Saint Xavier University's Education Department offers the Bachelor of Science degree in education through undergraduate programs of study that prepare students to assume teaching responsibilities in early childhood, elementary, middle, or secondary schools, earning a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. Such preparation integrates theory and clinical experiences in various institutions or agencies, enabling graduates to function effectively as humane, liberally educated professionals.
The Education Department prepares scholars, lifelong learners, leaders and reflective professionals dedicated to the pursuit of excellence. The logo of the Education Department incorporates the cross from the shield of Saint Xavier University to acknowledge the mission and strategic directions of the University and the core values from the founding Sisters of Mercy. Caring, capable and highly qualified faculty personify those attributes in the community of Saint Xavier University and in the profession of education and direct the candidates' progress in the acquisition of the relevant knowledge, skills and dispositions.
Programs of Study
The Education Department offers the following programs approved by the Illinois State Board of Education and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE):
Early Childhood Education: Professional Educator License (PEL) endorsed to teach in birth to grade two classrooms with an additional ESL or Bilingual endorsement and Special Education Letter of Approval.
Elementary Education: Professional Educator License (PEL) endorsed to teach in self-contained elementary classrooms, first grade through grade six with an additional Reading Teacher endorsement.
Middle Level Education: Professional Educator License (PEL) endorsed to teach English language arts, general science, mathematics, or social science in grades 5 through 8.
Secondary Education: Professional Educator License (PEL) endorsed to teach biology, English language arts, mathematics or social science in grades 9 through 12 or art, music or Spanish in kindergarten through grade 12.
Faculty
M. Carroll; L. Ferrell,; K. McInerney; N. Phillips; J. Reinhart
Appeal Process for Denial to Candidacy in the Education Department or Student Teaching
An appeal process has been developed for students who are denied admission to the teacher education program or student teaching, or whose pursuit of program completion is believed by the student to be compromised. For further details, please refer to the Saint Xavier University Academic Policies and Procedures section of this catalog.
Dismissal from the Teacher Education Program
Candidates in the Education Department may be dismissed from a program for the following reasons: grade-point average (below 3.0), academic dishonesty, violation of professional dispositions, failure to successfully complete program benchmarks and results of the fingerprinting/criminal background investigation. Additional reasons not herein described may also result in dismissal.
Candidate Disposition Assessment
In an effort to better serve teacher candidates, the P-12 school children and the community the Education Department has implemented a Disposition Support Model. The professional dispositions of candidates are a critical component of development for emerging educators. Candidates are required to maintain appropriate professional dispositions on campus as well as during the field or practical experiences. Faculty and staff utilize evaluation tools, which are aligned with NCATE/SOE selected requirements for dispositions to assess candidate dispositions and develop supportive interventions. An individual disposition status-level system is in place for each Education Department candidate; this system indicates the level at which a candidate stands based on faculty and professional staff evaluation.
The Education Department Disposition Support Model includes five levels. Faculty and staff work closely with candidates in levels two and three to correct potential or observed disposition concerns. If candidates reach the fourth status level, they are considered to have demonstrated unsatisfactory dispositions and may be placed on probation by a disposition review team. Candidates, whose demonstrations of inappropriate dispositions reach the fifth status level, may be recommended for dismissal from the program by a review team; the department chair determines whether or not the candidate is dismissed from the program. For additional information, refer to the program specific Disposition Support Model Handbook.
Grievance Policy/Procedures for Disposition Decisions
Candidates who believe that they have been unfairly assigned to level four or level five may initiate a grievance. A candidate may submit a grievance and participate in mediation by following the steps below.
Step 1: Initiation of Grievance
The candidate must submit a disposition status grievance form (herein after referred to as the "disposition grievance form") along with any supporting documents to the dean's office. The disposition grievance forms are housed in the office of the Department Chair of the Education Department.
Once the dean receives the grievance form, the formal disposition grievance process begins, and the dean sends the paperwork to a mediator, selected by the dean for the case (a mediator may serve on more than one case).
Step 2: Mediation
The mediator has 10 business days from receipt of the disposition grievance form to initiate mediation. The role of the mediator is to be informed of the needs of both parties and to work with both parties to identify potential solutions. The mediator will submit a report to the department chair that includes an overview of the process and a recommendation. If the mediation is not successful, the mediator will provide a written report to the department chair. The candidate can provide a written appeal to the mediator's recommendation to the dean. The department chair will either uphold the mediator's recommendation or uphold the appeal. For additional information, refer to the Disposition Support Model Handbook for Initial Licensure Programs.
Change of Major
Current SXU students, who want to change majors to one of the four education majors, must meet with the program coordinator prior to changing majors.