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.

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
Dale Wright
Assistant Professors
John Broome
Courtney M. Clayton
Janine P. S. Davis
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
H. Nicole Myers
Assistant Professor
Roberta A. Gentry
Patricia E. Reynold

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.

Undergraduate students at the university may choose to enter a five-year undergraduate-graduate program. The College of Education offers the Master of Science in Elementary Education and the Master of Education five-year pathways in Secondary Education, P-12 Education and Special Education (General Curriculum and Adapted Curriculum). 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 Masters degree.
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; 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 M.Ed. for professional development programs 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.

The College also offers graduate-level endorsement pathways in Educational Leadership, Literacy Specialist, Teaching English as a Second Language, and Special Education. Graduate-level programs for professional development 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.