Promotion and Preparation
The educational studies department at the College has two main goals: to promote the study of educational processes, institutions and thought; and to prepare highly qualified teachers for elementary and secondary classrooms. Courses and programs examine education as an essential and complex social process that occurs in formal and informal teaching-learning situations. While the department is dedicated to the preparation of effective teachers, we invite and encourage other students to take courses to develop greater understanding of educational issues and concerns.
You can learn more in the Teacher Education Handbook. Ripon College also offers a major in secondary education for those interested in teaching at the 4-12 grade level.
Education Preparation Program Report Card : Annual Report
Faculty
Eastman, Nicholas
Associate Professor of Educational Studies, Pieper Family Chair in Servant Leadership
Knoester, Matthew
Professor of Educational Studies, Chair of Educational Studies Department
| Requirements for Major in Elementary Education (K-9 License) | |
|---|---|
| Core Courses | Students must complete EDU 150 Structures of Mathematics, 190 School and Society, 245 Children's Literature, 250 Psychological Foundations of Education, 260 Diversity in American Education, 270 Differentiated Instruction: Approaches for the Classroom Teacher, 316 Middle School Education, 320 Pre-Student Teaching Practicum, 323 Elementary and Middle School Social Teaching Methods, 337 Elementary and Middle School Science Teaching Methods, 338 Elementary and Middle School Mathematics Teaching Methods, 348 Integrated Approaches to Reading and Language Arts Instruction, 441 Student Teaching: Elementary, 451 Student Teaching: Middle School, 571 Student Teaching Seminar*. Other required courses include ENV 120 Environmental Studies, a course in the fine arts (any ART, MUS, THE 2-4 credits), and a US HIS course. *EDU 512 Philosophical and Social Issues in Education may replace EDU 441, 451, 571 as the capstone experience for this major for students not seeking teaching licensure. |
| Recommended Courses | Recommended courses include CMM 215, LIN 332 Introduction to Linguistics or LAT 111 Elementary Latin, and PSC 235 Child Development. |
| Additional Criteria | Students seeking this licensure must earn a passing score on the Foundations of Reading Test (FoRT). |
TEACHER LICENSURE
Ripon College offers programs leading to teaching licensure in Elementary Education (K-9), Middle School/ High School (grades 4-12) subject areas and K-12 licensure in French, Spanish, art, health, physical education, music and theater. Licensure in English as a Second Language can be added to any teacher licensure program.
Licensure programs at Ripon meet standards set by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Students who complete the requirements of a licensure program are eligible for a Tier 2Wisconsin teaching license. Most other states accept the Wisconsin teaching license, and the Director of Teacher Education is prepared to help students identify requirements for states outside Wisconsin.
BE A TEACHER
While it certainly is true that good teachers are always in demand, it also is true that changes in the economy, government funding for education, regional population shifts and family lifestyles affect employment trends for teachers. Ripon graduates have success finding teaching jobs, in part, because faculty work closely with students to help them plan programs and conduct job searches geared toward current employment trends.
Some Ripon graduates with teacher certification have elected to take advantage of opportunities for work abroad in the Peace Corps. Others are using their teaching skills in service and business settings. An increasing number of agencies and institutions seek teachers to staff their educational programs.
An additional career route for licensed teachers is graduate school. Master’s degree-level programs enable students to add areas of licensure in school counseling, school psychology, and leadership roles as a principal, curriculum director or reading specialist.
ADVISING
Ripon College faculty and professional staff are dedicated to helping you reach your goals, whatever they may be and however often they may change along the way. It’s part of our value statement to you.
As a student at Ripon, you will be assigned a faculty adviser based on your area(s) of interest. You will meet with your faculty adviser throughout your time as a student to discuss your current aspirations, plan your course schedule and plot a future trajectory. We also work collaboratively with Ripon College Career and Professional Development to help match your interests and skills to concrete goals and construct a plan for professional success offering personalized career counseling, off-campus learning opportunities and an online job board with potential to connect with local, national and international employers.
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Become the extraordinary individual you are meant to be at Ripon.