School of Education
Dr. Wesley Hickey, Director
Programs described in this section lead to teacher certification in accordance with the standards of the State Board for Educator Certification. Professional Educator Programs are guided by acts of the Texas Legislature, policies of the State Board for Educator Certification, policies of the Educator and System Support Division of the Texas Education Agency (TEA), and policies of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and are subject to change. Please consult an advisor in the School of Education advising office to ascertain the latest policies and programs.
Through course work in the School of Education, students may obtain the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Interdisciplinary Studies. All educator preparation programs offered through the School of Education reflect a commitment to collaboration with TEA-accredited schools in the region. Programs are designed to provide a mediated induction to the teaching profession through clinical experiences in local public school settings.
The School of Education also offers master’s level degrees designed for teachers of all levels wanting to update their instructional skills or seeking additional certification. Master of Education degrees in Reading, Special Education, and Educational Leadership allow teachers to earn additional certifications. The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction allows candidates holding a bachelor’s degree to earn initial teacher certification and teachers who already hold teaching certificates to advance their understanding of educational theory and practice. (See the graduate section of this catalog for information concerning the master’s degrees in Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, Reading, and Special Education.)
The goals of the School of Education at The University of Texas at Tyler are consistent with expectations of the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Candidates within certification areas provide evidence of their proficiency and growth in the required state curriculum along with the standards established for the certification area being sought. Specifically, candidates receive instruction and document their growth in one of the following: Educator Standards, Principal Standards, Superintendent Standards, Reading Specialist and/or Master Reading Teacher Standards, or Educational Diagnostician Standards. In addition, all educator candidates document their growth in (1) the code of ethics and standard practices for Texas educators, (2) instruction in detection and education of students with dyslexia, (3) instruction regarding mental health, substance abuse, and youth suicide, (4) the skills that educators are required to possess, the responsibilities that educators are required to accept, and the high expectations, (5) the importance of building strong classroom management skills, and (6) the framework for Texas teacher and principal evaluation.