Spadoni College of Education and Social Sciences

Mission Statement

The Mission of the William L. Spadoni College of Education & Social Sciences at Coastal Carolina University is to prepare practitioners education and social science professionals who are culturally inclusive, reflective, innovative, and who advocate for equitable educational and social opportunities for all. 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, and the application of theory to practice. We are also committed to continuous improvement by maintaining state and national recognition as well as receiving accreditation from appropriate disciplinary and professional organizations, including of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Vision

The Spadoni College of Education & Social Sciences will distinguish itself as a leader in developing reflective, collaborative, and culturally inclusive professionals who positively impact institutions, communities, and societies through the application of pedagogical and social scientific theory and principles.

Shared Values

As a community of educator teacher-scholars we value:

Continuous intellectual development
Diversity
Experiential Learning
Integrity
Respect
Collaboration
Advocacy
Professional Commitment
Research

Advisement

Following full admission to Coastal Carolina University, students who wish to pursue a degree offered by the Spadoni College of Education and Social Sciences will be assigned an adviser on the basis of their desired major and area of emphasis. Students desiring to transfer to the college should contact the college’s Center for Excellence and Student Services for information and assistance.

General Information: Educator Preparation

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.

The Spadoni College of Education and Social Sciences strives for the highest quality in the preparation of individuals for the teaching profession. The college’s programs are approved by the South Carolina State Board of Education and nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Field-based experiences and instruction, both sequential and incremental, are important components of each of the programs. Our local public schools work closely with the college to help provide relevant and productive sites for field placements of education majors. These schools collaborate with the college to provide the personnel, curriculum, and environments necessary to offer effective instruction for prospective teachers and administrators. When the initial licensure program is successfully completed, candidates will have met requirements toward receiving a South Carolina teaching license. Verification must be made by the dean of the college that the candidate has achieved the minimum passing score on the Praxis I Core Academic Skills for Educators Test , Praxis II content and Praxis II PLT examinations. The South Carolina State Board of Education also requires candidates to undergo a fingerprint review and clearance by SLED and the FBI as part of the application process for the internship. Candidates must also provide proof of a TB skin test clearance.

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 & Social Sciences. 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 & Social Sciences. All transfer credit course work must have been completed with a minimum grade of B.