General Information

Mission Statement

The mission of the Baylor University School of Education is to prepare, within a Christian environment, individuals who improve society through leadership, teaching, research, and service within their professions and communities.

Vision

Our vision is that the Baylor University School of Education will be nationally and internationally recognized for excellence and Christian influence through efforts to:

• Provide leadership in a dynamic environment.
  Prepared with knowledge and skills for success in a changing world, the Baylor University School of Education graduates are in positions of leadership and influence. School faculty members are recognized as leaders in their respective disciplines and professions.
• Teach and prepare the best professionals.
  In keeping with a respected tradition, the Baylor University School of Education faculty continues to educate students with the competence and commitment necessary for shaping lives. Through rigorous academic preparation, each graduate is uniquely equipped for a professional calling.
• Foster the discovery and application of new knowledge.
  Through basic and applied research, the Baylor University School of Education advances knowledge in our respective fields. We are committed to developing and testing theory, conducting research and scholarship, and providing practical answers for problems within our areas of study.
• Develop a sense of calling to service.
  In support of our Christian heritage, the Baylor University School of Education faculty and students are expected to have concern for diverse populations in a variety of settings. By placing a value on vocation, we inspire individuals to serve God and humanity through their work.

Introduction

Baylor University is committed to educating students for lives of dedicated service and the advancement of society. In harmony with the concept of service to humanity, the School of Education faculty believes in the personalization of education. Consequently, student advisement, counseling, and classroom strategies are guided by a genuine concern for the welfare of the individual student.

Among the purposes of Baylor University, none is considered more important than the education of Christian teachers, administrators, and other professional school personnel. While maintaining complete institutional integrity, it is the desire and the intention of the University to work closely with the state agencies and professional associations in the development and implementation of programs leading to educator certification.

To this end Baylor University has an established School of Education that works closely with departments across the university to provide the disciplinary and professional knowledge and skills necessary to effectively prepare for professional practice or further graduate study in fields represented in the School.

As a field of elective work for students in other academic units, the courses in professional education offer both civic value and application-oriented study of many sciences.

Through the integration of faith and learning, Baylor education programs seek to direct the educational choices of its students toward preparation for career and community service and/or advanced study as educators.

I. Services and Opportunities for Students

Advising

All students in the School of Education are advised, in person, prior to registration each semester. Advisors present various degree options and help students adopt a plan for timely graduation. Advisors monitor students’ progress toward completion of identified degree plans.

Professional Development Schools (PDS)

The School of Education has created partnerships with schools in the Waco area for the purpose of providing extensive teaching experiences for teacher education candidates. These schools are designated as “Professional Development Schools” (PDSs) and “Partner Schools” and are part of a national initiative in teacher education toward greater university-school collaboration.
A PDS or Partner School integrates new teacher preparation, ongoing professional development of school/university faculty, school improvement, and research on teaching by focusing on the learning needs of students in the schools. Teacher candidates have opportunities for daily teaching experiences in a PDS or other partner school.

Learning Resource Center (LRC)

The Learning Resource Center maintains a collection of curriculum materials used in public and private schools – textbooks, curriculum guides, reference works, standardized tests, and a variety of instructional media and computer programs. This center is used by students in developing and analyzing curriculum and instructional plans.
The Learning Resource Center is directed by a learning resource specialist and is open days, evenings, and weekends for the convenience of students and faculty.

Instructional Media Center

The Instructional Media Center maintains a collection of technology and equipment that can be used by students to create instructional materials or meet various technology-based curricular requirements. Support staff is available. The media center also provides technology support for teacher education candidates working on international study.

International Study

Opportunities for study abroad and mission experiences in many parts of the world are offered through the School of Education. Student teaching experiences are available in London, England and Brisbane, Australia for those students who wish to extend their experiences to the foreign classroom. Summer opportunities are available in Costa Rica, and periodically in other world cities.

Future Graduate Study Opportunities

Undergraduate students may want to continue graduate work in the School of Education. Graduate assistantships, which provide tuition assistance and/or a stipend, are available. Interested students should visit with the graduate program director in the desired area of study. 

II. Organizations

The School of Education sponsors honorary and professional organizations for the benefit of its students. Students benefit from the social and professional development associated with membership in a professional group. Honorary organizations provide opportunities to recognize scholastic achievement.

Association of Texas Professional Educators

The Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) is a professional organization in the School of Education. Membership in ATPE provides professional publications, liability insurance, and leadership training workshops.

Kappa Delta Pi

Kappa Delta Pi is an honor society in education. Membership in the Baylor University chapter, Beta Xi, is open to junior and senior students who have completed twelve hours in education and maintained an overall grade point average of 3.5 or above. Graduate students in education are eligible for membership after completing twelve graduate hours and maintaining a grade point average of at least 3.75. The Beta Xi chapter conducts an initiation of new members each fall and spring semester.

III. Title II Report

Section 207 (f) (2) in Title II of the Higher Education Act requires each institution to publish Title II information.

For the year 2022-2023, Baylor University School of Education enrolled 352 students in teacher education programs. There were 102 students enrolled in supervised student teaching/internships.

The pass rate for the 96 students who completed TExES testing was 99%.

Texas Educator Certification Online System (ECOS)

For the year 2023-2024, the pass rate for the students who took official TExES PPR tests was 98% and for Non-PPR tests was 97% for Baylor University’s School of Education.

Procedures for Students Wanting to Pursue a Degree in Education

Undergraduate Programs

Teacher Education Programs

Specific programs are available at Baylor University for candidates wishing to pursue teacher certification. Students seeking any Bachelor of Science in Education degree should contact the Office of Student Advising. All School of Education majors must be advised every semester in the Office of Student Advising.

Applying for a Program Leading to Certification

Admission to Baylor and declaring a major or minor in education does not enroll a student in a School of Education program leading to initial certification as a classroom teacher in the State of Texas. Students who plan to earn a teaching certificate must meet minimum state of Texas and Baylor University standards and apply separately for admission to candidacy in the appropriate Baylor School of Education program. More information and required documents are available at http://www1.baylor.edu/tca. The application materials should be filled out and brought to the Office of Professional Practice (MMSCI 274) the semester prior to entering the junior level Teaching Associate (TA) experience. Acceptance and retention are contingent upon meeting all requirements for the program.

Requirements for Retention in Teacher Education

1. Completion of TED 1312 Introduction to Education I by all candidates is required.
2. Grade point averages (calculation of grade point average is based on work attempted at Baylor University only) required to remain in all certification programs are as follows:
       2.75 Overall
       2.75 Academic Major
       2.75 TED courses
3. Grade point averages for retention in the School of Education and admission to Internship will include calculations of incomplete courses in appropriate areas. An incomplete will count as the equivalent of a failing course in grade point calculations until the final grade is available.
4. In order to enroll in the Teaching Associate field experience courses, a candidate must attain junior status (60 hours) and complete 12 semester hours in the candidate’s teaching field. The State of Texas requires candidates seeking certification in 6-12 Physical Science, 7-12 Life Science, 4-8 and 7-12 Science, and 4-8 and 7-12 Mathematics must complete 15 semester hours in their teaching field prior to admittance.
5. In order to enroll in the Intern field experience courses, a candidate must successfully complete the Teaching Associate experience and complete 18 semester hours in the candidate’s teaching field. In addition, a candidate must earn a 3.0 each semester in each Teaching Associate and/or Practicum courses.
6. Candidates who do not successfully complete the coursework and/or field experiences required for educator certification may be advised to substitute other coursework to complete a degree. In such cases the candidates will sign a form relinquishing the rights to seek certification through Baylor University.
7. Any TED course may be repeated only one time for students to continue in any School of Education major. Any student wanting to retake a TED class more than one time will need to appeal to the Dean’s Office.

Tests for Admission and Certification Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

Acceptable scores on the Texas Success Initiative or qualification by exemption is required before admission into a state approved teacher education program. The passing score on the reading must be 351 and on mathematics parts must be 350 or higher and the writing part a score of 5 or 4 plus a minimum score of 363 on the multiple choice section.

Exemption from the TSI Test

1. Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS): For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs on the 11th grade exit-level Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) with a minimum scale score of 2200 on the math section and/or a minimum scale score of 2200 on the English Language Arts section with a writing subsection score of at least 3, shall be exempt from the assessment required under this title for those corresponding sections.
2. State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) End-of course (EOC): For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs with a minimum score of Level 2 on the English III shall be exempt from both reading and writing, and a minimum score of Level 2 on the Algebra II EOC shall be exempt from the mathematics section.
3. Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT): For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and scores a combined critical reading (formerly “verbal”) and mathematics score of 1070 with a minimum of 500 on the verbal test and/or the mathematics test shall be exempt for those corresponding sections.
4. American College Test (ACT): For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and scores a composite score of  23, with a minimum of 19 on the English test and/or the mathematics test shall be exempt for those corresponding sections.

Note: To approve the exemption, Baylor University needs appropriate documentation:

• For SAT or ACT, Baylor University must receive official scores sent directly from the testing company. The correct college code must be entered on the test at the time of test  registration.
• For TAKS, scores are printed on a label affixed to official high school transcripts. Transcripts must be sent to Baylor University.

TOEFL Requirement

The TOEFL is required for out of country students that graduate from high schools where the language of instruction is not English. The candidates must take all three portions of the TOEFL and score a minimum of 26 on the speaking section (no overall score required).

Degree Audit and Certificate Plan

A student who meets the requirements for a standard teacher’s certificate must also meet the requirements for a bachelor’s degree.

The student is responsible for notifying the Office of Academic Advising of any changes in program or content fields, so that these changes can be processed on the official degree audits and certificate plans.

Graduation Semester Transfer Work

In keeping with University residence requirements and admission to candidacy, as noted in this catalog under Other Requirements for Graduation and the Academic Calendar, the following shall be strictly enforced by the School of Education:  Only official transcripts received by the deadline set by the University and School of Education will be accepted for degree certification.  The deadline set by the School of Education for receipt of the official transcript will be five working days before the commencement ceremony.

Advisement Information for the School of Education

All students in the School of Education are advised, in person, prior to registration each semester. Advisors present various degree options and help students adopt a plan for timely graduation. Advisors monitor students’ progress toward completion of identified degree plans.

Office of Student and Information Services
Baylor University
One Bear Place #97300
Waco, TX 76798
Phone:  254-710-6105/6114
Fax:  254-710-3789

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School of Education Faculty

Person and Title

Name	Title
Shanna Hagan-Burke, Ph.D.	Dean
Terrill F. Saxon, Ph.D.	Associate Dean
Grant Morgan, Ph.D.	Associate Dean
Sandi Cooper, Ph.D.	Associate Dean
Kylah Clark-Goff Ph.D.	Assistant Dean
Joel R. Porter, Psy.D.	Assistant Dean

Department of Educational Leadership

William Sterrett, Ph.D., Chair
Perry Glanzer PhD
Janet Gibson EdD
Jeffrey Petersen PhD
Ted Cockle PhD
Saralyn McKinnnon-Crowley PhD
Jon Eckert EdD
Nathern Okilwa PhD
Herb Cox EdD
Angela Urick EdD
Leanne Newman EdD
Mar Magnusen PhD
Rishi Sriram Phd

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Trena Wilkerson, Ph.D., Interim Chair
Luke Bennett, Ed.D.
Gae Connally, M.S. Ed.
Sandi Cooper, Ph.D.

Mandy Dunphy, Ph.D.
Kelly Johnston, Ed.D.
Karis Jones, Ph.D. 
Tracey Jones, Ph.D.
Lauren Kirk, Ed.D.
Karon LeCompte, Ph.D.
Kevin Magill, Ph.D.
Phil Nichols, Ph.D.
Tina Ogodo, Ph.D.
Rachelle Rogers, Ed.D.
Neil Shanks, Ph.D.
Tony Talbert, Ed.D

Department of Educational Psychology

Bree Jimenez Ph.D., Chair
Kelsey Ragan Ph.D.
Tonya Davis Ph.D.
Jessica Akers Ph.D.
Jenny Robins Ph.D.
Sarah Mire Ph.D.
Sara Tomek Ph.D.
Tamara Hodges Ed.D.
Nick Benson Ph.D.
Kristen Padilla Ph.D.
Tracey Sulak Ph.D.
Eric Robinson Ph.D.
Erik Carter Ph.D.
Deidre Gilley Ph.D.
Gospel Kim Ph.D.
Grant Morgan Ph.D.
Terrill Saxon Ph.D.
Kendra Hamilton-Dallas Ph.D.
Laurie Klose-Dallas  Ph.D.
Mack Burke Ph.D.
Todd Kettler Ph.D.

Ed.D. in Learning and Organizational Change

Laila Sanguras, Ph.D., Graduate Program Director
Kellie M.Dixon Ed.D.
Marquita D. Foster Ph.D.
Angela Girdley Ph.D.
Leanne Howell Ph.D.
Brenda Jones Ph.D.
Corina Kaul Ph.D.
Jessica Meehan Ed.D.
Melanie S. Meyer Ph.D.
Erin O’Connor Marsano Ed. D.
Sarah Pratt Ph.D.
Ryann N. Shelton Ph.D.
Amy M. Sloan Ed.D.
Shelby Vaughn Ed.D.
Stefan Vaughn Ed.D.

Requirements for Texas Teacher Certification

Sandra Parnell, Certification Officer

General Requirements for Texas Teaching Credentials

General requirements for Texas teaching credentials as well as requirements for certificate renewal may be accessed through the website:  http://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Educators/Certification/.

1. Hold a bachelor’s degree from and be recommended by an institution of higher learning approved for teacher education by the State Board for Educator Certification.
2. Have completed an approved teacher educator preparation program.
   Content area certifications available at Baylor University are:
   1. Early Childhood – Grade 6 Core Subjects with Science of Teaching Reading (STR)
   2. Grades 4-8
      English Language Arts and Reading
      Mathematics
      Science
      Social Studies
   3. Grades 7-12
      English Language Arts and Reading
      History
      Mathematics
      Science
      Social Studies
   4. Early Childhood - Grade 12 (All-level)
      Music
      Physical Education
      Special Education Specialist
      Spanish
   5. Supplemental Certificates
      English as a Second Language
      Gifted and Talented
3. Receive satisfactory score(s) on TExES certification exams.