Department of Education Professions

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Department Head: Sharon VanMetre
Faculty: Anthony, Broussard, Calais, Cass, Chaumont, Duhon, Faulk, Fetter, Fontenot, Garner, Haj-Broussard, Hebert, Henny, Hurst, King, Larson, Leder, Pearce, Reed, Savoie, Scott-McLemore, SeSalem, Welch, White, Zant, Zhang

Purpose

The purposes of the Department of Education Professions are: to meet the educational needs of educators who are interested in becoming administrators, educational administrators and supervisors who wish to enhance their skills, and educators and community leaders who wish to learn applications of instructional technology; to provide an atmosphere conducive to the development of educational leaders in the community; to provide research facilities and opportunities for expansion of knowledge; to prepare students for successful entry into the office work force or into education as a business teacher; and to prepare candidates to use technology in teaching and professional development experiences.   The purpose also includes the preparation of students to fulfill their role 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 prepare special educators committed to developing the highest educational and quality of life potential of exceptional children and youth.

Philosophy

The development of an effective teacher involves the process of acquiring skills that will promote life-long learning. In keeping with the University’s mission of providing learning opportunities, enhancing intellectual, civic, and cultural well-being, and improving the quality of life, the faculty strives to:

• Enable the candidate to prepare for the roles of leadership and participation in the community by developing appropriate knowledge, skills and dispositions;
• Assist the candidate in acquiring an enriched background, depth of specialization, and breadth of knowledge necessary for teaching all students;
• Help the candidate master techniques for adapting and applying instructional content, resources and strategies to respond to cultural, gender, linguistic, learning, and socioeconomic differences; 
• Provide the candidate with knowledge of principles of human growth and development and how to apply these principles to student learning;
• Encourage the candidate to acquire a sense of loyalty and service to the profession;
• Develop within the candidate a desire for continuous self improvement;
• Model the belief that all students can learn and succeed regardless of his or her ethnic, racial, gender, socioeconomic, language and/or religious background; and
• Develop abilities to utilize state, professional and institutional standards related to assessment.

In all of these areas, McNeese education programs are committed to “Excellence with a Personal Touch.” The intent of the Department is to produce educators who participate in educational and community environments in a manner that contributes to the cultural and intellectual advancement of all members of the community.

Curricula

The Department offers the following degree programs:

1.    A curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education—Grades PK-3 designed to meet the needs of students preparing to teach nursery through grade three.

2.    A curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education—Grades 1-5 designed to meet the needs of students preparing to teach grades one to six.

3.    A curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education-Grades 6-12 designed to meet the needs of students preparing to teach grades six to twelve, with concentrations in Business Education, Chemistry, and Environmental Science.

The department head will assign faculty advisors to assist interested students in developing individual degree plans.

In selecting electives, a student must take into consideration the degree requirements which state that at least 40 semester hours must be earned in courses numbered above 300, and at least 12 of these hours must be in the major subject.

Students may not present a grade below “C” in their major field.

In general, freshman courses are numbered in the 100 series, sophomore courses in the 200 series, junior courses in the 300 series, and senior courses in the 400 series. Courses in the 500 and 600 series are open to graduate students only.

Students must consult their advisor regarding graduation requirements.

Note: Students interested in teacher education programs should see the department for advising.

Library Science

A student majoring in education may be certified as a school librarian by completing the eighteen (18) semester hour certification requirement in library science. For students in disciplines other than education, the prescribed courses in library science may meet requirements for other library-related occupations. Students should consult the Department of Educational Professions for information.

Graduate Studies

The Department of Education Professions offers the following majors:

1.    School Counseling, leading to the Master of Education.

2.    Curriculum and Instruction leading to the Master of Education with available concentrations: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Reading, Secondary Education.

3.    Elementary Education Grades 1-5 leading to the Master of Arts in Teaching.

4.    Secondary Education Grades 6-12 leading to the Master of Arts in Teaching.

5.    Special Education leading to the Master of Education with available concentrations:  Mild Moderate, Educational Diagnostician, Autism Spectrum Disorders. (Note: Subject to redesign and may change.)

6.    Master of Education in Educational Leadership.

7.    Master of Education in Educational Technology Leadership.

8.    Master of Science in Instructional Technology

Additional information on any graduate program in the department can be found by consulting the Office of Graduate Education Programs or by accessing the Graduate School section of the Catalog.

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