This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.valdosta.edu.

Dr. Debbie Paine, Department Head
Room 1045, Education Building

The Department of Teacher Education is a multidisciplinary department that offers the B.S.Ed. degree with a major in elementary education, middle grades education, deaf education, or American sign language/English interpreting.

The department offers a program of study in middle grades education (grades 4-8) with candidates choosing two concentrations selected from language arts, mathematics, science, reading, or social studies. The programs provide experiences that allow preservice teachers to develop the content knowledge and pedagogical skills necessary for meeting the diverse needs of their future students. Emphasis is placed on student-centered and reflective approaches for communicating effectively, using the tools of inquiry, developing learning opportunities for all students, integrating technology into instruction, and fostering relationships within the larger community. A pre-professional degree is available in deaf and hard-of-hearing (P-12) with a professional degree available with a major in American sign language/interpreting. Candidates are prepared in areas of instruction, service, assessment, and multiple modes of communication.

Freshmen who are interested in initial teacher certification in secondary education (grades 6-12) will first complete a B.A. or B.S. degree in a content teaching field and then enter the Alternative Certification Track Master’s Program (ACT) in the Department of Teacher Education.