Median Pay: $62,360 

Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's

Number of Jobs: 1,072,300

Job Outlook: Employment of  teachers is projected to show little or no change from 2022 to 2032. Despite limited employment growth, about 67,100 openings  are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 

Above information sourced from 2021 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A minimum 2.0 GPA is the requirement for admission at Union Commonwealth University. 

It is the student’s responsibility to consult the College Catalog regarding requirements for admission to the Teacher Education Program and student teaching. These include, but are not limited to, a 2.75 GPA overall, in pre-professional requirements, in professional requirements and in teaching emphasis for admission to student teaching.

Curriculum Contract

Union Commonwealth University offers multi-grade certification in Health and Physical Education (P12). In accordance with state certification regulations, students wishing to teach at the primary through secondary level must complete preparation in a standards-based format that is equivalent to a teaching field or specialization area. Further, the student must have a minimum GPA for certification of cumulative 2.75 on a 4.0 scale on the last 60 hours of credit completed. Multi-grade certification is available in Health & Physical Education (P12). See appropriate sections of catalogue for details. Appropriate PRAXIS II and PLT tests must be successfully completed for certification. Also see Requirements for Admission to Student Teaching.

Note: teacher certification requirements are subject to change. Additional fees may be required. Before registering for certification tests, refer to the EPSB website at www.kyepsb.net for current requirements or call (502) 564-4606 or call toll free (888) 598-7667.

I - Pre-Professional Courses

Pre-professional courses for students preparing for multi-grade certification (P12). Minimum GPA 2.75 required.

PSYH 200 Introduction to Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

Emphasis on the study of human behavior and the ability of the individual to make adjustments to his/her environment.

WELL 131 First Aid and Safety Education (3 Credit Hours)

Designed to aid the student in developing an understanding of the basic principles of accident prevention as applicable to the home, the highway, and the school. First aid measures for various injuries and illnesses are discussed and practiced.

II - Professional Preparation

Novice

EDUC 210 Early Involvement Practicum (1 Credit Hour)

Students are assigned to a school classroom and meet periodically to discuss and generalize their experiences. Fifty (50) hours of field experience is required. Novice Block. To be taken concurrently with EDUC 211 and EDUC 231. Additional fees will apply.

EDUC 211 Early Involvement Seminar (2 Credit Hours)

A practical course in which students are introduced to the culture of teaching. The course focuses specifically on dispositions and the key aspects of Kentucky's Unbridled Learning Initiative and Kentucky Core Academic Standards. Students set up their web-based electronic student portfolios. Novice Block. To be taken concurrently with EDUC 210 and EDUC 231.

EDUC 231 Schooling in American Culture (3 Credit Hours)

This course will expose students to the many facets of education, especially teaching. It is designed to help the students make the important decision about a professional career. Students will be guided through the history and philosophy of education, the requirements and responsibilities of the teacher, the nature of the curriculum, an introduction to behavioral theory, and social issues that impact schooling. Fifteen (15) hours of field experience is required. Novice Block. To be taken concurrently with EDUC 210 and EDUC 211.

The Novice Block is offered in the fall and spring semesters of each academic year. 

Intermediate

EDUC 283 Educational Technology (3 Credit Hours)

This course explores classroom applications of educational technology. Students will examine the integration of educational technology in classroom settings through web-based resources, video case studies, in-class discussions, and field experiences. Students will evaluate and use digital applications and tools in addition to educational web sites and software. The use of technology in designing and implementing various types of assessment (pre-assessment, formative, and summative) will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on the understanding of issues and techniques related to the use of technology in P12 educational settings. This is a hybrid course with face-to-face, online meetings, and assignments.

EDUC 310 Intermediate Involvement Practicum (1 Credit Hour)

The second of three public school field experiences during which students spend fifty (50) hours observing and participating in developmentally appropriate classroom teaching activities. Course is to be taken by (a) elementary majors concurrently with EDUC 374, EDUC 470, and SPED 321; (b) middle school majors concurrently with EDUC 375 and SPED 321; and (c) secondary majors concurrently with EDUC 376 and SPED 321. Fifty (50) hours of field experience is required. Intermediate Block. Prerequisite: completion of Novice Block. Additional fees will apply. Corequisite: EDUC 374, EDUC 375, and EDUC 376.

EDUC 376 Instructional Design & Delivery Secondary School (3 Credit Hours)

A required course for all secondary majors who plan to student teach. This course focuses on the design elements and delivery mechanisms of curriculum in the classroom. Students will develop competencies in instructional focus and assessment, and the relationship between these concepts. The students will produce a Standards Based Unit of Study. Intermediate Block. Prerequisite: Novice Block. Corequisite: EDUC 310.

EDUC 470 Learning Theories for P-12 Educators (3 Credit Hours)

Students will research, examine, and apply the major historical and modern learning theorists/theories utilized by P12 school districts to advance the cause of student achievement for all learners. Further, students will evaluate, implement, and assess key concepts, models, and strategies related to commonly recognized learning theories including but not limited to: behaviorism, constructivism, cognitivism, and connectivism. A significant focus of the course also centers on preparing Education students to successfully pass the Principals of Teaching and Learning (PLT) exam required for Kentucky teaching licensure.

SPED 321 Survey of Exceptional (3 Credit Hours)

An introductory course examining characteristics, identification criteria, and teaching modifications related to the education of exceptional learners. Fifteen (15) hours of field experience is required.

The Intermediate Block is offered in the fall and spring semesters of each academic year.

Advanced

EDUC 338 Teaching Reading Content (3 Credit Hours)

This course focuses on the design, planning, and implementation of instruction while recognizing the unique literacy demands of content-area coursework. Emphasis is placed upon comprehension and study strategies, the reading and writing connection, the role of technology in today’s classrooms, the importance of differentiated instruction that respects cultural differences, and the needs of the diverse learner. Students participate in in-class microteaching demonstrations, develop a content-area instructional unit, and submit an electronic portfolio entry as a result of off-site visits to minority classrooms. Twenty-five (25) hours of field experience is required. Advanced Block. Prerequisites: admission to Teacher Education and completion of Intermediate Block.

EDUC 410 Adv. Involvement Practicum (1 Credit Hour)

To be taken concurrently with courses in Advanced Block. Specific assignments to be completed in the field will come from Corequisite courses. Fifty (50) hours of field experience is required. Prerequisites: admission to Teacher Education and completion of Intermediate Block. Additional fees will apply. Corequisite: EDUC 437 or EDUC 447.

EDUC 447 Methods & Materials in HS (3 Credit Hours)

Current teaching methods, materials, and innovations in the secondary school, with directed observations, micro-teaching, and curriculum design. Internet, PowerPoint, and Web-page design will also be covered. Prerequisites: admission to Teacher Education and completion of Intermediate Block. Corequisite: EDUC 410.

The Advanced Block for secondary majors is offered during the fall semesters of each academic year. All classes are restricted to those students who have been admitted to the Teacher Education Program.

Final

EDUC 488 Prof. Interaction in the School (3 Credit Hours)

This is a senior level course designed to help students understand the predicaments of teaching. Understanding the dynamics of interaction between students and teachers is a particular focus. Professional relationships between teachers, parents, and administrators are also investigated. Classroom management and discipline and how teachers establish positive control of the learning environment are particular concerns. Prerequisite: admission to Student Teaching. Corequisite: EDUC 458, EDUC 478, or EDUC 498.

EDUC 498 Student Teaching in HS (12 Credit Hours)

Supervised student teaching in the secondary school for a period of 70 instructional days and 525 clinical hours. Students will work closely with a classroom teacher, a college supervisor, and the school principal in a team approach to apply knowledge and skills acquired in their class work. Prerequisite: passing score on specific PRAXIS II Content Area and PLT Tests. See Requirements for Admission to Student Teaching. Additional fees will apply. Corequisite: EDUC 488.

The Final Block is offered during fall and spring semesters.

III – Teaching Field: Health & Physical Education

WELL 131 First Aid and Safety Education (3 Credit Hours)

Designed to aid the student in developing an understanding of the basic principles of accident prevention as applicable to the home, the highway, and the school. First aid measures for various injuries and illnesses are discussed and practiced.

WELL 178 Life Choices (3 Credit Hours)

The study of health-related factors enabling intelligent decisions as they relate to the physical, mental, and social health of self, family, and community.

WELL 275 Foundations of Health Science (3 Credit Hours)

This course involves a study of the history, foundational disciplines, and principles that led to the establishment of health education. The role of health education in the present health care system is also studied.

WELL 311 Health Education - K-12 (3 Credit Hours)

The study of pedagogy and implementation of health-related concepts in the K-12 classroom.

WELL 340 Anatomy & Physiology (3 Credit Hours)

This course will examine the organization, structure, and function of the human body with a focus on health and physical activity. Students will explore each body system and understand how they coordinate to maintain homeostasis.

WELL 350 Administration of Public Health (3 Credit Hours)

WELL 361 Principles of Nutrition (3 Credit Hours)

This course presents the scientific principles of human nutrition. Emphasis will be placed on the health of the individual as related to food and its assimilation in the human body. Nutrient recommendations for growth and maintenance will be examined in both the average and athletic populations.

PHED 340 Motor Development (3 Credit Hours)

An examination of an individual’s motor development across the lifespan. Particular emphasis will be placed on the effect physical activity has on growth and development.

PHED 351 Tests and Measurement in Health & Physical Education (3 Credit Hours)

Evaluating health and physical education by the construction and administration of tests. Emphasizes reliability, objectivity, and validity of tests and grading systems. Students will be required to organize, administer a test, and evaluate and report the results. Prerequisite: students must have junior or senior standing.

PHED 420 Physical Education: Exceptional Child (3 Credit Hours)

This course will examine historical and legislative developments of physical education for people with disabilities. Emphasis will be placed on current concepts and trends in adapted physical education as well as the ability to plan and implement a physical education program that meets the unique needs of individuals.

PHED 421 Kinesiology ($25 consumable items fee required) (3 Credit Hours)

This course is designed to introduce the structures of human anatomy and explain how these structures are involved in human movement. A practical application of these principles will involve hands-on experiences performed on yourself or a partner to enhance the learning of human anatomy. Prerequisite: BIOL 330 or WELL 340, or permission from instructor. Fee: $25 consumable items fee required.

Requirements for Admission to Student Teaching

Students requesting admission to student teaching must meet all eligibility requirements (full listing obtained from the department), must be approved by the Director of Student Teaching, and presented to the Teacher Education Committee.

Requirements for student teaching are:

• Admittance to the Teacher Education Program.
• Completed application for student teaching by midterm of the semester immediately preceding the term in which student teaching will occur.
• Senior standing with at least 96 semester hours of credit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 at Union Commonwealth University (Union Commonwealth University coursework only), and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, including all Union Commonwealth University coursework and all accepted transfer work, if applicable. In addition, a minimum GPA of 2.75 in each subsection (pre-professional, professional, emphasis area, teaching fields) of the appropriate education curriculum plan.
• All coursework successfully completed in each subsection (pre-professional and professional) of the appropriate education curriculum plan, and no more than 6 hours of content coursework remaining. The appropriate Methods and Materials course (EDUC 388, Literacy in the Elementary School; EDUC 437, Methods & Materials in Middle School; and EDUC 447, Methods & Materials Secondary School) must also be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
• Moral, social, and ethical behavior that meets requirements of the College and the EPSB, and a signed Kentucky Teachers’ Code of Ethics statement to support such behavior.
• Submission of a current medical examination (within the preceding 12 months) and a current tuberculosis test (within the preceding 12 months).
• Submission of a current criminal record check (within the preceding 12 months) and documentation of tort liability insurance coverage or waiver (some school systems require criminal record checks for the preceding 6 months).
• Completion of institution prerequisites for time in residence and pre-student teaching field experiences (minimum of 200 hours of field-based observation and participation).
• Submission of institution prerequisites for time in residence and pre-student teaching field experiences (minimum of 200 hours of field-based observation and participation).
• Students cannot schedule any activities, including employment, during the time (7:30 AM – 3:30 PM) of student teaching.
• Submission of a preliminary student teaching agreement (contract) with all necessary signatures.