They begin the path of personal and professional development that helps them explore the teaching profession and their call and commitment to enter that profession. Stage A begins the foundation of knowledge and theory that later will be applied in clinical settings. Stage B - Acquisition Students build on the foundation established in Stage A and acquire additional specialized theory and knowledge. Further, these skills are developed through clinical experiences that will prepare them for the Stage C, the integration year. Through clinical placements, students build on the learnings and experiences from Stage B to continue the integration of theory into practice at an advanced level.
Evaluation becomes more complex and in-depth.
The teacher preparation program is culminated through the capstone experience, student teaching. Course content and the field experiences within the four stages of the Teacher Education Program are designed to prepare the student to become an effective decision maker. If the world of education is to be improved, it is essential that educators know how to make effective decisions within all eight domains. Indiana Wesleyan University, as a Christian liberal arts institution, is committed to providing preservice and inservice programs that prepare teachers to be effective decision makers. It is expected that Teacher Education Program graduates will become change agents in an ever-evolving academic world.