The School of Education is recognized for preparing educators who are ready for the classroom. Even though theory is at the core, significant time is spent in very practical applications of the current best practices in the classroom. The traditional programs in education have a strong field-based component, allowing pre-service educators a variety of opportunities to work with children in the early childhood, middle school, and/or high school settings. Alternative programs are also available for individuals who have a bachelor's degree and would like to pursue educator certification. The overall design of the program stems from careful review, state and national standards, and the best practices defined in current research and application. Other special features of the program include the following.
- Collaboration initiatives with local school districts to improve the education of students and the professional development of faculty.
- Student organizations such as Kappa Delta Pi National Honor Society (KDP) to provide for professional growth and the development of team spirit.
- A media center including a curriculum lab and library to assist students in the preparation of teaching materials.
- A variety of certification programs to meet specific needs.
- Individuals seeking certification in early childhood, middle school, or high school setting typically earn the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (BSIS) degree. The faculty of the School of Education will serve as advisors and mentors to education majors.
Faculty
- David Boyer, Ed.D., Dean of the School of Education
- Sam Ayers, Ed.D.
- Tonia Boyer, M.Ed.
- Connor Bryant, M.Ed.
- Dawn Cox, M.Ed.
- Jerry Jerabek. M.Ed.
- Annette Mahan, M.Ed.
- Karissa Ramos. M.Ed.
Degrees
To earn a degree, students must complete the curriculum and meet other requirements for a degree listed in the academic policy section of this catalog.
Educator Certification Program
The Lubbock Christian University Educator Certification Program is accredited by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and holds membership in the Consortium of State Organizations for Teacher Education (CSOTTE), Texas Association for Colleges of Teacher Education (TACTE), Texas Directors of Field Experiences (TDFE), Texas Association of Certification Officers (TACO), Independent Colleges and Universities in Texas (ICUT), and Texas Coordinators for Teacher Certification and Testing (TCTCT).
Certification Programs
The university offers the following approved certification programs. These programs meet the requirements for certification in the state of Texas. Students interested in seeking certification in a state other than Texas should notify the Director of Certification in the School of Education for more information. Additional information is also available in the institutional disclosure statement for programs leading to licensure or certification.
- Early Childhood Education Core Subjects EC-6–Certification to teach all subject areas in pre-kindergarten through grade 6.
- Middle School Education-Specialist (Grades 4-8)–Certification to teach grades 4–8 in a particular teaching field. Teaching field options include Math, Science, English, Reading/Language Arts, and Social Studies.
- Secondary Education (Grades 7-12)–Certification to teach grades 7-12 in one teaching field. Teaching field options include Mathematics, Chemistry, Life Science, Physical Science, Composite Science, English, History, and Composite Social Studies.
- All-Level Education (Grades EC-12)–Certification for EC-12th grade Art, Music, Physical Education, Spanish, or Theatre arts.
Education coursework is designed to prepare teachers to integrate technology into instruction that is consistent with TEA/ISTE Technology Application standards while also training educators to effectively collect, manage, and analyze data in order to enhance student academic achievement. EEL/EDS 2320, EDS 4310, and EEL 4320 focus on these standards.
Certification programs are subject to change by the accrediting agencies. Students should check with their academic department advisor for exact requirements.
Educator Certification Council Policies
The Educator Certification Council (ECC) is responsible for ensuring that educator certification candidates possess the basic skills and qualities necessary to perform their duties in a professional and Christ-like manner. The council is comprised of deans and faculty representing the departments offering educator certification. The council meets twice each long semester. As required by the Texas Education Agency, the council has established admission requirements for all programs of study leading to educator certification. All program applicants must:
Phase I: Admission to the Educator Certification Program (ECP)
Undergradute students must be admitted to the ECP prior to Methods. Applications must be submitted to the Director of Certification by October 15 or March 15. The Educator Certification Council (ECC) reviews completed applications each semester.
Criteria for Admissions to the ECP
- Reading–THEA minimum score of 250; a maximum of 3 times taken
- Mathematics–THEA minimum score of 230; a maximum of 3 times taken
- Writing–THEA minimum score of 230; a maximum of 3 times taken
- Oral Communication–grade of at least a C in COM 2340, ENG 1301 and ENG 1302
- Completion UNI 2000
- Successful completion of 60 hours
- Cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale
- Successful completion of 12 hours in academic specialization (15 hours for Mathematics or Science) with minimum GPA of 2.75. University Core courses do not count toward the required hours.
- Military Service–see Director of Certification for policy on awarding transfer credit
- No previous felony or misdemeanor convictions. In compliance with 19 TAC 141.5, the State Board will conduct a background check for Educator Certification with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants may contact the Director of Certification for additional information.
Submission of an application portfolio containing the following items:
- Recent photograph
- Unofficial copies of all university transcripts
- Documentation of THEA scores
- Recommendations from two faculty members from outside of the School of Education who are familiar with the student’s academic achievement and potential as an educator. One of these recommendations must come from a faculty member within the academic specialization area.
Master's Degree Candidates
Students must be admitted to the ECP upon enrollment to the University. Applications must be submitted to the Director of Certification by October 15 or March 15. The Educator Certification Council reviews completed applications each semester.
Criteria for candidacy in the Educator Certification Program leading to certification with the Texas Education Agency.
- A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 hours in the Baccalaureate degree and maintained throughout certification program coursework.
- Met all university enrollment qualifications to begin the appropriate master's program.
- Master of Arts in Teaching applicants must successfully complete the Pre-Admission Certification Test (PACT) in the appropriate content field prior admission to the Education Certification Program.
- No previous felony or misdemeanor convictions. In compliance with 19 TAC 141.5, a computer background check will be made by the State Board for Educator Certification with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants may contact the Director of Certification for additional information.
- Submit the completed application for candidacy to the Director of Certification.
- Successful completion of 12 hours in academic specialization (15 hours for Mathematics or Science) with minimum GPA of 2.75.
- Students who earned degrees from outside the United States must also score 26 or higher in each section of the TOEFL IBT.
Educator Qualities
Applicants must demonstrate the teaching qualities outlined in the ECP Mission Statement or demonstrate a potential for positive development of these qualities. The Educator Certification Council (ECC) will evaluate these qualities through an analysis of the faculty recommendations, faculty interviews and the student self-evaluations that are included in the application portfolio. Interviews are required and will be scheduled. Educator qualities include the following.
- View teaching as a mission and ministry
- Have a desire to help others
- Have a commitment to the welfare of children
- Possess high moral and ethical standards
- Demonstrate openness to new ideas
- Possess effective oral and written communication skills
- Demonstrate emotional and physical health
- Demonstrate creative problem solving skills
- Demonstrate leadership
- Demonstrate strong academic background
Review of Application Portfolios
The School of Education will examine completed application portfolios. The ECC will review the application portfolio and vote to approve or deny admission into the ECP. If admission is denied, applicants may reapply to the Director of Certification. If the council denies admission to an applicant that has met the basic academic criteria, a process for appeal is available through the Dean of the School of Education.
Phase II: Candidacy in the Educator Certification Program
After formal admittance to the ECP, candidates should seek approval for the content TExES from the appropriate department chair. The content department chair will submit testing authorization to the director of certification. The candidate must complete the appropriate TExES content test within 45 days of this approval to test.
Admission to the Educator Certification Program
The council will review each complete application and vote to either approve or deny admission to candidacy. If the council denies admission to an applicant who has met the basic academic criteria, a process for appeal is available through the Dean of the School of Education. Upon letter of approval of entrance to the Educator Certification Program, Program Chairs/Coordinators will approve a candidate to take their Content TExES exam. A candidate must complete that test within 45 days of notice of approval to test.
Clinical Teaching Standards
Submit an application for candidacy to the Field Office Coordinator by October 15 or March 15 to be eligible to enroll in clinical teaching for the following semester.
Progression to clinical teaching is based on the following criteria for undergraduate candidates.
- Successful completion of the content TExES exam in the appropriate certification field.
- Successful completion of 110 hours applicable to the academic plan.
- A minimum overall GPA of 2.75.
- A minimum GPA of 2.75 and a grade of C or above in both academic specialization and major.
- Recommendations from the professional educators who supervised the pre-clinical teaching field experience.
- Freedom from physical, speech, hearing, or emotional handicaps that are detrimental to teaching.
Phase III: ECP Recommendation for Certification to Texas Education Agency
- Successful completion of all candidacy requirements.
- A minimum grade of B or better in clinical teaching is required to receive a recommendation for a certificate.
- Complete LCU graduation requirements with degree and date earned on transcript, or an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited university with sufficient coursework in an approved academic content field and professional development coursework to meet the state requirements for an educator certificate.
- Demonstration of high moral and ethical character through the TEA approved Teacher Ethics Training.
- Successful completion of the EC-12 PPR TExES certification exam.
Candidates may contact the office of the Director of Certification during the clinical teaching semester for questions regarding state certification procedures. When a candidate has met all requirements and submitted all fees, the School of Education will recommend the candidate for certification to the Texas Education Agency.
Complaints
The university Educator Preparation Program encourages its participants and students to discuss their concerns with an appropriate program employee and make every reasonable effort to resolve concerns informally. However, participants in the program may submit written complaints at any time. Neither the program nor any program employee shall retaliate against participants for raising concerns or for submitting written complaints. Written complaints may be submitted using the university complaint system which is linked on the student right to know web page on the university web site. Procedures for resolving complaints and for appealing decisions are also provided on that link. If any complainant is not satisfied with an outcome, the complainant may file a complaint against the program with the Texas Education Agency. The Texas Education Agency complaint process can be found at this link. The Texas Education Agency complaint process is also linked on the student right to know web page on the university web site.
Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in Early Childhood Education
Requirements to be certified to teach age 4/Pre-K through 6th grade (Core Subjects EC6).
- University Core (45 hours)
- BIB1310 Introduction to the Old Testament
- BIB1320 Introduction to the New Testament
- BIB3305 Christian Heritage
- BIB3310 Christian Life
- COM2340 Communication for the Professional
- ENG1301 Composition Studies
- ENG1302 Composition and Literature
- EDU3350 Educational Psychology
- GOV2302 Texas State and Local Government
- ESS1200 Personal Fitness and Wellness
- UNI1170 University Seminar
- MAT1311 College Algebra
- 3 hours from
- HIS2301 History of the United States I
- HIS2302 History of the United States II
- 3 hours from BIO, CHE, NRC or PHY
- HIS2350 Texas History
- ENG2301 Masterpieces of Literature
- UNI2000 University Skills
- Academic Specialization Core (36-38 hours)
- BIO1303 Integrated Science I
- BIO1304 Integrated Science II
- EEL2307 Conceptual Development of Math for Elementary Teachers I
- EEL2308 Conceptual Development of Math for Elementary Teachers II
- EEL3320 Early Childhood Education
- GEG2300 Regional Geography of the World
- ENG3300 Literature for Children and Young Adults
- EEL3306 Integrated Social Studies
- REA3330 Literacy and the Young Child
- REA3340 Reading Writing Connection
- ESS1270 First Aid and CPR
- 4-6 hours from
- ART3306 Art and Children
- ESS2142 Theory and Practice IV
- MUS4320 Music Processes
Major (43 hours)
- EEL2310 Teachers, Schools, and Society/Tutoring
- EEL2320 Instructional Technology
- EEL4160 Teaching Certification I
- ESP3382 The Exceptional Child/Observation
- ESL3372 Teaching Multicultural/Multilingual Student
- ESL3382 First and Second Language Acquisition
- REA4350 Practical Applications to Reading
- Methods Block
- EEL4180 Teaching Certification III
- EEL4240 The Elementary School Teacher
- EEL4301 Social Studies Methods/Practicum
- EEL4302 Math and Science Methods
- REA4360 Reading Across the Curriculum/Practicum
- Clinical Teaching Block
- EEL4170 Teaching Certification II
- EEL4210 Classroom Management and Organization
- EEL4320 Assessment and Evaluation in the Elementary School
- EEL4660 Clinical Teaching in the Elementary/Middle School/Seminar
Notes: Grade of at least a C is required for each academic specialization and major course except for REA 3340, where a grade of at least a B is required. To register for the Methods Block students must meet each requirement for unconditional acceptance into the School of Education.
- Electives (3 hours)
- Total (127-129 hours)
Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in Middle School Education
Requirements to be certified as a specialist in grades 4 through 8.
- University Core (45 hours)
- BIB1310 Introduction to the Old Testament
- BIB1320 Introduction to the New Testament
- BIB3305 Christian Heritage
- BIB3310 Christian Life
- COM2340 Communication for the Professional
- ENG1301 Composition Studies
- ENG1302 Composition and Literature
- EDU3350 Educational Psychology
- GOV2302 Texas State and Local Government
- ESS1200 Personal Fitness and Wellness
- UNI1170 University Seminar
- MAT1311 College Algebra
- 3 hours from
- HIS2301 History of the United States I
- HIS2302 History of the United States II
- 3 hours from BIO, CHE, NRC or PHY
- 6 hours from AFA, BIL, ENG, Fine Arts History, FOL, GBC, GOV, HIS, PHI, or REL
- UNI2000 University Skills
- Academic Specialization (33-36 hours)
- EDS3340 Middle School Education
- REA3340 The Reading Writing Connection
- 3 hours from
- EEL4301 Social Studies Methods/Practicum
- EEL4302 Math/Science Methods/Practicum
- REA4350 Practical Applications to Reading
- 24-27 hours in one of the following areas
- Math-MAT 1310, 1312, 1313, 1402, 3302, 3303, 3305, 4350 (25)
- Science-BIO 1303, 1003, 1304, 1004, 1305, 4303; CHE 1306, 1106, 3310; NRC 3323, 3023; PHY 1303, 1103 (26)
- English, Language Arts and Reading-ENG 3300, 3302, 3304, 3317; 3 hours from upper level American Literature; 3 hours from upper level British Literature; 6 hours from upper level ENG (24)
- Social Studies-ECO 2301; GEG 2300, 3342; HIS 2301 or HIS 2302, whichever was not taken in the core; HIS 2350; 3 hours from World History; 3 hours upper level from History; 3 hours upper level from American History; GOV 2301 (27).
Major (36 hours)
- EDS2310 Foundations of Education
- EDS2320 Instructional Technology
- ESP3382 The Exceptional Child
- ESL3372 Teaching Multicultural/Multilingual Students
- ESL3382 First and Second Language Acquisition
- Methods Block
- EDS4330 Managing Diverse Classrooms
- EDS4340 Reading, Writing, and Thinking in Secondary and Middle Schools
- EDS4350 Design and Delivery
- Senior Practicum Block
- EDS4120 Clinical Teaching Orientation
- EDS4262 Senior Seminar
- EDS4310 Assessment and Evaluation
- 6 hours from
- EDS4660 Clinical Teaching (required for certification track)
- 6 hours upper level EEL, EDS, EDU, ESL, ESP, or REA
Notes: Grade of at least a C higher is required for each academic specialization and major course. To register for the Methods Block students must meet each requirement for unconditional acceptance into the School of Education.
- Electives (3-6 hours)
- Total (120 hours)
Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in Secondary Education
Requirements to be certified to teach grade 7 through 12.
- University Core (45 hours)
- BIB1310 Introduction to the Old Testament
- BIB1320 Introduction to the New Testament
- BIB3305 Christian Heritage
- BIB3310 Christian Life
- COM2340 Communication for the Professional
- ENG1301 Composition Studies
- ENG1302 Composition and Literature
- EDU3350 Educational Psychology
- GOV2302 Texas State and Local Government
- ESS1200 Personal Fitness and Wellness
- UNI1170 University Seminar
- MAT1311 College Algebra
- 3 hours from
- HIS2301 History of the United States I
- HIS2302 History of the United States II
- 3 hours from BIO, CHE, NRC or PHY
- AFA2350 Introduction to Fine Arts
- ENG3308 Technical Writing
- UNI2000 University Skills
Academic Specialization (48-51 hours)
Candidates must select either the composite or specialization route to complete this degree. The composite route consists of 48-51 hours in the chosen field listed below under composite teaching fields. The specialization route consists of 48 hours; 30 hours in one specialization content area and an additional 18 hours in a selected area of emphasis. The specialization route should culminate with certification in the area of specialization and the opportunity to add certification in the emphasis area after graduation.
Composite Teaching Field Route-select one of the following two composite teaching fields.
- Science-BIO 1305, 1405, 1406, 3300, 3303, 4303; CHE 1307, 1107, 1308, 1108, 3310; NRC 3323, 3023; PHY 1303, 1103, 1304, 1104, and from Texas Tech University or South Plains College, take GEOL 1303, 1101, 1304, and 1102 (50).
- Social Studies-HIS 1315, 1316, 2350, 3323; 9 hours from HIS 3313, 3315, 4302, 4313, 4314; 3 hours from HIS 4325 or 4326; 6 hours from HIS 3310, 3320, 3330; ECO 2301; GEG 2300 and 3342; GOV 2301, 2302, and 3 hours from GOV (48).
Specialization Teaching Field Route-select one 30 hour area of specialization and one 18 hour emphasis area.
- Chemistry-CHE 1307, 1107, 1308, 1108, 3301, 3101, 3302, 3102, 3310, 4311, 4312; and 6 hours from science list.
- English, Language Arts and Reading-ENG 3302, 3304 or 3305, 3317, 6 hours from upper level American literature; 6 hours from upper level British Literature; and 9 hours from upper level ENG.
- History-HIS 1315, 1316, 2350, and 3323, 4313 or 4314; 4325 or 4326; 3 hours upper level from History; 3 hours from 3310, 3320, 3330; 3 hours from 3313, 3315, 4302, 4352; and 3 hours from ECO, GEG, GOV or HIS.
- Life Science-BIO 1405, 1005, 1406, 1006, 3300, 3303, 3003, 3304, 3004, 3305, 3005, 4202; CHE 3310; NRC 3323, 3023; and 3 hours from science list.
- Math-MAT 1310, 1312, 1313, 1402, 1403, 3302, 3303, 3305, 3350, 4350
- Physical Science-CHE 1307, 1107, 1308, 1108, 3301, 3101, 3302, 3102, 3310; PHY 1303, 1103, 1304, 1104; and 3 hours from science list.
Emphasis-The emphasis may be selected from one of the specialization areas or additional options including EC-12: Art, Music, Physical Education, Spanish, and Theatre. Please see content advisor and refer to the major courses listed in the appropriate section of this catalog.
Major (36 hours)
- EDS2310 Foundations of Education
- EDS2320 Instructional Technology
- ESP3382 The Exceptional Child
- ESL3372 Teaching Multicultural/Multilingual Students
- ESL3382 First and Second Language Acquisition
- Methods Block
- EDS4330 Managing Diverse Classrooms
- EDS4340 Reading, Writing, and Thinking in Secondary and Middle Schools
- EDS4350 Design and Delivery
- Clinical Teaching Block
- EDS4120 Clinical Teaching Orientation
- EDS4262 Senior Seminar
- EDS4310 Assessment and Evaluation
- EDS4660 Clinical Teaching
Notes: Grade of at least a C is required for each academic specialization and major course. To register for the Methods Block students must meet each requirement for unconditional acceptance into the School of Education.
- Electives (3 hours)
- Total (132-135 hours)
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree with Educator Certification in Middle or Secondary School
Students seeking to earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree and educator certification must complete the following:
- Meet the requirements of the BA or BS degree
- Meet the requirements of the Educator Certification Program
- Successfully complete a secondary, middle school, or all-level area of specialization
- Successfully complete the education coursework consisting of:
- 3 hours from
- EDS2310 Foundations in Education
- EDS2320 Instructional Technology
- EEL2310 Teachers, Schools, and Society
- ESP3382 The Exceptional Child
Methods Block
- 3 hours from
- EDS4340 Reading, Writing, and Thinking in Secondary and Middle Schools
- REA3340 The Reading Writing Connection/Observations
- REA4350 Practical Applications to Reading
- EDS4330 Managing Diverse Classroom
- EDS4350 Design and Delivery
Clinical Teaching Block
- EDS4120 Clinical Teaching Orientation
- EDS4262 Senior Seminar
- EDS4310 Assessment and Evaluation
- EDS4660 Clinical Teaching
Notes: Minimum grade of C is required for each education course, except for EDS 4660 where at least a B is required. To register for the methods block students must meet each requirement for admission into the ECP. Prior to enrolling in the clinical teaching block, students must pass the appropriate TExES exam for their specialization. Students in this program may be eligible to complete a portion of these requirements through an internship. Consult your academic advisor for more information.
Minor in Early Childhood Education
Completion of minor in early childhood education does not include coursework necessary for teacher certification.
(18 hours)
- EDU3350 Educational Psychology
- EEL3320 Early Childhood Education
- REA3330 Literacy and the Young Child
- 3 hours from
- ESL3372 Teaching the Multicultural/Multilingual Student
- ESP3382 The Exceptional Child
- 6 hours from
- ART3306 Art and Children
- EEL2320 Instructional Technology or IST 2300 Microcomputer Applications
- ENG3300 Literature for Children and Young Adults
Minor in Secondary Education
Completion of minor in secondary education does not include coursework necessary for teacher certification.
(18 hours)
- EDS2310 Foundations of Education
- EDU3350 Educational Psychology
- ESL3372 Teaching the Multicultural/Multilingual Student
- ESP3382 The Exceptional Child
- 6 hours from
- EDS4340 Reading, Writing and Thinking in Secondary and Middle School
- EDS2320 Instructional Technology
- ENG3300 Literature for Children and Young Adults