College of Education

Janet Finch, Dean
Office: 118 Clay Education Building
(615) 963-5451

Vision Statement

The College of Education aspires to be a place where students at both initial and advanced levels explore current research as they prepare to become competent and caring professionals who can work effectively with diverse populations.

Further, the College of Education seeks to provide students with global education opportunities, to inspire them toward a demonstrated commitment to service for others, and to provide them with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to excel in their chosen professions.

Mission Statement

The mission of the College of Education is to prepare teachers, counselors, psychologists, administrators, and other professionals and paraprofessionals to work effectively with schools, organizations, and communities.

Additionally, the College of Education provides all students with the technological skills, knowledge, and commitment to diversity necessary for the provision of global and community service and demonstration of professional excellence.

Goals

1. To prepare elementary, secondary, and special education teachers, counselors, supervisors, administrators, school psychologists, counseling psychologists, sports administrators, and exercise science specialists.
2. To provide opportunities for students to pursue research and its uses in solving the problems of education.
3. To assist graduates in finding teaching and other positions after they have gained experience in their profession.
4. To provide students with opportunities for knowledge and understanding of the diverse society in which they live and their relation to and responsibility in such a society.

Specific goals related to diversity are:

1. Involve learners in experiences that will allow them to examine their own cultures.
2. Expose learners to diversity through experiences, literature, and discussion.
3. Encourage the development of positive and supportive attitudes about diversity.
4. Involve learners in situations that will provide opportunities for direct contact with individuals who differ from them.
5. Provide instruction in the design, implementation, and evaluation of educational materials that are appropriate for diverse settings.
6. Guide learners in the development of teaching strategies that consider diverse perspectives.

Accreditation and Memberships

Undergraduate and graduate programs for the preparation of teachers and related professionals are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Counseling Psychology is an American Psychological Association (APA) accredited program.

The College of Education also holds memberships in the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the American Psychological Association, the Association of Black Psychologists, the Council of Academic Deans from Research Education Institutions, the National Association of Multicultural Education, Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology, the Teacher Education Council of State Colleges and Universities, the Tennessee Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, and the University Council for Educational Administration.

Departments in the College of Education

The College of Education offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to study and do research in two departments.

The Department of Education Practice and Leadership offers two programs in educational leadership: (1) Master of Education (M.Ed.) and (2) Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and three programs in education practice: (1) Master of Education (M.Ed.); and (2) Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), and Bachelor of Arts (B.S.)

The Department of Psychological Sciences and Counseling offers three degrees: (1) Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology; (2) Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health; and (3) Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Counseling Psychology. The Bachelor of Science program serves students majoring or minoring in psychology, students majoring in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Interdisciplinary Studies program, and students participating in the College of Education’s Teacher Education Program.

Offices in the College of Education

GRACIE: Global, Retention, Advising, Coaching, Intervention, Education (GRACIE) Student Success Lab

The GRACIE-OTL Lab within the College of Education at Tennessee State University serves as an innovative hub designed to enhance educator preparation in alignment with the CAEP standards. Focused especially on CAEP Standard 2 (Clinical Partnerships and Practice), the lab provides candidates with authentic, hands-on learning experiences that deepen content and pedagogical knowledge (Standard 1) through evidence-based instructional strategies and technology integration. By fostering collaborative partnerships with local P-12 schools, the GRACIE-OTL Lab supports clinical practice that directly impacts P-12 student learning, reflecting CAEP Standard 4 (Program Impact). This dynamic environment cultivates reflective, equity-minded educators equipped to meet the highest professional standards and positively influence diverse learners throughout Tennessee and beyond.

Office of Educator Preparation

The Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) is the entity responsible for the preparation of educators and other related professionals who work in the K-12 school system. At TSU, the work of the EPP is administered through the Office of Educator Preparation under the supervision of the Assistant Dean.

The EPP provides pre-service field and clinical experiences to afford opportunities for teacher candidates to link theoretical information with real-life situations through observations, one-to-one interaction, small group participation, and Clinical Practice (student teaching/clinical residency). The Office of Educator Preparation coordinates all placements for school-based activities. The Office processes applications and makes recommendations to the State Department of Education for licensure as teachers, principals, and school counselors

The Office of Educator Preparation screens all applicants to the Teacher Education Program. The Office maintains records verifying that candidates (a) met standards for admission to Teacher Education, (b) completed student teaching, (c) received a recommendation for licensure, (d) passed Praxis Exams, (e) received criminal background clearance, and (f) met performance expectations.  Program coordinators in academic licensure areas review candidates’ programs and monitor their retention status; the director of Teacher Education is informed of candidates’ progress.

Candidates who do not meet the retention standards are subject to dismissal from the Teacher Education Program.  Students who desire to obtain teacher licensure must check with the Office of Educator Preparation and content advisors for current programs of study.

Undergraduate candidates admitted to Teacher Education will adhere to the year-long residency model designed to prepare new teachers to be ready to teach from the first day of teaching with a mentor teacher for two semesters (senior year Fall/Spring). The residency year includes Residency 1 during the Fall Semester and Residency 2 during the Spring Semester.  Residency 1 will include methods courses and 100+ hours of field study in K-12 schools.  Residency 2 requires a full semester of student teaching.  Residency 1 will only be offered in the Fall, while Residency 2 will only occur in the Spring. Students are required to seek advisement regarding their licensure programs as early as possible during their academic career at Tennessee State University to ensure that all prerequisite courses and Praxis exams are complete in preparation for Residency.

Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) Advisory Board

The EPP Advisory Board is the coordinating body for the Teacher Education Program. Its principal objectives are:

1. To help provide and perpetuate an instructional climate favorable to the healthy growth of the state-approved certification programs.
2. To develop and administer policies that will ensure that competent candidates with professional promise are prepared and recommended for entry into the teaching profession. The Council develops policies relating to admission, retention, counseling, records, curricula, and standards for completion of a program in Teacher Education, Professional School Counseling, and School Leadership.
3. To review and recommend to the Teacher Education Unit Department Chair (College of Education Dean) proposals for revision/approval of courses and programs leading to teacher licensure.

The College of Education at Tennessee State University is committed to preparing highly qualified educators through a rigorous, research-based curriculum aligned with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) standards. Our programs emphasize candidate competencies that foster effective teaching, leadership, and advocacy in diverse educational settings. We continuously review and refine our preparation services to ensure alignment with CAEP’s focus on content knowledge, clinical practice, and impact on P-12 student learning. By integrating evidence-based practices, ongoing assessment, and collaborative partnerships, the College ensures that our graduates meet the highest professional standards and are well-equipped to advance educational equity and excellence in Tennessee and beyond.

Teacher Education Program: Admission and Retention Requirements

Admission to the Teacher Education Program

1. Students who desire to be a candidates for admission to the Teacher Education Program will apply to the Office of Teacher Education and Student Services, typically in the second semester of the sophomore year.
2. Each student will submit documentation that s/he has:
   1. Completed at least 31 semester hours of coursework, including ENGL 1010, ENGL 1020, EDCI 2420, EDCI 2010, and an appropriate sequence of freshman mathematics and freshman science;
   2. Earned a grade of C or better in each of the following courses: ENGL 1010, ENGL 1020, EDCI 2420, EDCI 2010;
   3. Maintained a C or better average in all General Education mathematics and sciences courses;
   4. Earned a 2.75 GPA or better on a 4-point scale in all previous college work;
   5. Passed a criminal background investigation. (see Criminal Background Check).
3. Each student will provide official records that indicate he/or she has met the following requirements:
   1. Earned acceptable scores on the ACT (21), SAT (1080), or Core Academic Skills for Educators (Praxis I)

Assessment
Core Test	Minimum Score
Mathematics	150
Reading	156
Writing	162

Candidates who fail to pass any required subtest(s) of the Praxis I may retake such subtests as often as such tests are administered. Candidates retaking any subtests must attain cut-off scores in effect at the retesting time. Persons who fail the Core Skills tests after having taken them twice may qualify to appeal if additional criteria are met (see Teacher Education Handbook).

b. Two positive recommendations on the Disposition assessment forms: one from his/her content area advisor, and another from a professional education professor or another non-relative education professional

Students who have not been admitted to the Teacher Education Program will not be permitted to enroll in the professional education courses in the junior/senior blocks.

Retention

To remain in good standing in the Teacher Education Program, the candidate must:

1. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above;
2. Continue to exhibit professional growth characteristics essential to becoming an effective educator;
3. Maintain a clear criminal background; and
4. Meet all criteria for admission to clinical practice at the appropriate time.

Admission to Residency 2

To be admitted into Residency 2 / Student Teaching, the candidate must have been admitted into the Teacher Education Program, be in good standing, and comply with the following:

1. Meet all Professional Education requirements to date.
2. Document passing scores on all of the required Praxis II examinations in the semester before Residency 2;
3. Apply for Residency 2 through the Office of Teacher Education; submit the completed application, typically during the first semester of the senior year; complete a structured interview that includes evidence of adequate technology skills.
4. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better;
5. Complete the prescribed prerequisite professional education courses and all courses in one’s major area of specialization with a grade of C or better;
6. Exhibit professional growth characteristics essential to becoming an effective educator
7. Supply documentation of professional liability insurance; and
8. Receive a positive recommendation for admission to Residency 2 from the interview team.

 

NOTE:

1. During the Clinical Semester, candidates are limited to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours, consisting of nine (9) hours in student teaching and three (3) hours in the clinical seminar. Dual placement will be a part of the fifteen-week Clinical Experience. Students who receive a grade of C or D in student teaching may graduate from the University, but will not be recommended for licensure.
2. Candidate must complete a minimum of six (6) approved semester hours at Tennessee State University before student teaching, regardless of previous studies (effective fall 2004). The Assistant Dean for the Office of Educator Preparation must approve the courses affected by this policy.

Certification Recommendation Requirements

To be recommended for certification, the candidate must:

1. Meet all teacher education requirements to date.
2. Complete all graduation requirements.
3. Earn a grade of B or better in Residency 2;
4. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above;
5. Present acceptable score(s) on each test required in Tennessee, currently the Praxis II and appropriate Specialty Area test(s), and complete the application form.
6. Attain a positive exit interview.
7. Meet all requirements for Tennessee Apprentice Licensure.

 

NOTE: Post-Baccalaureate Certification

A student who already holds a bachelor’s degree (post-baccalaureate) and is seeking an institutional recommendation for certification in Tennessee must meet all institutional requirements for certification (see the Office of Educator Preparation for Post-baccalaureate requirements). Any student teaching/ internship/practicum experience that is required for a TSU institutional recommendation for certification/licensure by the Tennessee State Department of Education must be completed at Tennessee State University, regardless of one’s previous studies.

Criminal Background Check

Many of the professional education courses require a field experience component, where TSU students observe, assist, and work directly with children in the schools and educational partners. Current College of Educational Policy by Tennessee Education Code requires that: All TSU students who are sent off-site as part of their College of Education academic/course requirements must have obtained a cleared Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) criminal background check, and that background check is on file with the Office of Educator Preparation regardless of their status of admission or non-admission to a Teacher Education Program. (No other entity ID badges or background clearance will be accepted.)

The State of Tennessee has identified TrueScreen as the provider of this service. Check with the Office of Teacher Education and Student Services for details on obtaining background checks

Approved Teacher Education Program Certification Areas

Contact the Subject Area Advisor or the Office of Educator Preparation to ensure the accuracy of the certification area’s program of study.

Agriculture/Agriscience 7-12*
 Biology 6-12*
 Chemistry 6-12*
 Early Childhood Education PreK-3
 Elementary Education K-6
 English 6-12*
 ESL Pre K-12 (add-on endorsement only)
 Geography 6-12*
 Government 6-12*
 Health & Wellness K-12*
 History 6-12*
 Mathematics 6-12*
 Music (Instrumental) K-12
 Music (Vocal/General) K-12
 Physical Education, K-12*
 Special Education, Interventionist K-8*
 Visual Arts K-12*

(*) These endorsements are offered at the post-baccalaureate level only 

 Back to Top | Print-Friendly Page (opens a new window)