Burton College of Education

Dr. Wayne Fetter, Dean

The Burton College of Education is composed of the Department of Education Professions , the Department of Health and Human Performance , and the Department of Psychology . In addition to these departments, the Burton College of Education also includes the Ann Rosteet Hurley Center for Economic Education, the Kay Doré Counseling Center, the McNeese Reading Clinic, the Office of Graduate Education Programs, and the Office of Student Teaching and Professional Education Services. Curricula leading to the Bachelor of Science, Education Specialist, Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Master of Education degrees, as well as Post-Baccalaureate and Graduate Certificates, are listed on the appropriate departmental pages, along with specific departmental requirements.

Teacher education programs in the Burton College of Education are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). 

Purpose

The purpose of the Burton College of Education is to prepare students to fulfill their roles in the teaching profession; encourage the continued professional preparation of school personnel; assist school personnel through advisory and consultative services; encourage research and the development of new knowledge for the improvement of educational practice; and contribute to the cultural and intellectual advancement of the citizens of Louisiana.

Goals

The goals of the Burton College of Education teacher preparation programs are to enable the student to develop his/her role as a teacher; prepare the student to be a leader and a participating citizen in the community; assist the student in acquiring an enriched background, depth of specialization, and breadth of knowledge necessary for teaching; help the student master techniques of guiding learners; provide the student with a knowledge of human growth and development and an appreciation of its implications for learning; encourage the student to acquire a sense of loyalty and service to the teaching profession; and to develop within the student a desire for continuous self-improvement.

Conceptual Framework

Teacher education programs of study are based on the premise that educators are professionals who value life-long learning and instill this value in their students. Candidates are prepared in general knowledge, professional education, and specialty studies. Critical components found throughout the program include the following strands:

• Strand One: Professionalism. Educators are caring, competent and qualified.
• Strand Two: Diversity. Educators value the differences classrooms present.
• Strand Three: Collaboration. A variety of educators contribute to learning.
• Strand Four: Reflection. Educators systemically review and evaluate themselves.

Teacher Education Preparation

Admission and progression through a teacher education program is regulated by a series of portals. Each portal has specific prerequisites and privileges.

Click here for Teacher Education Preparation Portals . 

Alternate Pathways to Teacher Certification  

Persons holding a baccalaureate degree can become certified to teach by completing alternate pathways to certification. Options for initial teacher certification include post-baccalaureate certificate programs. For additional information, contact the Office of Student Teaching and Professional Education Services in the Burton College of Education.

Ann Rosteet Hurley Center for Economic Education

The center encourages, promotes, and provides a comprehensive program for increasing economic understanding in public and private schools throughout Southwest Louisiana, in the business community, and in other interested sectors of the service area. The center emphasizes the teaching of basic economic principles in the classroom by providing pre-service and in-service training of teachers through courses, workshops, and seminars.

Kay Doré Counseling Center (KDCC)

The Kay Doré Counseling Clinic (KDCC) was established in 2001 through a grant from the William and Kay Doré Foundation and serves as an educational and best-practices professional training site for students in the Department of Psychology. Through its programs the KDCC provides behavioral health services to adults and children in Southwest Louisiana. KDCC programs include: (1) the Counseling Services Program, which provides low-cost counseling services; (2) the McNeese Autism Program, which provides comprehensive treatment services for children and adults with autism; and (3) the McNeese Gambling Treatment Program, which provides free treatment services for individuals diagnosed with problem or compulsive gambling. The KDCC is staffed by nationally board-certified and licensed professional staff, who supervise master’s level practicum and internship students.

McNeese Reading Clinic 

The McNeese Reading Clinic (held during the summer session) accepts a limited number of school children who need assistance in increasing reading proficiency. Persons desiring the services of the clinic should contact the Department of Education Professions for further information. The bases for selection to participate in the reading clinic are the results of testing and conferences with parents and school personnel conducted during the spring semester. The schedule of fees can furnished upon request.

Office of Graduate Education Programs

The Office of Graduate Education Programs coordinates graduate education programs offered by the Burton College of Education. Through relevant and rigorous curricula and field experiences, each education program prepares candidates for professional roles in P-12 education. Each program’s scope is pragmatic and specialized, blending theoretical content with practical application in curriculum, instruction, technology, counseling, and leadership in regular and special education settings.

Office of Student Teaching and Professional Education Services

The Office of Student Teaching and Professional Education Services (STPES) serves faculty and students from all departments that offer teacher preparation programs. The department is an informational support center for all professional education faculty, departments and teacher candidates. STPES is a resource for field experience information, teacher certification requirements, PRAXIS information, and program completion through student teaching or internship at the undergraduate or graduate level.