Many professions involve educational components; these formal and informal learning opportunities can range from a museum exhibit to online training modules. Nonprofit organizations often work with K-12 school districts, and anyone who wants to be a professor one day would benefit from some educational training.

This new certificate will enhance your awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion in educational settings. Your new knowledge and skills will be documented on your transcript in the form of an undergraduate certificate. This is also a great way to “test the waters” if you aren’t quite sure about teaching as a profession but still want to explore some courses.

To be admitted to S&T’s undergraduate certificate program in Teaching and Learning a student must meet Missouri S&T regular undergraduate admission requirements. In order to receive an undergraduate certificate, the student must have an average cumulative grade point of 2.5 or better in the certificate courses.

*This certificate does not lead to Missouri teacher certification; more courses and student teaching are required to earn licensure.

Curriculum

Required courses (13 credit hours):

EDUC 1040   Perspectives in Education - 2 credit hours
EDUC 1174   School Organization and Management - 2 credit hours
EDUC 3216   Instructional Literacy in Content Area - 3 credit hours
EDUC 3340   Assessment of Student Learning - 3 credit hours
EDUC 2310   Education of the Exceptional Child - 3 credit hours

Course Descriptions

Courses in this certificate will explore creation of high quality care for young children, from birth to eight years of age.  The certificate courses emphasize engagement of diverse families and collaboration with community resources.  The courses in this program are aligned with the national Child Development Associate training requirements.

Quality early educational experiences can impact children for the rest of their lives.  Close partnerships between teachers, families, and community resources support children’s positive physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development.  Program completers will be equipped to create play-based learning experiences for young children following appropriate standards, including the Child Development Associate training requirements.

The on campus childcare center at S&T provides real world experiences for students interested in working with this age group.  This certificate adds specialized knowledge of early childhood to existing programs such as elementary teacher certification and psychological sciences.  Individuals seeking to manage or work in preschools, daycares, or other educational settings with young children would benefit from this certificate. 

*This certificate does not lead to Missouri teacher certification; more courses and student teaching are required to earn licensure. Please visit our Early Childhood Program page if you have interest in earning a bachelor's degree.

Curriculum

Required courses (18 credit hours):

EDUC 1055   Introduction to Early Childhood Education  - 3 credit hours
EDUC 1221   Health, Nutrition, and Safety in Early Childhood Education - 3 credit hours
EDUC 1820   Early Childhood Program Management - 3 credit hours
EDUC 2440   Observation and Assessment of Young Children - 3 credit hours
EDUC 2401   School, Family and Community Partnerships - 3 credit hours
EDUC 3211   Child Development - 3 credit hours

Course Descriptions

This certificate is designed for practicing teachers who want a research-based approach to facilitating instructional improvement within a department, grade level, or school. 

Strengthening teacher leaders within a school increases the capacity of the entire staff to facilitate change for improvement and collaborate with stakeholders.  Teachers will enhance their skills in mentoring, curriculum development, and assessment through theory and reflective practice.  This program focuses on local context, using the Teacher Leadership Competencies as a framework.

The graduate certificate in teacher leadership will provide practicing educators with the skills to lead teams to improve teaching and learning; however, this certificate does not result in Missouri educator licensure.  The courses in this graduate certificate may be applied to the non-thesis Master of Science in Biology.  Other programs may accept these courses according to their guidelines.

Admission Criteria

1. Currently teaching or two years of experience teaching (evaluated through resume)
2. 3.0 GPA in undergraduate or previous graduate coursework
3. Statement of purpose with a focus on how this program will impact their teaching and learning community

No GRE is required.

Curriculum

EDUC 5150   Teacher Leadership within Educational Systems - 3 credit hours
EDUC 5220   Instructional Coaching and Mentoring - 3 credit hours
EDUC 5225   Curriculum Development and Assessment - 3 credit hours
EDUC 5330   Community-Based Participatory Action Research - 3 credit hours

Course Descriptions

*Students may transfer one equivalent graduate course into the certificate.  Students may substitute EDUC 5330 with another research course with advisor approval.