Academic Catalog

Professional Education Services

EKU Campus

Education as the New “Clinical” Profession

“Teaching as a clinical profession means that education candidates are expected to become knowledgeable and, to the fullest extent possible, experts in the school learning sciences. Similarly, teacher education candidates are expected to become competent and also, to the fullest extent possible, excellent diagnosticians in the academic development of their school age students. Drawing from a scholarly knowledge base, more than adequate in scope and depth, teacher education candidates study with seasoned expert faculty in the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences to refine diagnostic skills and learn to prescribe instructional strategies that will improve school age student performance in Kentucky and beyond.” Dr. James Bliss

Since its founding in 1906, Eastern Kentucky University has maintained a strong interest in and commitment to the preparation of teachers.

The Professional Education Programs at Eastern Kentucky University are dedicated to preparing the highest quality educators and related professionals for Kentucky and beyond. Our graduates integrate content, effective pedagogical skills, and dispositions that foster life-long growth and learning. Being true to our heritage as a school of opportunity, Eastern Kentucky University provides a climate that supports, challenges, and enriches students aspiring to careers in a diverse society.

Professional Education at Eastern Kentucky University is a university-wide function. The programs of elementary education (P-5), middle grades education (5-9), special education, interpreter training, deaf and hard of hearing, and communication disorders are located in the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences. The college also has graduate degree and licensure programs in most of these areas, as well as in Counseling and Educational Leadership. Candidates in these programs are advised in the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences. Secondary 8-12, Grades 5-12, Birth – Primary (interdisciplinary early childhood education), and P-12 teaching programs are located in their respective colleges with candidates receiving academic advisement from the college of their major as well as a supplemental advisor from the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences.

PRAXIS Examination

Students must register for and take the PRAXIS exam which correlates to their degree program, per College of Education and Applied Human Sciences requirements. Refer to Degree Works for exam details. Effective Spring 2018, the PRAXIS content and PLT exams must be taken prior to student teaching.

Student Teaching

Since student teaching is especially demanding, candidates are encouraged to avoid taking any other courses during CED 499 Clinical VI: The Professional Semester. However, with approval one additional course can be taken.

Admission to the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences

Preparing a Community of Exemplary Professionals

  • Upon admission to the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences, students are assigned an advisor. Candidates must enroll in Academic Orientation, EDO 100 Student Success Seminar, during the first semester. Candidates are advised to enroll in EDF 203 Educational Foundations, Schooling and Society, during their freshman year. EDF 310 Transition to Education will be required for students who have an equivalent transfer course for EDF 203 Educational Foundations and/or EDF 219 Human Development and Learning.

  • Secondary education majors will follow the prescribed curriculum and requirements of another academic college and the policies for professional education stated elsewhere in this Catalog. The College of Education and Applied Human Sciences cooperates closely with the other colleges in matters pertaining to admission to professional education and clinical education.

Licensure and Certification

Staff:
S. Korson, B. Blackburn, & K. Dickens 

Located in Bert Combs 423 and 425, the Office of Professional Education Services is responsible for the coordination of admission to initial and advanced professional education programs and the review and recommendation for initial and advance licensure.

In addition, applications for licensure for teachers, school personnel (principals, supervisors, superintendents, counselors, pupil personnel directors, business administrators, librarians, and speech pathologists) are also processed by a certification official in the Office of Professional Education Services.

To be recommended for licensure/certification, all candidates seeking initial teacher certification, regardless of the college in which they are enrolled, must meet the requirements for admission to professional education, complete an approved teaching program, and pass the required PRAXIS II tests, PLT exam or Kentucky test as established by the Education Professional Standards Board.

Candidates are advised to enroll in EDF 203 Educational Foundations during their freshman year.

Teacher Admission

Staff:
S. Korson, R. Manning, & K. Dickens 

teacher.admissions@eku.edu
Bert Combs 425a
 

Admission Requirements and Application Process

Admission to Professional Education

Professional education admission standards represent our goal to recruit candidates who have high academic achievement and ability. We welcome you to the profession.

Admission to the University (academic college) is not synonymous with admission to professional education. Candidates will apply for admission to professional education by completing all materials listed on https://tes.eku.edu/admissions and submitting to the application link. Assistance can be provided in the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences’ Office of Professional Education Services (Combs 425). Formal applications will be accepted based upon completion of the following requirements:

A. Hours

 Candidates must complete 30 hours of credit (excluding developmental level courses).

B. Admission Test Requirement

Candidates must have a passing score on either the PRAXIS: Core Academic Skills for Educators (CASE) or ACT. Please contact your education advisor regarding these requirements.

C. GPA and Grade Requirements

  • An overall grade point average 2.75 on a 4.0 scale; or a grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last thirty hours of credit completed.

  • A grade of “C” or higher in EDF 203 Educational Foundations (A state criminal history background check approved by the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences must be completed prior to the first day of class).

  • “S” grade in EDF 310 Transition to Education and a grade of “B” or higher in CED 150 Clinical Transition: Education Profession is required for all transfer candidates.

Undergraduate degree candidate GPA is based on the hours attempted as shown on the official EKU transcript. Post degree certification candidate GPA is based on all undergraduate course work and on the hours attempted as shown on the official EKU transcript.

D. Demonstrate an Overall Disposition Essential to Being an Effective Teacher

Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in oral and written communication including:

  • Critical thinking: A grade of “C” or higher in ENG 102 Research, Writing, and Rhetoric or HON 102 Honors Rhetoric with a grade of “B” or higher in ENG 105 First Year Writing Seminar (those earning a “C” must also take ENG 102 Research, Writing, and Rhetoric).

  • Creativity: A grade of “C” or higher in EDF 203 Educational Foundations.

  • Collaboration: A grade of “C” or higher in EDF 203 Educational Foundations.

  • Communication: A grade of “C” or higher in CMS 100 Introduction to Human Communication or CMS 210 Public Speaking.

E. Professional Code of Ethics, Character Fitness Declaration, and Professional Dispositions

  • Candidates must review the Professional Code of Ethics for Kentucky School Certified Personnel established in 16 KAR 1:020 and sign a CEAHS Professional Code of Ethics for Kentucky Declaration form.

  • Candidates must review the character and fitness questionnaire contained in Section III of the TC-1 incorporated by reference in 16 KAR 2:010 and sign a CEAHS Professional Character and Fitness Declaration form. EKU College of Education and Applied Human Sciences requires a state criminal history background check approved1 by the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences as a condition of admission. Under certain circumstances, a national criminal history background check may be required as a condition of admission. Candidates must also complete and submit KY Child Abuse and Neglect (CAN) Check. 

F. Recommendations

  • Candidates must submit satisfactory pre-service professional disposition reviews from two university faculty members, including the EDF 203 Educational Foundations or EDF 310 Transition to Education instructor and the advisor or another EKU faculty member.

  • Candidates must complete and sign a Candidate Statement of Commitment Regarding Professional Dispositions form.

G. Student Behavior

  • Candidates preparing to work in schools as teachers or other professional school personnel must demonstrate dispositions necessary to help all students learn.

  • Candidates must demonstrate acceptable social behavior at the University and in the community-at-large.1 A candidate interview may be required by the Professional Education Admissions Committee.

  • Candidate admission status may be reevaluated if the candidate is placed on either academic or social probation or has a record of criminal conviction(s).2 A candidate interview may be required by the Professional Education Admissions Committee.

H. Clinical Experiences

  • CED 100 Clinical I: Introduction to the Education Profession with a grade of “S”.

Progressing in Professional Education

The Office of Professional Education Services will process the formal “Application for Admission to Professional Education.”

Students that have violations on any of their application materials will be reviewed by The Professional Education Admissions Committee (PEAC). PEAC will examine supporting documentation and other relevant materials brought before the committee and will determine whether students will be admitted, admitted with conditions, or not admitted to the professional education program. The candidate will be notified of the committee’s decision. Candidates shall not enroll in any educator preparation program courses restricted to admitted candidates.

Selectivity during Preparation

Professional education programs have established transition points for program progression and monitors candidates’ advancement from admissions through completion. During these transitions, candidates must show evidence of developing content knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge, pedagogical skills, and the integration of technology in each of these domains. [CAEP Standard 3]

Certification

coecert@eku.edu
Bert Combs 423
 

Selection at Completion

Prior to recommending any candidate for licensure, candidates must demonstrate an understanding of the expectations of the profession, including codes of ethics, professional standards of practice, and relevant laws and policies. [CAEP Standard 3]

Application for Licensure/Certification

Exams

Prior to recommendation for licensure, candidates must complete PRAXIS II Series (Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers) and PLT (Principles of Learning and Teaching) exams.

Note: Kentucky educator licensure/certification requirements are subject to change. Before registering for the test(s), please check the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) website at www.epsb.ky.gov for current test requirements and current cut scores. You may also contact the EPSB Division of Educator Preparation, Assessment, and Internship and Assessment at (502) 564-5789.

Applying for Licensure

Kentucky certification is based upon the completion of an approved teacher preparation program, including student teaching and applicable tests. This process requires a recommendation from a certification official in the Office of Professional Education Services.

Certification

Applications may be initiated from the EPSB website at https://kecs.education.ky.gov/Account/Login

Applications should be submitted by the following dates: May graduates by April 1; August graduates by July 1; December graduates by November 1. Applications for certification are not processed until all requirements are met. Applicants must notify the Office of Professional Education Services via email at coecert@eku.edu when applications are submitted online through EPSB’s portal.

Candidates must also request and send an official transcript to EPSB. Be sure that you note “Hold for Degree” if your degree has not been posted at the time you order your transcript. Eastern Kentucky University uses the National Student Clearinghouse to process all transcripts.  The recipient of the transcript will be EPSB. You may be asked to provide their mailing address:

Kentucky Department of Education
Division of Educator
Licensure and Quality
300 Sower Blvd., 5th Floor
Frankfort, KY 40601

Clinical Education

Staff:
S. Korson (Director), B. Blackburn

Preparing a Community of Exemplary Professionals

Clinically based professional education programs create varied and extensive opportunities for candidates to connect what they learn while being guided by skilled clinical educators. Performance-based assessments, at key points in the program, are designed to demonstrate candidates’ development of the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions associated with a positive impact on the learning and development of all P-12 students. [CAEP Standard 2]

The Clinical Model at Eastern Kentucky University is designed to meet the needs of learners in today’s schools and provide teacher candidates with the content, pedagogy, and assessment skills needed to assure they meet the needs of all learners. Eastern Kentucky University’s Professional Education Program provides a framework that supports our candidates’ development of content knowledge, practice, and professional behaviors. This is accomplished through high quality instruction, engaging course-learning tasks, and clinical learning experiences requiring candidates to think critically and creatively, communicate effectively, and act fairly. Our candidates will be prepared to effect change in the culture of learning in their classrooms, in our region, and beyond.

 CED 100 Clinical I: Introduction to the Education Profession (minimum of 10 school-based clinical hours) [CED 150 Clinical Transition: Education Profession is designed for all transfer students]

Clinical Experiences begin with the first semester of the program, Introduction to the Education Profession (Clinical 1). This school-based clinical includes observations at all levels of P-12 education. Candidates also spend 10 hours in a classroom setting. While teacher candidates are introduced to all levels of public school education, they are also introduced to the profession, expectations, and dispositions of professional educators including the ethics of educators. Teacher candidates are guided to consider whether this is the right career choice, and, if it is, what level or specific licensure area interests them.

Clinical II: CED 200 Clinical II: Understanding the Learner (minimum of 20 school-based clinical hours)

Clinical II provides laboratory based clinical experiences in the co-requisite course(s). Teacher candidates are placed in a classroom for a minimum of 20 clinical field hours. Candidates assist the teacher, provide individual student help, and tutor students as needed. Teacher candidates are also expected to spend at least 2 of the hours helping with an after-school event (Family Fun Night, Saturday School Festival, theater or dance events, art shows/exhibits, musical events, academic events or practice, rehearsals etc).

Clinical III: CED 300 Clinical III: Curriculum and Instructional Design (minimum of 45 school-based clinical hours)

Clinical III focuses on curriculum and instructional design in a school-based clinical, with a focus on using lesson plan development and differentiation in the classroom. Teacher candidates observe and assist their assigned cooperating teacher while learning the principles of curriculum and instructional design. Teacher candidates plan, teach, and reflect on a minimum of 3 formal lessons in their assigned classroom. It is recommended that teacher candidates and cooperating teachers begin this clinical experience using co-teaching strategies and working together. The cooperating teacher provides feedback using a formal observation instrument. Teacher candidates in need of more mentoring are provided additional time and support to improve performance before advancing.

Clinical IV: CED 400 Clinical IV: Diagnosis and Prescription (minimum of 45 school-based clinical hours)

In Clinical IV, teacher candidates focus on diagnosis and prescription of student behavior and academic performance in this school based clinical. In hubbed courses, teacher candidates develop and implement a student improvement plan and an academic improvement plan for achievement based on student learning data. This clinical includes an emphasis on assessment and classroom management. In addition, teacher candidates plan, teach and reflect on a minimum of three formal lessons observed by their clinical educator and cooperating teacher.

Clinical V: CED 450 Clinical V: Practicing Teaching  (minimum of 80 school-based clinical hours)

CED 450 Clinical V: Practicing Teaching requires a minimum of 80 school-based clinical experience hours. Candidates are expected to practice teaching for full days on their clinical schedules. This is the first part of the yearlong clinical or residency. Candidates will demonstrate expertise at planning, teaching, assessing achievement, writing units, developing professional growth plans, reflecting on outcomes, and collaborating with teachers at their assigned clinical placement school. Teacher candidates plan, implement and reflect on a minimum of 3 formal lesson plans during this clinical. All other lessons candidates are assigned to teach include lesson planning and writing. Candidates focus on improving student achievement while considering the student growth goals for their individual classroom. Monitoring and tracking student success with a plan for re-teaching throughout the duration of the year-long residency is required.

Clinical VI: CED 499 Clinical VI: The Professional Semester (minimum of 70 days in the classroom)

CED 499 Clinical VI: The Professional Semester requires a minimum of 70 days in the assigned clinical classroom, Assistant Director will determine the minimum number of days each semester based on the University and school calendars. Full-time assignment will be established by Office of Professional Education Services in an accredited school to observe, participate, and teach in classroom settings with special emphasis on the impact of instruction on student learning. This school embedded experience begins for the student teacher with the first day the supervising teacher is required to be at school for the beginning of the respective semester and at a minimum end with the student teaching exit seminar.

The Professional Semester (Student Teaching)

Staff:
S. Korson (Director), B. Blackburn

ekustudentteaching@eku.edu
Bert Combs 425

  • The Office of Professional Education Services receives and evaluates all applicants for the professional semester, determines appropriate professional disposition of the applicant, and provides continuous assessment of the applicant’s pre-teaching and teaching experiences during the professional semester.

  • Candidates are discouraged from taking any other courses during the professional semester. With approval candidates can take one additional course with student teaching.

Application for The Professional Semester (Student Teaching)

  1. Applicants must be admitted to the professional education program prior to the application semester. Applications are due by September 15th for spring student teaching and February 15th for fall student teaching.

  2. Applications filed will be evaluated and processed for approval or disapproval.

    1. Candidates must have completed all professional education and pre-professional teaching semester curricula in the applicant's area as prescribed by the catalog.

    2. Academic requirements: Undergraduate degree students’ GPAs are based on the hours attempted as shown on the official EKU transcript. Post degree certification students’ GPAs are based on all undergraduate course work and on the hours attempted as shown on the official EKU transcript. 

      1. All programs: An overall grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale; or a grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last thirty hours of credit completed. Instructional Technology: Candidates must complete EDF 204 Emerging Instructional Technologies with a grade of “C” or higher; candidates enrolled in a P-12 music education program will take MUS 384 Survey of Music Technology with a grade of “C” or higher; Clinical Experiences: CED 100 Clinical I: Introduction to the Education Profession and CED 200 Clinical II: Understanding the Learner must be completed with a S. CED 300 Clinical III: Curriculum and Instructional Design, CED 400 Clinical IV: Diagnosis and Prescription, CED 450 Clinical V: Practicing Teaching must be completed with a grade of “B” or higher in each course.

      2. Elementary and Middle Grade: Minimum 2.75 GPA with a grade of “C” or higher in courses in the core and supporting course requirements, area(s) of academic emphasis, professional education requirements (see program display for a list of courses), teaching minor(s), and certification endorsement(s).

      3. Secondary: Minimum 2.75 GPA in teaching major(s), minor(s), area(s) of academic emphasis, and certification endorsement(s). See program area for specific course grade requirements; and a minimum 2.75 GPA with a grade of “C” or higher in courses in “professional education requirements” (see program display for a list of courses). A minimum of seventy-five percent of major and seventy-five percent of supporting course requirements must be completed prior to the professional semester. Individual program areas may require a higher percentage of credit hours completion prior to the professional semester.

      4. Special Education: Minimum 2.75 GPA with a grade of “C” or higher in courses in the “major, core, and option,” “elementary/middle grade and supporting course requirements,” area of academic emphasis, professional education requirements (see program display for a list of courses), teaching minor(s), and certification endorsement(s).

    3. Faculty advisor recommendation must be submitted.

    4. Submit updated materials (Professional Code of Ethics, Character Fitness Declaration, Professional Dispositions, Federal Background Check, KY Child Abuse Neglect Check, medical form)

    5. Demonstrate satisfactory dispositions, as evaluated by their advisor, methods faculty, CED 499 Clinical Educator, and CED 499 cooperating teacher.

    6. Behavior that relates to the moral, ethical, social, and personal standards of professional competency. The applicant’s comportment will be subject to review and appraisal by the department responsible for the professional semester recommendation and the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences.

    7. Candidates must have taken their PLT and applicable PRAXIS II exam(s) (see https://www.ets.org/praxis/ky) Passing the exams is required for certification, and candidates who do not pass their PLT and subject exams may be required to participate in study workshops during their professional semester.

    8. Minimum of 200 hours of field experiences in a variety of Primary-12 school settings which allow the candidate to participate in the following.

      1. Engagement with diverse populations of students which include: (a) Students from a minimum of two different ethnic or cultural groups of which the candidate would not be considered a member; (b) students from different socioeconomic groups; (c) English language learners; (d) students with disabilities; and (e) students from across elementary, middle school, and secondary grade levels

      2. Observation in schools and related agencies, including but not limited to: Family Resource Centers or Youth Service Center

      3.  Student Tutoring

      4. Interaction with families of students

      5. Attendance at school board and school-based council meetings

      6. Participation in a school-based professional learning community

      7. Opportunities to assist teachers or other school professionals.

Clinical experience hours are submitted, and performance evaluated during the term the candidate enrolls in a clinical course. In order to qualify for admission to the professional semester candidates must demonstrate that they have met all clinical performance requirements as evidenced on performance-based assessments to demonstrate candidates’ development of the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions that are associated with a positive impact on the learning and development of P-12 students and earn a minimum grade of “S” or “B” in each clinical course.

  1. Other requirements as found in the appropriate department presentation. 

1

“Approved” is a formal review process of the professional character and fitness declaration and criminal records report. Professional disposition issues or violations of the professional code of ethics will be referred to the Professional Education Admission Committee. Any misrepresentation of facts, by omission or addition, may result in the denial of admission to teacher education.

2

The Office of Professional Education Services will contact the Eastern Kentucky University Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities to obtain records of infractions committed by candidates for admission to professional education. The Office of Professional Education Services may also contact the Administrative Office of the Courts to obtain a criminal records check for each candidate for admissions to professional education.

3

"Approval” is a formal review process of the professional character and fitness declaration and criminal records report. Professional disposition issues or violations of the professional code of ethics will be referred to the Professional Education Admission Committee. Any misrepresentation of facts, by omission or addition, may result in the denial of admission to student teaching and revocation of admission to teacher education. Approval is required prior to entry in the professional teaching experience.