Department of Teacher Education
College of Education, Business and Applied Sciences
Faculty
Full-time Faculty: Moberg – Chair, Conner, Daniels, McCoy, McGarva, Olson, Pemberton, Rasmussen, Russ, P. Wilson, W. Wilson
Mission
The Teacher Education Program at Dickinson State University is based on the conceptual framework of Teachers as Reflective Decision-Makers. The goal and mission of the Teacher Education Program is helping prospective teachers to become effective decision-makers who base decisions on a well-developed philosophy of education. The conceptual framework is consistent with the mission of the University and is designed to graduate a fully competent teacher who can contribute to the improvement of education for students in North Dakota as well as in other states, which in turn will result in an improvement in the quality of life for all citizens.
Student Learning Outcomes for the Teacher Education Program
The Student Learning Outcomes for the Teacher Education Program address five categories of preparation to teach effectively:
I. Development of the Knowledge Base
Graduates of the Teacher Education Program will
1. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter being taught. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II, III, IV, VI, and VII.)
2. Express a comprehensive knowledge of learning theory through planning, teaching, and interacting with students. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II, III, IV, V, VI, and VII.)
3. Enhance the learning environment by incorporating the use of technological equipment into the classroom. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes II, III, V, VI, and VII.)
II. Application of Knowledge and Skills
Graduates of the Teacher Education Program will
4. Communicate accurately and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with students, colleagues, and parents/community members. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, III, IV, V, and VII.)
5. Organize a comprehensive instructional program through effective planning. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes II, III, VI, and VII.)
6. Effectively instruct students as outlined by a lesson plan. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II, III, IV, V, VI, and VII.)
7. Develop and utilize various evaluative strategies and instruments for determining student achievement and instructional efficacy. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes II, III, VI, and VII.)
III. Development of Professional Standards
Graduates of the Teacher Education Program will
8. Demonstrate attitudes, actions, and behaviors indicative of a professional educator. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II, III, IV, V, VI, and VII.)
9. Exhibit a desire for professional growth and improvement of performance in the classroom. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II, III, V, VI, and VII.)
IV. Sensitivity to Diversity and Inclusion in Multicultural Education
Graduates of the Teacher Education Program will
10. Provide a culturally responsive instructional program that addresses diversity and multicultural education. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II, III, IV, V, and VI.)
11. Provide an inclusive program that accommodates the special needs of each student. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II, III, V, VI, and VII.)
V. Development of Reflective Decision-Making Skills
Graduates of the Teacher Education Program will
12. Make professional decisions using a reflective approach. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II, III, IV, V, VI, and VII.)
Students’ achievement of these program outcomes is assessed with multiple measures at points throughout the program. Program assessment tools specify indicators that are related to each outcome and that are aligned with the seven Institutional Learning Outcomes for Dickinson State University.
Accreditation and Program Approval
The Teacher Education Program at Dickinson State University is nationally accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) under the umbrella of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), 2010 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036; telephone: (202) 223-0077. This accreditation covers initial teacher preparation programs. CAEP is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as a professional accrediting body for teacher preparation.
CAEP advances excellence in educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 student learning. More than 900 educator preparation providers participate in the CAEP accreditation system, a result of the merger of NCATE and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC).
The CAEP Standards for Accreditation of Educator Preparation focus on five areas:
The Teacher Education Program at Dickinson State University is also approved by the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB), 2718 Gateway Avenue, Suite 303, Bismarck, ND 58503-0585; telephone: (701) 328-9641. ESPB sets the standards pertaining to teacher licensure, teacher education program approval (accreditation), and professional development of educators. As an "Option Two" state, North Dakota aligns its standards through ESPB with the NCATE and CAEP standards.
The membership of ESPB includes
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4 classroom teachers from the public schools
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1 classroom teacher from a private school
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2 school board members
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2 school administrators
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1 dean of a college of education
West River Teacher Center
The West River Teacher Center, located in May Hall Room 119, is an integral part of the Department of Teacher Education. The Center is a member of the North Dakota Teacher Center Network and provides professional development opportunities for P-12 teachers, administrators, and support staff in eight counties of Southwestern North Dakota. It also serves as a valuable resource for Dickinson State University students in the Teacher Education Program.
Services provided by the Center include staff development programs; resource materials; distance learning; graduate credit courses; assistance in facilitating state and federal programs and grants; updates on accreditation changes; curriculum enhancement; guest speakers; conferences and festivals for students; newsletters; and referral services.
The West River Teacher Center curriculum and resource collection contains a variety of print materials, videotapes, computer software, and learning kits that are available for checkout by Center members. All students in the Teacher Education Program are members of the West River Teacher Center.
Majors and Minors
Majors
- Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary Education
- Concentrations: Reading, Kindergarten
- Bachelor of Science in Education in Technology Education (a cooperative major with Valley City State University)
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Minors
- Psychology
- Technology Education
Middle School Endorsements
Students in the Teacher Education Program who are interested in obtaining a middle school endorsement for grades 5-8 from the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) should contact their academic advisor for more information regarding this endorsement and the qualifying coursework at Dickinson State University.
Other Teaching Endorsements and Credentials
The North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) and the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) make it possible for teachers to add a variety of endorsements and credentials to their standard teaching licenses. Certain coursework at Dickinson State University may qualify a student for one of those endorsements or credentials through ESPB or DPI. An interested student should consult his or her academic advisor to discuss options regarding endorsements or credentials beyond those described above.