Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education

Department Chair:

Dr. Horace Ballenger (Assistant Professor)

Faculty:

Dr. Nina Gilbert (Assistant Professor); Dr. Kristin Moody; Dr. Muhsinah Morris (Assistant Professor NTT)

Program overview:

The Morehouse Education Department prepares students for a wide range of careers and graduate study in education or related fields through our Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (P-5 Teacher Certification), minor in Education Studies, and minors in Secondary Education (6-12 Teacher Certification; to be completed in tandem with the Major course of study in which students will be certified to teach).

The Education Studies major is a non-certification track degree for students interested in studying the discipline of education. The interdisciplinary curriculum promotes the development of a critical educator who values and pursues inquiry, truth, and knowledge in human development; the science of learning; and the influence of race, culture, and society on education. Education majors will explore the field from a variety of historical, philosophical, cultural, political, and scientific perspectives. Courses will also foster student understanding of the differences and similarities across educational models at the local, regional, national, and international levels. In addition to 38 credits in required Education Studies coursework (including a Practicum experience and culminating Internship), each student will work with their advisor to choose 12 additional credits in their identified Pathway.

The Education Studies minor is a course of study in the discipline of education that does not lead to Teacher Certification. The minor program provides foundational knowledge about the education field and allows students to study a wide variety of important educational issues. It is open to all students regardless of major. The interdisciplinary designed curriculum promotes the development of an education-informed leader who may work in a variety of roles to value and pursue inquiry, truth, and knowledge about human development; the science of learning; and the influence of race, culture, and society on education. Students will explore education from historical, philosophical, cultural, political, and scientific perspectives. The Minor program facilitates continuing education, graduate study, or a post-graduation teacher certification path.

The Early Childhood Education major is completed through a partnership with Spelman College. Morehouse advisors support students in accessing the latest program requirements and applying to the Spelman program. The Early Childhood Education major provides the required content for P-5 licensure in Georgia. Students will be assigned a Morehouse advisor; however, they must take all major courses at Spelman College. The Early Childhood Education major develops innovative educational leaders for classrooms, schools, districts, and communities worldwide.

Our alumni are confident and thoughtful leaders committed to the highest education standards for children in diverse communities.

The Secondary Education Teacher Certification minor provides the required coursework for 6-12 teacher certification in Georgia (when accompanied by the required content coursework in the major). Secondary Education minors will complete a major in the content area of their certification at Morehouse College and complete education coursework as a minor (at Spelman or Morehouse) to fulfill the GaPCS certification requirements. Biology and Computer Science majors seeking certification to teach must meet the admissions requirements outlined in the Morehouse Candidate Handbook and will follow the course of study for licensure in their respective majors at Morehouse College (as advised by the Morehouse Education Advisor). Students seeking 6-12 Teacher certification in all other majors: Spanish (P-12), English (6-12), History (6-12), Political Science (6-12), Mathematics (6-12), Physics (6-12), and Chemistry (6-12) must meet the admissions requirements outlined in the Spelman Candidate Handbook and will follow the Course of Study for licensure in their respective majors at Morehouse College (as advised by the Morehouse Education Advisor) and for their Secondary Education minor at Spelman College (as advised by the Morehouse Education Advisor). In keeping with our institutional mandate to prepare students to lead consequential lives, the Secondary Education minor offers a curriculum shaped by the theoretical and scholarly traditions unique to Morehouse College. Woven into all courses and activities are the Morehouse College standards of excellence that promote acuity, agency, integrity, and brotherhood, thus making the Educator Preparation Program the only one of its kind.

Student learning outcomes:

Education Studies majors and Secondary Education minors will be able to:

1. Critique and Analyze
   1. Recognize the historical impact of systems, agencies, and people in education on Black students, schools, and communities.
      Understand the neuroscientific, non-cognitive, and social variables that influence student achievement.
2. Knowledge and Disposition
   1. Demonstrate knowledge of their subject matter and maintain a disposition of inquiry, optimism, and intellectual curiosity. Identify and communicate how Black thought leaders, scholars, and Morehouse graduates have positively influenced education.
3. Apply, Connect, and Practice
   1. Communicate, engage, and present effectively using various digital and multi-media tools.
   2. Make connections between theory and practice and apply what has been learned.

Early Childhood Education majors:

• Possess a solid theoretical foundation in education that intersects with theories in the humanities and social sciences
• Develop specialized knowledge in a particular discipline or content area and broad exposure to education-related scholarship and practices.
• Understand the multiple non-cognitive variables and social conditions that determine student outcomes.
• Identify and communicate how Black thought leaders, scholars, and Morehouse Men influenced education.
• Commit to ensuring educational practices and environments promote equity, justice, and academic excellence for Black students.
• Promote inquiry, optimism, curiosity, and a growth mindset.
• Know how systems and actors influence educational practices, policies, and outcomes.
• Understand the traditional, contemporary, and critical pedagogical approaches broadly.
• Make an impact in schools, communities, and/or youth-serving organizations.
• Retain experiences, resources, and mentors to support their growth and development as an educator.

Department policies and/or General Education modifications:

• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in coursework required for the Education Studies major (including the 12 credits required for the Pathway).
• Elective courses for the Education Studies Minor must be approved by the Department Advisor.
• When required, maintain liability tort insurance and a clear background check for some Internship placements.
• Early Childhood Education majors must complete SEDU 206 Orientation to Education (at Spelman College) with a C or better.
• Early Childhood Education majors must be accepted into the Spelman School of Education Early Childhood Education program by no later than spring of sophomore year, which may include but is not limited to:
  • Passing score (or proof of exemption via ACT or SAT score) on the GACE Program Admission Assessment
  • Education Philosophy Essay
  • Three references (one must come from an Education Department faculty member)
  • Current transcript
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.85 or higher
  • GaPSC Pre-Service Certification
• Students must declare the Secondary Education Teacher Education minor by the fall semester of their sophomore year to complete the Orientation to Education course at the minor-granting institution (Morehouse for Biology and Computer Science; Spelman for all other majors).
• A GPA of 2.7 or greater is required to enroll in the Secondary Education Teacher Certification minor programs at Spelman and Morehouse.
• SPSY 304 Adolescent Psychology is a general education/society and culture requirement in Secondary Education Teacher Certification minor.
• Students must pass the Georgia Professional Practices Commission’s Code of Ethics for Professional Educators and receive GaPSC Pre-Service Certification to enroll in the Secondary Education Teacher Certification minor programs at Spelman and Morehouse.
• A grade of B or higher is required to satisfactorily complete all Secondary Education Teacher Certification courses and field experiences designated for the concentration.
• Students must maintain liability tort insurance and a clear background check while enrolled in the Secondary Education Teacher Certification minor programs at Spelman and Morehouse.