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Education 
About the Department
The Department of Education offers programs that prepare students for teacher certification in early childhood, elementary/ special education, secondary English and specialty areas in music and physical education. Programs reflect a strong liberal arts foundation in the professional preparation of students for careers in education. The diverse student population, small faculty student ratio and supportive academic environment contribute to the development of strong teacher candidates reflective of the programs’ mission and goals identified in the conceptual framework. Mission
The Department of Education seeks to prepare caring educators who are committed to Christian service through the art of reflective teaching. Goals
The program goals and objectives include Maryland State Department of Education Essential Dimensions of Teaching (EDOTs) and North American Division Office of Education of Seventh-day Adventist standards. Four primary goals reflect the mission and provide a conceptual framework for preparing educators who: Demonstrate that they have acquired foundation knowledge that provides an adequate background for an awareness and appreciation for various areas of knowledge important to content and skills for effective teaching
Demonstrate pedagogical skills that enhance learning opportunities in meeting the diverse needs of students
Demonstrate interpersonal skills that support the socially interactive processes of teaching and learning in classrooms, collaboration with colleagues and reflect a caring attitude and commitment to professional service based on Christian values
Demonstrate reflective thinking as they engage in active evaluation of their educational goals, classroom environment, and professional abilitiesObjectives
The objectives explicate the goals as follows: Foundation Knowledge
Demonstrate mastery of appropriate academic disciplines and a repertoire of teaching techniques. (EDOT 1)
Demonstrate an understanding that knowledge of the learner’s physical, cognitive, emotional, social and cultural development is the basis of effective teaching (EDOT 2)
Demonstrate an understanding that a balance in spiritual, mental, physical, social, and professional development is basic to effective service as a professional educator. (CUC 1)Pedagogy Skills
Incorporate a multicultural perspective which integrates culturally diverse resources, including those from the learner’s family and community. (EDOT 3)
Demonstrate a knowledge of strategies for integrating students with special needs into the regular classroom. (EDOT 4)
Use valid assessment approaches, both formal and informal, which are age-appropriate and address a variety of developmental needs, conceptual abilities, curriculum outcomes and school goals. (EDOT 5)
Organize and manage a classroom using approaches supported by student learning needs, research, best practice, and expert opinion. (EDOT 6)
Use computer and computer related technology to meet student and professional needs. (EDOT 7)Interpersonal Skills
Demonstrate an understanding that classrooms and schools are sites of ethical, social and civic activity. (EDOT 8)
Collaborate with the broad educational community, including parents businesses and social service agencies. (EDOT 9)
Demonstrate a caring attitude toward others. (CUC 2)
Demonstrate a commitment to professional service that reflects Christian values. (CUC 3)Reflective Thinking Ability
Engage in careful analysis, problem-solving and reflection in all aspects of teaching. (EDOT 10)
Develop a personal philosophy of teaching. (EDOT 4)Program School Collaboration
The programs of education prepare students for careers in both private and public schools. Students are immersed in the school culture beginning with their early experiences of observation and participation advancing to team teaching in partner schools and culminating with a year-long internship in the professional development schools. The partner schools include Seventh-day Adventist schools in the Columbia Union Conference: George E. Peters(PreK-8), John Nevins Andrews PreK-8), Sligo Adventist(K-8), Spencerville(K-12) and Takoma Academy(9-12). The professional development schools include two schools in Montgomery County Public Schools: Sligo Creek Elementary(K-5) and Montgomery Blair High School(9-12). Title II Requirements
Teacher education program completers in all programs take PRAXIS tests published by the educational testing service (ETS). The aggregate pass rate data published by ETS can be viewed by clicking here. Columbia Union College teacher education program has a completer pass rate of 100%. Refer to the Maryland State Department of Education web site for more information.
For complete departmental information, refer to our online bulletin.
Links to:
Teacher Education Handbook (Accelerated)
Teacher Education Handbook (traditional)
Conceptual Frameowrk
Program Design
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Takoma Park, Maryland 20912