History and Objectives

The Department of Education at UAH has been concerned with programs for the preparation of public school personnel since the University's inception in 1949. The earliest teacher education programs were initially connected directly to the College of Education at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa; in effect the UAH programs were offered under the Extension Division of the University of Alabama. During the next 18 years, the Department of Education became more independent and autonomous as the demand for courses and programs expanded. Finally, by 1967 students could complete all coursework in teacher education at UAH. That spring the education program at UAH was officially approved, and the first independent Department of Education was established. The program has continued to prepare prospective elementary and high school teachers at the graduate and undergraduate levels to assume leadership roles in public and private schools. The faculty in the department is committed to a knowledge base for these programs which reflects the view that educators are reflective decision-makers who facilitate student learning.

Accreditation

Teacher education programs at UAH are approved by the Alabama State Board of Education, according to standards of the National Association of the State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC), for the issuance of appropriate professional certificates for service in public schools.

Academic Advising

Students who plan to enroll in the Teacher Education Program and qualify for teacher certification should contact the chair of the Education Department to be assigned an advisor as early as the freshman year. Students are expected to consult their advisors about curricular and degree requirements. In addition, students are expected to consult with advisors from their teaching field departments to coordinate the planning of programs of study.

THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION PERIODICALLY REVISES THE REQUIREMENTS GOVERNING CERTIFICATION IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA. THEREFORE, REQUIREMENTS FOR DEGREES LEADING TO CERTIFICATION ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FROM THOSE PUBLISHED HERE. THE STUDENT IS REQUIRED TO SEEK ADVISEMENT FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT (AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE IN THE PROGRAM OF STUDY) TO ENSURE THAT BOTH DEGREE REQUIREMENTS AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS ARE MET.

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