teacher uses knowledge of effective written, verbal, nonverbal, and visual communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.

#8 Assessment

The teacher understands various formal and informal assessment strategies and uses them to support the continuous development of all students.
 
Serving the Community

#9 Collaborative Relationships

The teacher understands the role of the community in education and develops and maintains collaborative relationships with colleagues, parents/guardians, and the community to support student learning and well-being.
 
Finding Our Professional Selves

#10 Reflection and Professional Growth

The teacher is a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates how choices and actions affect students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community and actively seeks opportunities to grow professionally.

#11 Professional Conduct

The teacher understands education as a profession, maintains standards of professional conduct, and provides leadership to improve student learning and well-being.
 
Initial Teacher Certification Programs
The College of Education offers several options which prepare students for positions at elementary, middle and secondary levels of education. The Illinois State Board of Education has awarded the University of St. Francis approval to entitle persons to teach in the following areas:

Elementary Education, K-9
Secondary Education, 6-12
  • English/Language Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Science: Biology
  • Social Science: History
Special Education, K-12
Music, K-12