Curriculum for the program is based on the traditional TLU Teacher Education program that has been aligned with SBEC’s approved new educator standards for Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities. When applicable, the standards emphasize the required statewide public school curriculum or the Texas Essential. Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), which also reflect the current research on the developmental stages and needs of children from Early Childhood through Grade 12.
Emphasis is placed on proficiencies for teachers in learner-centered schools. Instruction addresses current research and methodology to provide teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful classroom teaching. Benchmarks and assessments have been established to ensure attainment of standards, competencies and proficiencies.
In the alternative teacher certification program, teacher interns must meet all educational requirements that include professional development/competencies regarding area content, evaluations, assessments, field-based experiences, service-learning projects, professional observations/appraisals, portfolios and attendance/ participation. Interns must successfully complete all preparation program requirements and appropriate certification tests for their certification area. A thorough year-long internship is closely monitored by the TLU faculty. During the internship year, all students work with a mentor teacher in the school in addition to the university supervisor. The role of the mentor is to assist the student to develop into an independent, fully functioning reflective teacher who will regularly engage in problem solving related to his or her own teaching. The mentor teacher also observes and assesses the intern’s performance in the classroom. If a student chooses to complete six credit hours of clinical teaching instead of the internship, the student will be assigned a cooperating teacher from the school district and a supervisor from the university.
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