Laura Saylor, PhD., Dean, School of Education

The programs offered in the Department of Graduate Education prepare individuals for initial entry into the teaching profession and for further growth in the field of education. The programs provide learning environments in which pre-service and in-service teacher candidates can acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes, dispositions, and values required to meet the needs of students in a dynamic and diverse society.

Only government entities have the legitimacy to grant a teaching certificate (license, qualification, endorsement) directly. In Ohio, only the Ohio Department of Education grants licensure for teaching and endorsements. Every state reviews its own certification applications, according to its own requirements and Mount St. Joseph cannot guarantee a candidate teaching certification or endorsements in other states.

Mount St. Joseph University School of Education’s initial licensure programs are state-approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and have national certification by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Mount St. Joseph University, as an institution, is accredited regionally by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). As such, candidates who successfully complete our program are qualified to apply for an initial teaching license from Ohio, provided they meet the applicable requirements of the state board of education. Additionally, through reciprocity agreements, they may be eligible to obtain initial teaching certification or licensure from most other states, provided they meet the applicable licensing requirements of those states.

For clarity’s sake: In the United States, whoever desires a teaching credential (license, certificate, qualification) must first successfully complete an approved teacher preparation program in a given state, then apply directly to that state’s department of education and meet all its requirements (normally including examinations), in order to be awarded the legitimate, recognized teaching credential.

Starting in September 2013, 100% of Mount St. Joseph’s School of Education completers have passed the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) examinations.

School of Education Vision Statement

The School of Education through innovative programs that are rooted in quality and rigorous research, will:

  • Nurture educators who are knowledgeable, collaborative, ethical, and committed to diverse and inclusive practices
  • Prepare educators to make an impact on P-12 student learning and improve the schools in which they will serve.

School of Education Mission Statement

The School of Education, aligned with the mission of Mount St. Joseph University, prepares highly qualified, collaborative, caring and reflective educators who uphold the tradition of social responsibility, academic excellence, and ethical leadership.

Core Values of the School

  • We promote critical thinking and reflective practices
  • We utilize the research in both education and cognitive science in preparing teachers and in supporting their advancement
  • We teach students to have respect for themselves and others
  • We encourage students to participate in professional development and scholarship
  • We value and model ethical conduct
  • We advance our collective and individual roles in understanding the importance of diversity, equity and inclusive practices

Candidate Competencies

Based on the department mission and core values, the School of Education claims that its graduates meet the following standards which are derived from the Ohio Standards for the Teaching Profession and CAEP principles.

  1. Content knowledge - The candidate articulates accurate subject matter and applies that knowledge in planning and presenting lessons aligned with content standards.
  2. Learner characteristics - The candidate incorporates knowledge of how students learn and how diverse experiences affect learning when planning and presenting lessons aligned with content standards.
  3. Instructional strategies - The candidate applies a variety of scientifically-based, data-driven instructional strategies based on learning goals, assesses student's progress toward these goals, and differentiates instruction based on student needs and assessment results.
  4. Learning environment - The candidate creates and manages a learning environment that encourages active, engaged learning and respect for others.
  5. Professional responsibilities - The candidate engages in reflective practice, promotes collaboration among peers, families and communities, and takes on opportunities for professional development.