Teacher Education
The Department of Teacher Education is a multidisciplinary department. It includes programs in elementary education, and secondary education. The primary objective of the department is the preparation of candidates to teach children birth through grade 12. Program variations may lead to endorsements in Early Childhood Unified, adaptive special education K-6. TEAM K-6 Honors, or an alternative route to secondary education through the Transition to Teaching program.
The department is organized and staffed: (1) to provide professional preparation for teaching early childhood, elementary school, and secondary school; (2) to extend assistance to schools and related professional groups through research, surveys, and consultative services; and (3) to cooperate with local, state, regional, and national agencies in working toward improvements in education.
The mission of Teacher Education is to prepare professional educators at the graduate and undergraduate levels to provide for all learners the capability to live, learn, and work successfully within the complexity of the world today.
The conceptual framework for professional educators at Fort Hays State University is defined in terms of the seven goals enumerated below under the heading of “The Professional Educator” in coordination with the Kansas State Department of Education Standards. All programs of study are approved by the Kansas State Department of Education and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Department of Teacher Education
Department of Teacher Education Faculty Listing
Academic Programs
Elementary Education - BSE English for Speakers of Other Languages Minor ESOL Certificate Secondary Education - BSE Special Education MinorCourses
A study of the history, philosophy, growth, development, and present status of the community college.
A study of community college curricula and their relationship to instruction.
Study of the basic principles, tools and techniques of counseling related to the parents of exceptional children.
This course is designed to receive non-equivalent elective transfer credit.
A child growth and development course dealing with the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, language, and moral aspects of the child from birth up to the school-age years.
The purpose of this course is to offer opportunities to explore various perspectives of language acquisition and the development of literacy. The focus will be on exploring linguistic principles of literacy development that children birth through grade 3 require in order to become fluent in the areas of reading and writing. The students will examine how knowledge, theory, and research influence our understanding of language and literacy instruction.
This course is designed to provide early childhood education majors with an observation and participation experience. Candidates are placed in an educational setting for children birth through age three. Field time is required.
Provide an overview and introduction into adapting early childhood curricula for special needs children birth through grade 3 particularly in subject areas of art, music, physical education and health. This course covers topics such as special education law, handicapping conditions, assessments, intervention strategies and adapting early childhood curricula to include the creative arts.
The course is designed to provide early childhood education majors with an observation and participation experience. Candidates are placed in an educational setting for children ages 3 through 5. Field time is required.
This course provides methods for teaching math and the integration of mathematics into other content areas. The focus will be on theory, teaching strategies, and hands-on learning. A study of instructional methods, curricular design, and scope and sequence for the teaching and integrating of mathematics in the preschool and early elementary school settings will be included. An inquiry centered approach is inherent throughout the course to promote investigation and critical thinking on the part of pre-service teachers.
Provide an overview and introduction into adapting early childhood curricula for children Birth through Grade three. Students will critique and develop curricula appropriate for meeting early childhood unified content and professional standards in the areas of social studies, science and mathematics. This course focuses on identification of inquiry strategies, assessments, selection of curricular materials, and research strategies that allow practicing teachers to look closely at their teaching and the nature of practice.
The course deals with the management and operation of the child care program. Concepts will deal with establishing a community base, licensing, financing, physical facility, operational guidelines, staffing, enrollment, parental involvement, food service, and other operational considerations.
The course is designed to provide early childhood education majors with an observation and participation experience. Candidates are placed in an educational setting for children kindergarten through grade 3. Field time is required.
This course is designed to receive non-equivalent elective transfer credit.
This course is designed to relate theory to practice in a realistic setting. The student is placed in a situation to obtain experiences relating directly or indirectly to the areas being studied.
This course is designed to relate theory to practice in a realistic setting. The student is placed in a situation to obtain experiences relating directly or indirectly to the areas being studied.
The course is designed to help college students improve their reading and study skills in the textbooks/materials currently being used in their coursework. Students completing this course will have 3 credit hours added to the minimum degree requirements.
This course is designed to receive non-equivalent elective transfer credit.
An introductory course for students considering a career in professional education. Includes historical, philosophical and sociological foundations, organization and finance, and teaching and learning.
A critical study of the multicultural environment in the American educational system with emphasis pertaining to the culturally diverse learners. The various areas of emphasis will include, yet will not be limited to, the issues of culture, ethnicity, religion, linguistics, and (dis)abilities. Through this course the student will be empowered to deal with diversity in the classroom.
A study of the development of the individual over the total life-span. Special attention is given to physical, social, sexual, emotional, intellectual, and linguistic development.
This course is designed to provide knowledge of genre of literature, activities, and units that focus on literature, cultural awareness through literature and the competence in selecting and evaluating books for children.
This field experience will provide the student an opportunity to obtain practical and focused observations in elementary school settings. Additional components of the course focus on time management, adjustment to university life, the role of a professional, and becoming a reflective observer.
A forty-hour field experience designed to introduce the preservice teacher to the roles of educators, professional expectations, and beginning elements of sound teaching practice. Admission to Honors classification required.
The course is designed to provide education majors with an observation and participation experience in an area of special interest. Students are placed in an educational setting relevant to their program.
Field experience will provide the student an opportunity to obtain practical experience in an area of interest.
Critical analysis and discussion of classroom instructional practice as they pertain to theory, content knowledge and practice. Students will initiate individual research projects under supervision of a professor in the department of teacher education.
A forty-hour field experience designed to introduce the preservice teacher to beginning elements of sound teaching practice, in particular the integration of children's literature, and physical education.
Critical analysis and discussion of classroom instructional practices as they pertain to theory, content knowledge and practice for the integration of children's literature and physical education. Students will continue individual research projects under the supervision of a professor in the Department of Teacher Education.
A forty-hour field experience designed to introduce the preservice teacher to beginning elements of sound teaching practice, in particular the integration of children's literature, music, and artistic expression.
Critical analysis and discussion of classroom instructional practices as they pertain to theory, content knowledge and practice for the integration of children's literature, music, and artistic expression. Interns will continue individual research projects under the supervision of a professor in the Department of Teacher Education.
This lab must be taken in conjunction with TEEL 321 The Young Child.
This course is designed to give the student a wide background in literature appropriate for use with children birth to 7. Pre-reading and early reading skills will be emphasized.
This class is designed for pre-service teachers who will learn to set up, plan, and implement effective teaching and discipline strategies to optimize students' on-task time. This course covers responsibility and accountability of teachers when running an effective classroom. The principles can be applied to all settings and all grade levels.
Curriculum design, implementation, and evaluation as well as action research strategies that support learning at elementary and middle school levels will be studied. Students will critique and develop curricula appropriate for meeting content and professional standards.
This course provides methods for teaching mathematics and the integration of content from other disciplines. The focus will be on theory, teaching strategies, and hands-on learning. A study of instructional methods, curricular design, and scope and sequence for the teaching of mathematics in K-6 settings will be included. An inquiry-centered approach is inherent throughout the course to promote investigation and critical thinking on the part of preservice teachers.
This course provides methods for teaching science and the integration of content from other disciplines. The focus will be on theory, teaching strategies, and hands-on learning. A study of instructional methods, curricular design, and scope and sequence for the teaching and integrating of science in elementary and middle school settings will be included. An inquirycentered approach is inherent throughout the course.
The course presents basic principles, procedures and instructional practices as a process in teaching social studies in the elementary school.
Study of language acquisition, methods, and materials of teaching communication skills.
This course will encompass the acquisition of language and the development of reading. The focus will be on theory, strategies, methods, and materials.
Opportunity for students to obtain experience in the instruction of teaching mathematics under the supervision of the Education faculty. Field time is required.
Opportunity for students to obtain experience in instruction in the teaching and assessment of reading and language arts with the integration of technology under the supervision of education faculty. Field time is required.
Opportunity for students to obtain experience in instruction in the teaching and assessment of social studies, management of a classroom, and making adjustments for individual student needs under the supervision of the education faculty. Forty hours of field work is required.
Critical analysis and discussion of classroom instructional practices as they pertain to theory, content knowledge and practice to teaching and assessment of social studies, management of a classroom, and making adjustments for individual student needs. Student will write the first of two chapters of an individual research project under the supervision of a professor in the Department of Teacher Education per previously arranged contract.
Opportunity for students to obtain experience in instruction in the teaching and assessment of reading and language arts with the integration of technology under the supervision of the education faculty. Forty hours of field is required.
Critical analysis and discussion of classroom instructional practices as they pertain to theory, content knowledge and practice to teaching and assessment of reading and language arts with the integration of technology. Students will write the first two chapters of an individual research project under the supervision of a professor in the Department of Teacher Education per previously arranged contract.
This course is designed to receive non-equivalent elective transfer credit.
A study of the psychology of learning, individual differences and measurement, with emphasis on individual learning.
The workshop is designed for intensive study of an educational topic or problem.
The institute is designed to provide preparation for teachers and administrators in a specialized area.
Directed professional reading according to the needs of the individual.
Opportunity for students to obtain experience in instruction under the supervision of the education faculty.
Opportunity for students to obtain experience in the instruction of teaching social studies under the supervision of the Education faculty. Field time is required.
This course provides an opportunity for candidates to obtain experience in instruction in the teaching and assessment of science under the supervision of education faculty. Field time is required for this experience.
This internship must be taken in conjuction with TEEL 481 Correction of Reading Disabilities.
This lab must be taken in conjunction with teel 581 analysis and correction of reading disabilities.
Focuses on application of word recognition and comprehension skills and related aspects of reading instruction by tutoring, under supervision, a child with reading deficiencies. Lecture involves learning correlates of reading problems and diagnostic techniques.
Focuses on application of word recognition and comprehension skills and related aspects of reading instruction by tutoring, under supervision, a child with reading deficiencies. Lecture involves learning correlates of reading problems and diagnostic techniques. Students will complete 16 hours of internship time with elementary students as part of this course.
Opportunity for students to obtain experience in instruction in the teaching and assessment of mathematics and science under the supervision of the education faculty. Forty hours of field time is required for this experience. Admission to teacher education is required.
Critical analysis and discussion of classroom instructional practices as they pertain to theory, content knowledge and practice of teaching mathematics and science. Students will complete the writing and field assessment of an individual research project under the supervision of a professor in the Department of Teacher Education and submit a presentation proposal to a state or national conference. Admission to Teacher Education & good standing in Honors program are required.
Presentation of the Honors thesis will be made to Honors Seminar 5 and 6 classes and prepared for presentation at a state or national conference and for publication in an educational journal. Admission to Teacher Education and good standing in Honors program is required.
A study of the development of the middle school, its purposes, programs, services, organization, and administration.
Admission by application submitted to the education department office. Supervised teaching experience is provided in approved elementary schools. Student teaching in: (1) elementary school; (2) elementary school art; (3) elementary school music; (4) elementary school physical education; and (5) early childhood and preschool.
The institute is designed to provide preparation for teachers and administrators in a specialized area.
Opportunity for students to obtain experience in instruction under supervision of the graduate faculty.
Significant contributions of specific cultures are studied with emphasis on their institutions, history, traditions, and customs.
Significant contributions of specific cultures are studied with emphasis on their institutions, history, traditions, and customs.
The educational conference is designed to explore educational topics of continuing and current interest to teachers and school service personnel. Credit varies with the depth and breadth of coverage of the topics.
The educational conference is designed to explore educational topics of continuing and current interest to teachers and school service personnel. Credit varies with the depth and breadth of coverage of the topics.
An exploration of significant curriculum models emphasizing specific instructional methodologies and various learning materials pertinent to the different levels of early childhood education. The course will involve the development of selected instructional activity resources.
An exploration of significant curriculum models emphasizing specific instructional methodologies and various learning materials pertinent to the different levels of early childhood education. The course will involve the development of selected instructional activity resources.
This course is designed to provide teachers with the skills needed to enlist and coordinate participation and involvement of parent and community as partners with the school.
This course is designed to provide teachers with the skills needed to enlist and coordinate participation and involvement of parent and community as partners with the school.
A workshop is designed for intensive study of an educational topic or problem.
A workshop is designed for intensive study of an educational topic or problem.
Directed professional reading according to the needs of the individual.
Directed professional reading according to the needs of the individual.
A critical study of selected problems relating to the educational area under consideration.
A critical study of selected problems relating to the educational area under consideration.
The institute is designed to provide preparation for teachers and administrators in specialized areas.
The institute is designed to provide preparation for teachers and administrators in specialized areas.
A critical study of selected problems relating to the educational area under consideration.
A critical study of selected problems relating to the educational area under consideration.
Provides the student an opportunity to obtain practical experience in an area of interest. The student will be under the supervision of a selected practitioner.
Provides the student an opportunity to obtain practical experience in an area of interest. The student will be under the supervision of a selected practitioner.
This course is designed to relate theory to practice in a realistic fashion. The student is placed in a situation to obtain experience relating directly or indirectly to the area being studied.
This course is designed to relate theory to practice in a realistic fashion. The student is placed in a situation to obtain experience relating directly or indirectly to the area being studied.
This internship must be taken in conjuction with TEEL 681 Correction of Reading Disabilities.
This internship must be taken in conjuction with TEEL 681 Correction of Reading Disabilities.
Focuses on application of word recognition and comprehension skills and related aspects of reading instruction by tutoring, under supervision, a child reading deficiencies. Lecture involves learning correlates of reading problems and diagnostic techniques.
Focuses on application of word recognition and comprehension skills and related aspects of reading instruction by tutoring, under supervision, a child reading deficiencies. Lecture involves learning correlates of reading problems and diagnostic techniques.
Provides the student an opportunity to obtain practical experience in an area of interest. The student will be under the supervision of a selected practitioner.
This course provides current and future educators the opportunity to analyze, critique and conduct graduate-level research by utilizing techniques that are pertinent and specific to the field of education. Particular emphasis will be placed on the following approaches: qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods and action research. In addition, students will learn how to consume and conduct research to inform and improve their professional practice within the classroom and at the building or district levels.
This course will encompass the acquisition of language and the development of reading. The focus will be on theory, strategies, methods, and materials.
This course is intended to give students an opportunity to examine a variety of theoretical and pedagogical issues in literacy of the child with the integration of social studies at the intermediate grade level. <br/>
This course is Part 1 of a two-course sequence in elementary mathematics teaching methods. This sequence is designed to examine a variety of approaches to teaching (mathematics for primary grades): factors related to instructional planning, instructional models and strategies, matching children with instructional techniques and approaches, including instructional components related to multiculturalism. The course is intended to provide the elementary teacher with teaching expertise needed to meet the diversity among the populations in today’s classrooms.
This course is Part 2 of a two-course sequence in elementary mathematics teaching methods. This sequence is designed to examine a variety of approaches to teaching (mathematics for intermediate grades): factors related to instructional planning, instructional models and strategies, matching children with instructional techniques and approaches, including instructional components related to multiculturalism. The course is intended to provide the elementary teacher with teaching expertise needed to meet the diversity among the populations in today’s classrooms.
This course focuses on application of word recognition and comprehension skills and related aspects of reading instruction by tutoring, under supervision, a child with reading difficulties. This class involves learning to locate literacy difficulties through assessments and designing appropriate intervention strategies.<br/>
This course explores the educational implications and applications of research on child development, cognitive science, learning, motivation, teaching and assessment and how it can be applied to intervene and address the everyday problems within the field of education.
This course explores practices to support the education of all students. The focus is on inclusive practices: instructional approaches that emphasize teaching students effectively in the academic, social, and behavior domains. The emphasis is on reality-based techniques that can be implemented for students with a range of special needs and students from diverse backgrounds, and that are consistent with today’s instructional expectations and the knowledge base of effective practices.<br/>
This class is designed for pre-service and in-service teachers at the graduate level who will learn to set up, plan, and implement effective teaching and discipline strategies to optimize students' on-task time. This course covers responsibility and accountability of teachers when running an effective classroom. The principles can be applied to all settings and all grade levels.
Designed to provide an understanding of reading instruction. Emphasis is placed upon developing various word recognition or decoding skills and comprehension within a whole language perspective.
This course examines a variety of approaches to teaching: factors related to instructional planning, instructional models and strategies, matching children with instructional techniques and approaches, including instructional components related to multiculturalism. The course is intended to provide the elementary teacher with teaching expertise needed to meet the diversity among the populations in today's classrooms.
The course includes a consideration of influences that affect elementary school curriculum, alternative types of curricular organization, and a study of the current trends and issues in the content areas of elementary schools.
A graduate-level workshop designed for intensive study of an educational topic or problem.
The institute is designed to provide preparation for teachers and administrators in a specialized area.
Directed professional reading according to the needs of the individual.
Independent study of an educational problem.
Opportunities for students who have graduated to obtain additional competencies.
Opportunity for graduate-level students to obtain experience in instruction under the supervision of the graduate faculty.
Provides the student an opportunity to obtain practical experience in an area of interest. The student will be under the supervision of a selected practitioner.
A study of the development of the middle school, its purposes, programs, services, organization, and administration.
Individual study of a selected problem relating to education.
This course examines the school library media program as a force for excellence in education, as a component of the classroom program, and as a component of the school program. Policies and administration designs are emphasized.
The purpose of this course is to develop teacher candidate understanding of ESOL assessments and assessment practices used to place, teach, follow, and exit ESOL students through P-12 education. Formal and alternative assessment instruments will be analyzed. Testing bias will be examined. Teachers will become aware of assessment measures used at the district, school, and classroom level. They will have the opportunity to develop alternative methods of evaluation to more closely understand the language levels of their students.
The purpose of this course is to introduce teacher education candidates to contemporary methods and materials used in the teaching of ESOL at the P-12 levels. The course will introduce the methods and materials used in teaching English to non-native speakers with limited or nonexistent English proficiency. Emphasis will be placed on the preparation of activities, materials, and evaluation techniques for future classroom use.
Linguistics is intended to prepare teaching candidates desiring the P-12 ESOL endorsement with a background in the structure and function of language. This course will provide the theoretical underpinnings that allow candidates to better plan curriculum for their students. Candidates will be able to determine which elements of English may be most problematic for their students, the ways in which languages may differ, and what are the universal characteristics of language. This course combines aspects of applied linguistics, psychology, and second language acquisition, as well as second language pedagogy, for increased instructional competency with second language learners.
This course is designed to relate theory to practice in a realistic setting. The candidate is placed in a situation to obtain experiences relating directly or indirectly to the areas being studied. The equivalent of twenty days (120 hours) in a setting that includes a minimum of 20% English second language learners is required for this experience.
This course is designed to receive non-equivalent elective transfer credit.
This course explores the historical and philosphical foundations of general, special and inclusive education; the development and characteristics of all learners including those with disabilities; the impacts of individual differences on education; and the legal parameters appropriate for each learner's educational needs.
This course provides the student with information on special education programming including legal and ethical perspectives; pre-referral; placement; individual education program plans; parent conferencing, and colleague consultation and collaboration.
This course provides the student with the following aspects of behavior strategies and management; introduction to behavior systems. Measurement of behavior and behavior change; procedures for establishing new behavior; strategies for increasing desirable behavior and decreasing undesirable behavior; and special considerations for application of behavioral principles in the schools.
This course explores a variety of assessment instruments, procedures, and technologies for learner screening, evaluation, eligibility decisions, instructional planning, progress monitoring, and technology considerations.
This course emphasizes the practices and procedures useful in teaching students with high incidence disabilities in settings ranging from the resource room to the inclusive regular education setting. Teacher candidates demonstrate that they can synthesize and apply the knowledge obtained in the university classroom to actual practice during a field-based internship under the supervision of Education faculty.
This course provides the study of the use of technology in the school, home and the community. Emphasis is placed on applications of technology systems and devices that are productive for students with exceptionalities.
This course is designed to receive non-equivalent elective transfer credit.
This course provides a supervised teaching experience designed to assist prospective special education teachers in the development of skills in: managing classroom learning environments, implementing instruction, employment issues, and diversity issues.
Principles of learning & teaching is a national exam that measures students' pedagogical knowledge at three grade levels (K-6, 5-9, and 7-12).
An introduction to secondary and middle school science teaching methods. The course provides opportunities for designing units and teaching lessons across science disciplines. Topics include learning theories and styles, teaching strategies, topics in science education research, student assessment, instructional technologies, standard-based instruction, and teaching students with special needs (the handicapped and the gifted).
Study of reading and problem solving from text. Emphases will be on vocabulary importance and instruction; comprehension instruction, especially critical reading skills; and textbook evaluation.
This course is a comprehensive overview of teaching skills and literacy strategies common to all content areas in secondary education. It is also a review and update of effective school principles, integration of instruction for special needs students, legal issues, assessment and the use of technology in the secondary classroom. In addition, this course includes a two hour per week clinical experience in a secondary school. This course shall be taken in the semester prior to directed teaching.
Admission by application. Supervised teaching experience is provided in approved accredited secondary schools. Directed teaching in: 1. Secondary school (12 hrs); 2. Secondary school art (6 hrs); 3. Secondary school music (6 hrs); or 4. Secondary school physical education (6 hrs), or 5. Secondary school (6 hrs).
Provides the student an opportunity to obtain practical experience in an area of interest. The student will be under the supervision of a selected practitioner.
Provides the student an opportunity to obtain practical experience in an area of interest. The student will be under the supervision of a selected practitioner.
An introduction to secondary and middle school science teaching methods. The course provides opportunities for designing units and teaching lessons across science disciplines. Topics include learning theories and styles, teaching strategies, topics in science education research, student assessment, instructional technologies, standard-based instruction, and teaching students with special needs (the handicapped and the gifted).
This course provides an in-depth analysis of the various factors that contribute to an effective teacher. Students will analyze and evaluate relevant research and national teaching standards to better understand and apply the principles of effecting teaching.
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099
785-628-FHSU (3478)