School of Education

Laura Saylor, PhD., Dean, School of Education

Department of Undergraduate Education, Licensure Programs

The programs offered in the Department of Undergraduate Education prepare individuals for initial entry into the teaching profession. The programs provide learning environments in which pre-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) directly. In Ohio, only the Ohio State Board of Education grants licensure for teaching. Every state reviews its own certification applications, according to its own requirements and Mount St. Joseph cannot guarantee a candidate teaching certification 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 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.

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

Undergraduate Student Handbook

The Department of Undergraduate Education Student Handbook is a publication that outlines specific and detailed information that all education majors and licensure candidates are responsible for knowing. The department's Student Handbook is updated each year.

Admission to the Teacher Education Programs

Admission to the University does not guarantee admission to the teacher education programs. Candidates must be officially admitted to the licensure program in the Undergraduate Department. Refer to the Student Handbook for details on the admission process and requirements.

Most students apply for admission to the teacher education programs during their sophomore year. Application packets are available in the School of Education (CL 217) and online. It is important to complete the admission process in a timely manner. Since many of the required courses within the major require program admission, gaining official program admission will ensure that you are able to move along and make progress in your program without interruption or delay.

State Licensure Requirements

Whenever changes in Ohio Standards for the Teaching Profession and Licensure are recommended by the State Board of Education and the Ohio Department of Higher Education and passed into law by the Ohio State Legislature, requirements will necessarily be altered to comply with current standards and regulations. The programs listed in this catalog meet the most current Ohio State Board of Education standards, at the time of publication. Students should work closely with their Undergraduate Education Department advisor to stay abreast of current requirements.

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

Mount St. 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 teaching certification or licensure from most other states, provided they meet the applicable licensing requirements of those states.

The majors available at the Mount that offer licensure are:

Middle Childhood Education
Secondary Education (Adolescent to Young Adult Education) in Math or Science (working with students in grades 7-12)
Special Education (K-12) and Primary (P-5) Major Dual License

These licensure programs are also available:

Secondary Education (Adolescent to Young Adult Education) in Social Studies or English (working with students in grades 7-12)
Multi-age Education K-12 (working with students in grades K-12 in art or music)

Student Teaching Requirements

Student Teaching is a major component in every licensure program. To be eligible for student teaching, the candidate must:

1. Earn a grade of "C" or higher in all courses required for licensure and a grade of "B" or higher for methods courses.
2. Courses offered through the Department of Undergraduate Education must be successfully completed at the university with no more than two graded attempts.
3. Apply by the posted deadline.
4. Maintain a 2.8 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
5. Verify AED/CPR, First Aid, and SafeParish (for Catholic placements) certifications.
6. Complete all required field clinical experience hours.
7. Obtain advisor's and clinical placement director’s approval.
8. Meet finger-printing/background check requirements.
9. Obtain and hold a Pre-Service Teacher Permit from the State Board of Education.
10. Follow the School of Education’s Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Testing Policy approved in August 2022. Copies of the current OAE Testing Policy can be found in the School of Education offices. It is the student’s responsibility to read, understand, and follow this policy, and adhere to the testing schedule for their particular program. Check the Ohio State Board of Education web site for current information on required tests and qualifying scores.
11. Meet Professional Performance Standards as defined by the School of Education in the following areas: rapport, reliability, and responsibility.