Teacher Education Program

Idaho State University has an institutional commitment to the preparation of teachers. This commitment is carried out by the faculties of the College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences, working in close cooperation through the Teacher Education Committee. This committee represents the subject and professional aspects of teacher education and is a sub-committee of the Curriculum Council of the university.

The objectives of Idaho State University are designed to insure that graduates in teacher education have the following:

  1. Developed abilities in the following areas:

    a. The ability to communicate clearly in both written and spoken English.

    b. The ability to think clearly, critically, and logically.

    c. An understanding of the past, the ability to evaluate the present, and the capacity to deal intelligently with the future.

    d. The ability to understand and apply the basic concepts of science to relevant problems of society.

    e. The ability to comprehend and make practical use of the basic facts of mental and physical health.

    f. Experience in understanding of, and appreciation for, the fine arts. g. A knowledge of the basic moral, philosophical, and religious systems of the world.

  2. Have an overview of, and sufficient depth in, the subjects they are teaching.
  3. Have a broad understanding of and sensitivity to the individual learner, to his/her role in social groups, and to the conditions under which maximum learning occurs for him/her.
  4. Be able to provide opportunities for appropriate learning experiences through the selection, organization, and employment of a variety of instructional methods and materials.
  5. Have addressed themselves to an understanding of their self-concepts, including their roles as teachers and their responsibilities to their profession and to society.
Fulfilling the general requirements of the Teacher Education Program gives the candidate for teaching a well-rounded education. Choice of a subject major and a subject minor provides the teaching background specialization for the secondary school teacher. Certain subject field requirements provide for the specialization needed by elementary school teachers. This general and specialized education is fulfilled via courses taken by the teacher education student in the College of Arts and Sciences. Professional education is provided through a broad foundation in the principles and practices of teaching with particular attention being given to educational philosophy, educational psychology, child growth and development, child guidance, and evaluation. Transition from preparation for teaching to actually becoming a teacher is provided during the student teaching period under competent and experienced teachers in Pocatello and other school districts.

Review procedures have been established for admission and retention of students in the Teacher Education Program. These procedures also call for a review of each individual prior to a recommendation for certification. Copies of these standards and procedures are available from the Idaho State Department of Education.

Because of the responsibility of a member of the teaching profession to the total development of young people, and notwithstanding a student's enrollment in or graduation from the College of Education, the Dean and the faculty of the College of Education reserve the right to refuse to recommend a student for a standard teaching certificate, or to admit a student to a teaching program, if such recommendation or assignment, in the discretion of the Dean and faculty of the College of Education, would appear to be contrary to or in violation of Sections 33-1202 and/or 33-1208, Idaho Code.

Full Admission to the Teacher Education Program

Students must make formal application for admission to the Teacher Education Program. Application forms are available in the Main Office of the College of Education. Standards for admission are approved by the Teacher Education Committee and are implemented by the Committee on Admissions and Standards to the Teacher Education Program, both of which are representative of subject and professional areas.

Students in teacher education are under the same general probationary policy as the rest of Idaho State University as far as probation and dismissal from the institution are concerned. However, to obtain recommendation for admission to the teacher education program and to remain in it, certain broader criteria apply which concerns the applicant's general fitness for the teaching profession. These include (1) ability to work with and to understand children; (2) proficiency in citizenship and leadership qualities; (3) proficiency in English and other academic and professional subject matter; and (4) adequate mental and physical health. Students with deficiencies in scholarship or in any of the criteria may be withdrawn from the program.

Application for admission to the Teacher Education Program is made on forms provided in the main office of the College of Education following the completion of at least 24 credits hours of college work including EDUC 200, Aide Experience. Students may not register for core courses numbered 300 and above until full admittance to the Teacher Education Program is achieved. Students who have been denied admittance to the Teacher Education Program may reapply when deficiencies have been met. Criteria for admission include the following:

  1. 2.5 overall grade point average including any transfer credits or credits earned in a previous degree program.
  2. "C" grade or better in ENGL 101 (English Composition) and SPCH 101 (Public Speaking).
  3. Demonstration of competency in audio visual machine skills, library skills, and computer skills OR completion of EDUC 142 (Basic Competencies: Audio-Visual, Library, Computers).
  4. Presentation of minimum scores achieved on the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) (R = 172; W = 174; M = 169); or presentation of ACT scores with a composite score of 18 or higher prior to October, 1989, or 20 or higher after October, 1989.
  5. "S" grade in EDUC 200 (Aide Experience).
  6. Personal statement of interest in teaching and the teaching profession.
  7. Submission of signed form indicating awareness of Idaho teacher certification requirements.
Denial of Admission to the Teacher Education Program

Students who have been denied admittance to the Teacher Education Program may reapply; however, they must meet the standards for admission in place at the time of their reapplication to attain full admission.