So many see only the symptoms. Enjoying the award presentation at Washington's Anderson House are, from left, Samford acting provost Joe Lewis, president Thomas Corts, education dean Ruth Ash, U. S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley, associate dean Jean Box and professor Carol Dean. Evan K. Major, superintendent of Shelby County Schools, consults with Ash and Persall on the hiring of teachers. All Samford early childhood and elementary level teacher candidates must earn four certificates, including Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education, Elementary and Elementary Special Education. Samford places a high priority in getting student teachers into the classroom as part of their practical learning experience.
Every graduate has clinical experience in urban, rural and suburban schools.
They gave me real-life experience before I graduated. Your first year of teaching, all you have to fall back on is your education. I was more comfortable than some because Samford helped me develop a variety of teaching strategies. Brandy Ragland, who floats between elementary, middle and high school teaching in Fairfield, said the multiple certification helped make her a better teacher and more marketable. Schools considered for the National Award for Effective Teacher Preparation were asked to demonstrate the link between their teacher preparation programs and their graduates' ability to improve student learning in reading and mathematics.