The course focus is given to the principles of early childhood special education and elementary collaborative teaching. Emphasis is placed on communication and involvement with families of special needs children, avenues by which prospective teachers can access community and family resources, and teaching strategies appropriate for meeting individual needs of children. Case studies, seminars with community and educational leaders, and technology will serve as vehicles for reflection and, in addition, will provide opportunities to develop decision-making skills necessary to make appropriate curricular and instructional choices for children with diverse needs. This course is designed to prepare prospective secondary level teachers for their roles as professional educators who are able to assume responsibility for their own lifelong growth and development within their chosen teaching fields. They will examine what it means to be a professional-working collaboratively with fellow teachers, principals, and other supervisors, assuming responsibility for the design and implementation of learning activities for groups of preadolescent and adolescent students, and communicating to students, parents and others the progress of their educational undertakings.
Emphasis is upon ways to ensure continuing and lifelong professional growth as teachers.
Students are led in the development of creative teaching materials that may be used in the preschool, elementary, or secondary school classroom. This course is designed for K-12 education majors. Course is intended to examine various approaches to discipline and to give students an opportunity to develop their own philosophy of discipline. Practical experience and observation provided. Features outstanding speakers in large and small group sessions related to institute theme.