About the School of Education

The School of Education was established out of the former Department of Education in 2019 to prepare professional educators who engage in reflective practice and who are competent, caring, committed, collaborative, culturally responsive, and prepared to teach diverse learners in an ever-changing society.

Students may choose from a variety of education programs that prepare them to become certified teachers. Our Middle Level Education degree is one of the longest-standing programs at the University and is a cohort program that prepares candidates to teach language arts, mathematics, science, and social sciences for grades 4-8.

Other bachelor’s programs include Secondary Education programs in Biology, English, History, and Mathematics offered through the discipline departments. Secondary programs prepare candidates to teach grades 6-12. The Music Education program prepares candidates for teaching grades K-12 and is offered through the Department of Film, Communication, and Performing Arts.

For advanced study, the Master of Arts in Teaching programs in Secondary Mathematics and English are offered through the School of Graduate Studies and their respective discipline departments.

Mission

The mission and goals of the School of Education are to prepare collaborative, competent, caring, committed, and culturally responsive educators who are reflective practitioners.

The primary goals are to develop teachers who:

• are knowledgeable about and committed to working with learners,
• understand curriculum and the organization of schools for teaching and learning,
• understand that teaching is inquiring,
• have content knowledge and are lifelong learners,
• value varying learning experiences and diversity, and determine and adjust teaching methods and strategies according to the needs of individual learners.

Conceptual Framework

The Clayton State University School of Education has defined its theme through the Conceptual Framework. The Conceptual Framework promotes reflective practice, with an outline for preparing quality teachers who are competent, caring, committed, collaborative, and culturally responsive. These qualities are consistent with standards promoted by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium. History of Clayton State University Teacher Education Conceptual Framework.

Accreditation

Clayton State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC). All education programs at Clayton State University have been approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC).