Burton College of Education

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The Burton College of Education is composed of the Department of Education Professions  and the H.C. Drew School of Health and Human Performance . In addition to these departments, the Burton College of Education also includes the Center for the Advancement of Quality Education, the McNeese Reading Clinic, the Office of Clinical Practices and School Partnerships, and the Office of Graduate Education Programs. Curricula leading to the Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Master of Education degrees, as well as a Graduate Certificate and Post-Baccalaureate 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 (CAEP) 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.

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 from an institutionally accredited college or university may be eligible to become certified to teach by completing alternate pathways to certification. Options for initial teacher certification include Master of Arts in Teaching and Post-Baccalaureate Certificate programs. For additional information, contact the Department of Education Professions in the Burton College of Education.

Center for the Advancement of Quality Education

The Center for the Advancement of Quality Education encourages, promotes, and provides various opportunities for pre-service teacher candidates, current educators, counselors, administrators, and community members to participate in ongoing professional development. The Center emphasizes professional development opportunities for various topics that support the advancement of quality education. 

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 be furnished upon request.

Office of Clinical Practices and School Partnerships

The Office of Clinical Practices and School Partnerships (CPSP) serves faculty and students from all departments that offer teacher preparation programs. The office is an informational support center for all professional education faculty, departments, and teacher candidates. CPSP 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.

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.

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