Education
The teacher plays an increasingly important role in the life of his or her students. As an educator, you will teach young people as the develop physically, emotionally, and intellectually. This work is challenging and personally rewarding. At Castleton, you will also become a member of a supportive family of teachers and you will graduate from a program developed for the future as well as the present.
Undergraduate Programs
In addition to the licensure program for elementary education, Castleton offers secondary education licensure, and an endorsement for special education.
Teaching Experiences
As a future teacher, your passion is the classroom. Field experiences offer you invaluable opportunities to observe and work with young people. They put you in a classroom setting from the beginning of your education program. These clinical experiences allow you to become involved in a helping relationship in a school or community environment.
You will play a variety of important roles: observer, helper, and ultimately teacher. The role becomes more complex as you advance in the program, culminating in a semster-long student teaching experience.
Liberal Arts
The Education Department has a historical commitment to the liberal education of teachers. The undergraduate program complements and integrates the liberal arts and sciences with a professional course sequence in education.
All undergraduates wishing to become teachers must complete a major in the liberal arts and sciences in addition to education program requirements. Elementary Education students may major in mulitidisciplinary studies.
Expectations
The Education Department holds high expectations for its students. As a result of the teacher education program, students must meet a variety of goals. These include an ability to demonstrate knowledge of the teaching and learning process; classroom planning and management strategies and appropriate assessment procedures. Courses within the department and field experiences in the local schools focus on the knowledge, skills and understandings necessary to be successful in the contemporary school system. Classroom discussions and interactions among students foster group problem solving and individual reflection. Beyond the classroom, the department fosters a supportive and reflective climate through advising and sponsorship of student organizations.
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