College of Education

Mission Statement

The Mission of the William L. Spadoni College of Education at Coastal Carolina University is both to embrace the teacher-scholar model in preparing students to be productive, responsible, reflective practitioners and leaders for professional careers in education; and to embrace a leadership role through collaboration, service, and faculty research with P-12 schools, institutions of higher education, community agencies, and professional associations.

This mission is accomplished by providing innovative undergraduate and graduate programs that focus on in-depth content and pedagogical knowledge, professional dispositions, diverse field experiences and internship placements, and the integration of contemporary technologies. We are also committed to continuous improvement by maintaining state and national recognition as well as, receiving accreditation of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) which is now transitioning to the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Conceptual Framework

The overarching theme of the Conceptual Framework for all educator preparation programs is “The Educator as Reflective Practitioner.” The initial and advanced teacher education programs and the advanced programs in educational leadership focus on the development of knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions to ensure that all candidates are well prepared and meet all institutional, state, and professional standards at the completion of their program. The Conceptual Framework describes the shared vision of teaching, learning, and the preparation of teachers and school leaders. It outlines our philosophy and commitment to the education profession; guides programmatic decisions; and ensures coherence among curricula, field experiences, clinical practice, and the unit’s assessment system. The Conceptual Framework reflects our commitment to integrate technology, demonstrate professional behavior and dispositions, engage in reflective practice, work with diverse populations, and apply content and pedagogical knowledge to the teaching and learning process.

The Conceptual Framework forms the basis for the goals for candidate proficiency in all professional educator preparation programs. Through performance assessments specific to each program, all education candidates should be able to demonstrate proficiency in the student learning outcomes associated with their individual programs. Individual program student learning outcomes are derived from the goals for candidate proficiency identified below.

Goals for Candidate Proficiency

Ability to apply content and pedagogical knowledge to the teaching and learning process.
Ability to integrate technology to improve teaching and learning.
Ability to work with diverse populations.
Ability to demonstrate professional behavior and dispositions.
Ability to engage in reflective practice to improve teaching and learning.

Coastal Carolina University graduate programs in education are administered by the Spadoni College of Education. The Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree programs are designed to offer educational practitioners an opportunity for professional growth and to develop master teachers or administrators who are able to provide leadership in designated areas. The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree programs are designed to offer a route to initial teacher licensure through graduate study.

Admission to Study

Applications for graduate study are to be directed to the Office of Graduate Studies at the University.

Provisional Admission

Applicants may receive approval for provisional study if they are entering the University for the first time or returning to the University after an extended absence. This basis of approval allows the student to begin courses prior to providing all of the credentials necessary to qualify for full admission and allows the student to register for up to 12 hours of course work before matriculation. Minimally, however, students must present validation that they hold the baccalaureate degree. Students who are not seeking degrees may request approval for additional credits through the Office of Graduate Studies.

Transfer Credit

With approval from the graduate program director, a maximum of 12 transfer credit hours may be applied to the graduate programs in the Spadoni College of Education. All transfer credit course work must have been completed with a minimum grade of B.

Programs

Doctor of Philosophy

Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D.)

Education Specialists

Master of Arts in Teaching

Master of Education

Graduate Certificates