School of Education

School of Education Vision

Congruent with the mission of South College as a provider of responsible professionals who have the skills necessary to meet their personal goals and the demands of the employment market, the vision of the School of Education, which capitalizes on the theme of transformation, is to be recognized internationally as a transformational agent that fulfills its mission to educate exceptional instructional leaders.

Mission/Purpose of the School of Education

The School of Education mission, congruent in general and specifically with the mission of South College, places primary emphasis on providing quality undergraduate and graduate opportunities for the intellectual, social, emotional, and professional development of diverse candidates.

Designed in accordance with state, national, and professional standards, the School of Education curricula capitalize on inquiry to advance candidates’ professional growth and career opportunities and to cultivate their ability to think critically, to communicate effectively, and to apply knowledge wisely. Through contemporary modes of delivery, the innovative and research-based content of academic programs exposes candidates to diverse perspectives and skills essential to independent and continuous learning. The professional and career-focused academic programs of the School of Education meet and support local, regional, and national employment needs.

Commensurate with quality academic programs, the School of Education promotes the use of scholarship in education and in practice by supporting and recognizing the scholarly activities of faculty and community partners. Through partnerships with local school districts, the School of Education faculty participates in collaborative inquiry to help ensure that all students learn. The School of Education faculty participates in or provides professional development activities, as consistent with the role of each faculty member.

Recognizing its responsibility to society, the School of Education is committed to working collaboratively with local education entities and with members of the South College teaching community to effect changes in candidate and student achievement. As such, the School of Education encourages its administration, faculty, and staff to invest their expertise in community, professional, and institutional service.

Teacher Education Programs

The South College School of Education is approved by the TN State Board of Education to offer Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degree programs. The bachelor’s and one master’s program lead to the initial TN teaching license in elementary education for grades K-5. The Bachelor of Science program is designed for students who have not earned an undergraduate degree and seeks to earn a degree to become an elementary teacher.

Graduate Education Programs

The South College School of Education offers a Master of Education in Elementary Education (K-5) Initial Licensure, Master of Education in Teacher as Instructional Leader, and an Educational Specialist in Teacher Leadership in Schools degree programs. The Master of Education in Elementary Education (K-5) Initial Licensure is designed for those seeking to become an elementary school teacher. The curriculum is designed for completion in 15 months. The Master of Education in Teacher as Instructional Leader is a four-quarter program of study designed to prepare teachers as instructional leaders in the classroom and in the total school. The Doctor of Education program is a 10 course competency-based education degree with specializations in Adult Learning and Development, Higher Education Leadership, Teaching and Learning, and Organizational Leadership. It is designed for current practitioners within their field who are seeking a terminal degree.