College of Education

The College of Education administers the Educator Preparation Programs at The University of Mary Washington through the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and the Department of Foundations, Leadership, and Special Populations.

All educator preparation licensure programs are accredited by the Virginia Department of Education. Requirements for licensure are established by the Virginia Board of Education and are subject to change.

The College of Education offers a post-baccalaureate initial teacher licensure program designed for adults who have earned a bachelor’s degree. Candidates may elect to pursue initial licensure to complete the requirements for the Master of Education. Programs available prepare students for licensure in Elementary Education (PreK-6), Middle Education (6-8), at the secondary levels (6-12) in each of the following areas: Computer Science, English, History and Social Sciences, Mathematics, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics, Vocational Education, Business and Information Technology, Marketing Education; PreK-12 Endorsements in English as a Second Language, Foreign Language (French, German, Spanish, and Latin), Music Education (Instrumental, Vocal/Choral), Visual Arts); and Special Education, K-12 General Curriculum or Adapted Curriculum.

In addition, the College offers a Master of Education degree for practicing teachers who already possess initial licensure and are seeking continuing professional development, master’s level licensure, or endorsements in teaching or administration. The graduate degree programs offered include Diverse Student Populations, Educational Leadership, English as a Second Language, Literacy Specialist, and Special Education. Students enrolling in any of these programs must possess a collegiate professional or postgraduate professional Virginia license.

Undergraduate students at the university may choose to enter the Master of Science in Elementary Education, a five-year undergraduate-graduate program. Students complete UMW education course work and field experiences at the undergraduate level, graduate with a baccalaureate degree in a liberal arts or sciences major, and return for one more year during which they complete graduate education course work, an internship, a research study, and their MS degree.

The College also offers graduate-level endorsement pathways in Educational Leadership, Literacy Specialist, Teaching English as a Second Language, and Special Education. Graduate-level certificates are offered in Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language and Teaching Students with Autism and an endorsement pathway is offered in Gifted Education.

Mission Statement

The College of Education of the University of Mary Washington prepares educators for the 21st century who are knowledgeable, skilled, collaborative, reflective, and sensitive to diverse learner needs. To accomplish this, we:

• Are grounded in a strong liberal arts and sciences curriculum.

• Emphasize school-based experiences through which students solidify their understanding of the nature of the learner and effective teaching and motivational practices.

• Build a diverse community of practice involving strong partnerships among students, faculty, local teachers, and administrators.

• Enhance teacher aptitudes for research and critical decision-making and ensure knowledge of learning theories and research-based
pedagogy.

• Challenge educators to respond to the changing nature of learning in the 21st century through an emphasis on multi-literacies.

DEPARTMENT OF Curriculum and instruction

Marie P. Sheckels, Chair

Faculty

Professors

Suzanne G. Houff
Marie P. Sheckels

Associate Professors

Teresa L. Coffman
George R. Meadows
Kavatus R. Newell
Sharon L. Teabo
Dale Wright

Assistant Professors

John Broome
Courtney M. Clayton
Tamie Pratt-Fartro

DEPARTMENT OF foundations, leadership, and special populations

Jane L. Huffman, Chair

Faculty

Professors

Norah Hooper
Mary Gendernalik-Cooper
Venitta C. McCall
Jo Tyler

Associate Professors

Laurie B. Abeel
Beverly D. Epps
Jane L. Huffman
Jennifer J. Jakubecy
H. Nicole Myers

Instructor

Patricia E. Reynolds