Education

Faculty

Suellyn M. Henke, chair and professor.
B.P., M.A.T., Ph.D., Miami University (Ohio). Appointed 2002.

Jillian Mortimer, assistant professor.
B.A., University of Michigan; M.A., University of Richmond; Ph.D. University of Michigan. Appointed 2022.

Betty Okwako Riekkola, associate professor.
B.Ed., Kenyatta University; M.D.A., Western Michigan University; Ph.D. Michigan State University. Appointed 2017.

Kyle D. Shanton, professor.
B.A., University of Iowa; M.A., Ph.D., University of Arizona. Appointed 2007.

Introduction

The Education Department is the academic unit housing the faculty and courses that support the mission of the Fritz Shurmur Center for Teacher Development and the teacher education program (TEP). Our mission is to prepare educators who understand the purpose(s) of education in a culturally pluralistic society and are able to foster and nourish a sense of belonging for all PK-12 learners. We provide extensive opportunities to teach and interact with children, youth and families from diverse community contexts. Information about the program of study (concentrations that lead to eligibility for teacher certification in elementary, secondary, PK-12) as well as minors in Educational Studies and Teaching English as a Second Language may be found in this section. All students with an interest in the field of education are encouraged to contact the Education Department as soon as possible for individualized advising.

The Shurmur Center for Teacher Development supports partnerships with diverse schools and educational settings, capstone events such as the teacher education program Capstone Symposium on Teaching and provides collaborative professional development opportunities for prospective teachers and practitioners.

The Ferguson Center for Technology-Aided Teaching and Learning hosts the Learning Café, a dynamic and flexible place for prospective teachers to use computer and Web-based technologies for designing lesson and unit plans, viewing and archiving videotaped examples of teaching and learning, and creating electronic and online portfolios of TEP achievements. There is a lending library of equipment (e.g., digital cameras, video cameras, digital audio recorders, individual response systems) and curriculum materials to support students in their field experiences. The Ferguson Center is a member of the Michigan Association of Computer Users in Learning (MACUL), the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the Consortium for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching with Technology (COATT). Albion College education students are eligible to apply for the COATT award, given to a pre-service and in-service teacher who creates a portfolio of his or her work in educational technology and teaching and learning.

Albion College’s teacher education program offerings that lead to eligibility for teacher certification in elementary, secondary, and PK-12 education are authorized by the Michigan Department of Education’s Office of Educator Excellence. Albion’s teacher education program offerings are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Albion College is an anti-racist institution. The Teacher Education Program actively promotes diversity, belonging and equity through critical and compassionate communication and strategic outreach efforts to various students, faculty and staff (e.g., historically under-represented, first-generation, undocumented and DACA students, LGBTQ students).

Changes in certification requirements as determined by the Michigan Department of Education and/or in requirements set by Albion College and the Education Department may necessitate changes in programs described in this catalog. When such changes are implemented, efforts will be made to provide as smooth a transition to the new requirements as possible.

In preparation for student teaching, students participate in clinical experiences integrated into course work in 100, 200- and 300-level education classes. Every clinical experience placement is arranged by the Clinical Experience Coordinator in consultation with the Education Department. All TEP students are required to complete either EDUC 396: Boundary Crossings in Elementary Schools or EDUC 397: Boundary Crossings in Secondary Schools (also known as “Maemester”). These courses require an integrated field experience that begins during the spring semester and includes full-time participation during three weeks in a classroom in May as part of the junior or senior year. There is no additional tuition charged for the Maemester portion of the course; however, students will be charged for room and board during this period. Students are expected to complete a digital portfolio prior to completing their program of study.

Albion’s teacher education program offerings are accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council. We welcome students of all races, religions or national origins and are in full compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Admission—Students may formally apply for admission to the Shurmur Center for Teacher Development / teacher education program (TEP) after successfully completing EDUC 110 and EDUC 195. Requirements include: a 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA), and teaching major GPA and teaching minor (required for secondary certification) GPA, a 3.0 GPA in the education concentration, completion of an application (distributed in EDUC 196), interview, two letters of recommendation. In accordance with State Board of Education policy, students are also required to complete two criminal history checks: in EDUC 195 prior to admission, and again prior to student teaching. As part of this process, students are required to access the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) through the Michigan State Police website and submit the report to the Education Department. Students are responsible for the $10 ICHAT fee. Students must also complete an Albion College criminal history check form and a Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) consent to release form. A detailed explanation of requirements for admission may be obtained directly from the Education Department.

Further, students are required to maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA and in their teaching major, teaching minor, and 3.0 GPA in education concentration and in other coursework required for the teacher education program. All required courses must be taken for a grade, except those offered only on a credit/no credit basis.

Student Teaching—The application for student teaching is distributed by the Clinical Experience Coordinator. Prospective teachers submit an application no later than November of the preceding academic year. The Clinical Experience Coordinator will consult with the Certification Officer and communicate with building administrators, mentor teachers, and prospective teachers to finalize student teaching internships. All coursework and requirements for graduation must be completed prior to the student teaching internship in order to be eligible. Student teaching is a full-semester capstone internship (3 units; EDUC 421/2/3) and seminar (1 unit; EDUC 431;2) that brings many significant responsibilities and obligations, and involves time commitments during and after school as well as evenings. Student teachers are expected to be present for all internship commitments; this includes the weekly seminar and all Capstone activities and events. Student teaching is a high-stakes internship mentored by a tenured public school teacher, with certification in the relevant grade band and subject areas, who assesses comprehensive demonstration of professional standards and Core Teaching Practices required for eligibility for certification. The building principal and mentor teacher always have the right to terminate a student teaching placement. Therefore, prospective teachers must communicate, in writing, to the Education Department for consideration of requests to take other courses, work, hold leadership positions in organizations on- or off-campus, or participate in any activity that would potentially conflict with the responsibilities, schedule, and prioritization of focus for the internship and jeopardize eligibility for certification. Such requests should be carefully thought through in consultation with an advisor in education. All placements are made within a 30-mile radius of Albion in order to accommodate supervision, seminar and capstone commitments.

All education students need to pass Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) grade band level and subject area tests to be eligible for certification by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). It is recommended that students take content area exams once major course work for the relevant area and the colloquium on preparing for this testing is completed. At the time of registration, individuals must request that their MTTC scores be officially reported to Albion College (Institution Code 02). Certification tests are determined by the Michigan Department of Education and are periodically reviewed and changed. Consulting with the Certification Officer in advance of registration in order to confirm appropriate test registration is strongly recommended. Individuals must pass the respective tests for the desired grade band and subject area(s) they wish to teach. Prospective teachers who complete the elementary education concentration must pass the PK-3 and 3-6 grade band tests; those who complete the secondary education concentration must pass the 5-9 and 7-12 grade band tests as well as the subject area test relevant to their major and minor. K-12 music education students take only the Music Education Test. Those seeking certification to teach French, German or Spanish are required to pass the relevant world language subject area test and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages’ Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) exam with an “advanced low” level of proficiency (or higher) result. Close consultation with the Modern Languages and Cultures Department and TEP adviser to prepare for this exam is strongly recommended.

Certification Fee—Michigan Act No. 339 requires that all teacher candidates pay a fee of $160 for the issuance of a certificate. Albion College is not involved in the collection of the fee. Candidates are billed online by the MDE. Albion College can only verify a candidate’s application as eligible for certification. The MDE does not authorize an application until the candidate pays the certification fee.

Standard Certification—Initial certification issued by the State of Michigan is a standard certificate which is valid for up to five years. Program completers apply for certification via the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS). The standard certificate is available to print online at MOECS; notarization required.

Education Department Website

Student Learning Outcomes

Teacher Education Program Concentration

Students will be able to:
1. Create instructional plans
2. Teach lessons in public school settings
3. Assess K-12 student learning
4. Complete requirements for eligibility for certification

Teaching English as a Second Language Minor

Students will be able to:
1.         Participate in educational settings serving culturally and linguistically diverse learners
2.         Teach lessons for English Learners
3.         Assess English acquisition and learning

Social Studies, with Education Concentration Major

Students will be able to:
1. Create social studies instructional plans
2. Teach lessons in public school settings
3. Assess PK-12 student learning
4. Complete requirements for eligibility for certification

Educational Studies Minor

Students will be able to:
1. Accurately identify key elements of effective teaching and learning
2. Demonstrate key features of professionalism
3. Participate in educational settings serving culturally and linguistically diverse learners

Programs

Major

Social Studies, with Education Concentration, B.A.

Minor

Certification

Elementary Concentration

Concentration