Academics Are Central

College of Education is soaring to new heights With highly acclaimed accreditation and a growing number of students, it’s an exciting time for the COE

Some of the finest urban educators in the United States are being produced at Central State University, long regarded as a leading institution for developing talented and dedicated teachers for urban school districts.

“Public education in K-12 is sorely in need of competent educators in the urban environment, and we are proud of the fine young men and women from Central State who help fill these roles,” says Dr. Jean Harper, interim dean of the College of Educa- tion (COE). “We are committed to developing teachers who exemplify research-based knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to meet the complex needs of today’s urban classroom.”

CSU recently received continuing ac- creditation from the highly regarded National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). “I am pleased to report that the ac- creditation board found ‘no areas for improvement’ at CSU,” Dr. Harper comments. “However, we continually refine our program to not only meet students’ needs, but also the changing needs in education.”

For instance, the COE is increasing emphasis on undergraduate research, following a nationwide trend. Ac- cording to the Trends and Emerging Practices in General Education, a recent report based on a survey of the Association of American Colleges and Universities, 78 percent of adminis- trators cite an increasing emphasis on undergraduate research.

Another CSU strength: the COE faculty has had extensive experience in urban teaching and enthusiastically work with teacher candidates to help them meet their own potential.

“I am so impressed with my educa-

(Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Life Science, Physical Sci- ence), Health Education, Physical Education.

The Dayton campus of CSU plays a huge role in educating urban teachers. “Much of the work toward an education degree can be earned right on the Dayton campus,” Dr. Harper points out.

Dr. Jean Harper instructs two Early Childhood Educations majors, Jamir Brewer and Jerius Gamble.

tion professors,” says student Andrea Johnson, working on a degree as an intervention specialist in special edu- cation. “Our professors are excited about education and I really feel they see the ‘future teachers’ in us.”

Undergraduate and graduate programs

There are 520 students in the CSU undergraduate and post baccalaure- ate programs. The areas of study are: Early Childhood, Intervention Specialist, Art K-12, Music K-12, Middle Childhood (Language Arts/ Social Studies and Mathematics/Sci- ence), Adolescence to Young Adult

Education major Britney Wilson leads class exercise.

Dr. Harper also expresses enthusiasm for the new master’s degree program. “Students can earn a master’s as an Administrative Specialist in Higher Education in one of three areas: re- search, student services, or personnel/ staff services,” she says.

The graduate program offers smaller class sizes plus the opportunity to work on the degree part-time and participate in a graduate internship.

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