From its founding, Brescia has been noted for the quality of its Educational Studies Program. Brescia University teacher education students are challenged to become ethical professionals committed to advocacy for their students and committed to instilling in their students a dedication to service for others and a thirst for knowledge. Educational Studies offers programs for the certification of elementary, middle and secondary school teachers, and teachers in the field of Special Education.
Brescia graduates serve with distinction in school systems throughout the country. All Education Studies Programs are approved by the Kentucky Department of Education, Education Professional Standards Board.
For additional information, please contact the School of Education at education@brescia.edu.
ADMISSION TO THE EDUCATIONAL STUDIES PROGRAM and to STUDENT TEACHING
Students must be formally accepted into the Educational Studies Program prior to enrolling in most upper division Educational Studies courses. Applications for admission into the Educational Studies Program and for admission to student teaching are filed in the Educational Studies Office on or before October 1, February 1, or May 1 of each academic year.
Application for admission into the Educational Studies Program is completed no sooner than the second semester of the sophomore year. The application process includes (1) satisfactory scores on the ACT or the Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Test; (2) an interview with Educational Studies faculty; (3) reference screening; and (4) in keeping with Kentucky Department of Education policy, completion of a State Police background check, including a fingerprint check. The applicant must also achieve and maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average and have successfully completed two of the following three professional courses: Edu 204, Edu 255, Psy 300.
Application for student teaching is completed the semester prior to the student teaching experience. Prerequisites include (1) completion of required course work; (2) submission of a professional portfolio; (3) recommendation of faculty in area of certification; and (4) a grade point average of at least 2.50 overall, in professional courses, and in the major area of concentration. A current health form is required of all student teacher applicants.
Applications for admission into the Educational Studies Program and for admission to student teaching cannot be made during the same semester.
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR EDUCATIONAL STUDIES
Students in education must complete Brescia University General Education Requirements with the following special designations:
Social & Behavioral Science courses must include three hours of American history, preferably U.S. History since 1865, and
Natural Science courses must include both a biological science with lab and a physical science with lab.
Education students are required to complete 1 credit hour in physical education in order to demonstrate "a reasonable level of skill in one or more activities requiring physical coordination." (TEC 15.0, 1.3)
PROGRAM COMPLETION and APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATION
Students seeking certification must successfully complete the Praxis II Specialty Test(s) in their area(s) of certification. Upon successful completion of the Educational Studies Program and obtaining passing scores on the Praxis II, the Brescia University graduate is eligible for a Kentucky Statement of Eligibility for Teacher Certification. The graduate must also file an Application for Teacher Certification (TC-1) in the Office of the Registrar. Upon obtaining full-time employment as an initially certified teacher, the Brescia graduate may complete the Kentucky Teacher Internship Program (KTIP). At that point, s/he becomes a fully certified teacher.
