Teacher Education: Early Childhood (K-3)

The university offers state-approved programs in teacher education in three areas; an early childhood program planned for grades K-3, a middle childhood program planned for grades 4-9 with social studies and language arts concentrations, and a K-12 music education program. The K-12 music education program is described under the music department section of the catalog. Upon completion of the program and the satisfaction of all program requirements students will be recommended to the Ohio Department of Education for initial licensure.

Formal admission to the program begins with the second year. Criteria for admission to program are listed below. Upon formal admission to the Teacher Education Program, students must declare their major area of concentration.

The goal of Ohio Christian University's Teacher Education Program is to graduate competent, caring, and qualified teachers for public and private schools. The program integrates a Christian worldview and constructivist philosophy of education.

Objectives

Upon graduation students will:

• Demonstrate a strong Christian world view.
• Demonstrate appropriate professional characteristics as well as being life long learners by setting professional goals and continually reflecting on and evaluating their teaching.
• Demonstrate a broad base knowledge in general core education subjects and extensive knowledge in their curricula area.
• Value a holistic approach in dealing with learners by engaging in a wide range of teaching techniques and assessment practices, promoting learners' construction of understanding and higher order thinking.
• Develop relevant learning for pupils of varied educational, cultural, economic, and language backgrounds.
• Demonstrate the ability to use technology for their own learning and integrate available technology in their teaching to enhance student learning.