Graduate Catalog 2023-2024
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Certification Only, Teacher Education (132)

Department website: http://www.wku.edu/ste/


Program Coordinator

Janet L. Tassell, janet.tassell@wku.edu, (270) 745-5306

Program Contact
Rachael Lee, rachael.lee@wku.edu, (270) 745-2819

Certification Only, Teacher Education is a non-degree seeking program for students seeking additional teacher certification in the following concentrations (concentration codes shown in parentheses below):

Elementary Mathematics Specialist P-5, Endorsement (KEM)

The Elementary Mathematics Specialist P-5 Endorsement is designed to give professionals both a deep and practical knowledge of the content and pedagogy of elementary mathematics and skills for working with other professionals to develop their mathematical knowledge for teaching in P-5 settings.

Environmental Education P-12, Endorsement (KEV)

Based on the National Standards of the North American Association for Environmental Education, this graduate endorsement program provides students with a knowledge of the fundamental characteristics and goals of the field of environmental education, knowledge of environmental processes and systems, and knowledge and skills of appropriate instructional strategies and assessment techniques associated with the delivery of high quality environmental education programs. This graduate endorsement program will enhance the abilities of teachers in integrating environmental education into their teaching, as well as into the curriculum of their school and school district.  It is comprised of 12 graduate hours that can be incorporated into Rank I and Rank II programs. It involves two required courses and a variety of electives.

Gifted and Talented Education P-12, Endorsement (KE37)

The endorsement for Gifted and Talented Education requires four courses: GTE 536GTE 537PSY 432G, and GTE 538. All of these except GTE 538 are offered online. Students may pursue the GTE endorsement as a stand-alone endorsement program or as part of a master's, Planned Fifth-Year/Rank II, or Planned Sixth Year/Rank I program.

Instructional Computer Technology P-12, Endorsement (KCT)

The Instructional Computer Technology Endorsement P-12 for teachers will be included in the Master of Science in Libraries, Informatics, and Technology in Education program. This endorsement may also be completed as an emphasis in another master’s degree in Education; as an emphasis in a planned fifth-year (Rank II) or planned sixth-year (Rank I) program; or as a certification-only program.

Learning and Behavioral Disorders, Certification-Only (KLBD)

This certification program is designed to give special education professionals both a deep and practical knowledge of the content and pedagogy to teach students with Learning and Behavior Disorders (LBD) in P-12 settings. Candidates are expected to become competent in theory, research, and application of best teaching practices related to exceptional students with mild to moderate disabilities and exhibit appropriate teacher dispositions and behaviors as indicated by the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Teacher Disposition Rating Form.

Library Media Education, Certification-Only (KLM)

The Library Media Education, Certification-Only program is designed to give professionals both a deep and practical knowledge of school libraries in P-12 settings.  Candidates are expected to become competent in theory, research, and application of best practices related to school libraries.

Moderate and Severe Disabilities, Certification-Only (KMS)

This certification program is designed to give special education professionals both a deep and practical knowledge of the content and pedagogy to teach students with Moderate and Severe Disabilities (MSD) in P-12 settings.  Within the MSD certification program in Special Education, candidates are expected to become competent in theory, research, and application of best teaching practices related to exceptional students with Moderate and Severe Disabilities and exhibit appropriate teacher dispositions and behaviors as indicated by the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Teacher Disposition Rating Form.

Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), Endorsement (KE36)

Persons who have certification to teach in the elementary, middle, or secondary grades can add on to that certification an endorsement in teaching English as a Second Language by completing the coursework and the ESL Praxis test with a minimum score of 157.  An overall GPA of 3.0 and grade of “B” or better must be earned in the required core classes.

Teacher Leader, Endorsement (KTLE)

The Teacher Leader Endorsement is designed to develop Teacher Leaders who can positively impact student learning in their classrooms and schools. This endorsement is comprised of 16 hours of coursework that can count toward a master’s degree, Rank II or Rank I certification, or other graduate program.

Concentration(s)

  • Elementary Math Specialist P-5 (KEM)
  • Environmental Education (KEV)
  • Gifted Education Endorsement (KE37)
  • Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (KIE)
  • Kentucky Computer Technology (KCT)
  • Learning and Behavior Disorders (KLBD)
  • Library Media Education (KLM)
  • Moderate to Severe Disabilities (KMS)
  • Teacher Leader Endorsement (KTLE)
  • Teaching English as a Second Language Endorsement (KE36)

Program Admission

Admission to the Certification Only, Teacher Education program is specific to the concentration selected (concentration codes shown in parentheses below).  

Elementary Mathematics Specialist P-5, Endorsement (KEM)

Applicants for the endorsement for Elementary Mathematics Specialist must have or be eligible for a teaching certificate for Elementary Education, Grades P-5.  Applicants who wish to count the endorsement hours toward a master's degree or other graduate program must meet the eligibility requirements of that program.

Environmental Education P-12, Endorsement (KEV)

Applicants for the Environmental Education endorsement must have or be eligible for a teaching certificate at the elementary level (IECE Birth to Primary or Elementary P-5), middle grades level (Grades 5-9),  or secondary level (Grades 8-12, Grades 5-12, or Grades P-12). Students certified or eligible for certification in Special Education P-12 are also eligible for admission to the Environmental Education endorsement.

Gifted and Talented Education P-12, Endorsement (KE37)

Applicants for the Gifted and Talented Education endorsement must have or be eligible for a teaching certificate at the elementary level (IECE Birth to Primary or Elementary P-5), middle grades level (Grades 5-9), or secondary level (Grades 8-12, Grades 5-12, or Grades P-12). Students certified or eligible for certification in Special Education P-12 are also eligible for admission to the Gifted and Talented Education endorsement.

Instructional Computer Technology P-12, Endorsement (KCT)

Applicants for the Instructional Computer Technology endorsement must hold a teaching certificate in any area of teaching. 

Learning and Behavioral Disorders, Certification-Only (KLBD)

Applicants for the LBD Certification Program must hold a current Master's degree with three years teaching  and a current teaching certificate. Applicants who wish to count the certification hours toward an additional master’s degree or other graduate program must meet the eligibility requirements of that program. Note that students who do not meet the prerequisites of the core required courses will be required to complete the prerequisites of the core required courses as deficiencies.

Kentucky applicants whose certificates have expired may be admitted, but they may enroll in no more than six hours before they apply to the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) for reissue of a Kentucky certificate. After the completion of six hours, a student admitted with an expired certificate must submit a copy of the re-issued certificate before being allowed to register for any additional courses. Applicants from out-of-state with expired certificates must complete the requirements for their respective states to renew their certificates and submit a copy of a current certificate.

Library Media Education, Certification-Only (KLM)

  • ALA accredited Master's degree in Library Science; OR
  • Master's degree and current teaching certificate in any area

Moderate and Severe Disabilities, Certification-Only (KMS)

Applicants for the MSD Certification Program must hold a current Exceptional Education: Learning and Behavior Disabilities (LBD) teaching certificate with three years teaching in the field OR a Masters in LBD or related field and a current teaching certificate. Applicants who wish to count the certification hours toward a master’s degree or other graduate program must meet the eligibility requirements of that program.

Kentucky applicants whose certificates have expired may be admitted, but they may enroll in no more than six hours before they apply to the EPSB for reissue of a Kentucky certificate. After the completion of six hours, a student admitted with an expired certificate must submit a copy of the reissued certificate before being allowed to register for any additional courses. Applicants from out-of-state with expired certificates must complete the requirements for their respective states to renew their certificates and submit a copy of a current certificate.

Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), Endorsement (KE36)

Applicants for the Teaching English as a Second Language endorsement must have or be eligible for a teaching certificate at the elementary level (IECE Birth to Primary or Elementary P-5), middle grades level (Grades 5-9), or secondary level (Grades 8-12, Grades 5-12, or Grades P-12). Students certified or eligible for certification in Special Education P-12 are also eligible for admission to the Teaching English as a Second Language endorsement.

Teacher Leader, Endorsement (KTLE)

If counting the endorsement hours toward a master’s degree or other graduate program, the applicant must meet the eligibility requirements of that program.

Graduate School Admission

Please refer to the admission section of this catalog for Graduate School admission requirements.

Program Requirements (12-22 hours)

Requirements for the Certification Only, Teacher Education program are specific to the concentration selected (concentration codes shown in parentheses below).  

Elementary Mathematics Specialist P-5, Endorsement (KEM)

Students may include the endorsement course work within the Specialization component of the MAE and Planned 5th year programs in Elementary Education-Teacher Leader. In addition, students in the Planned 6th-year/Rank I program in Elementary Education may also elect to incorporate this endorsement within their programs. The endorsement can be incorporated in the Ed.S. in Elementary Education as well. This graduate endorsement program requires 15 hours that may be incorporated into the Elementary Education MAE program or other graduate programs for elementary teachers.

Required Courses
ELED 571Leadership, Math and Technology Education3
ELED 572Math and Technology Methods for Diverse Learners3
ELED 573Math and Technology Assessment3
Select 6 hours from the following:6
Problem Solving for Elementary and Middle School Teachers 1
Number Systems for Elementary and Middle Grades Teachers 2
Rational Number Concepts for Elementary and Middle Grades Teachers 2
Total Hours15
1

Required unless MATH 411 was taken as an undergraduate.

2

Required for students who completed MATH 411 as an undergraduate.

Environmental Education P-12, Endorsement (KEV)

Required Courses
ENVE 520Introduction to Environmental Education3
ENVE 580Instructional Strategies in Environmental Education3
Electives
Select 6 hours from the following:6
Special Topics in Environmental Education 1
Educational Assessment for P-12 Learners
Geographic Concepts and Skills for Teachers
Environmental Education Resources
Environmental Interpretation
GEOS 511
Other courses may be chosen by the advisor and the environmental education endorsement coordinator
Total Hours12
1

Repeatable up to 6 hours.

Gifted and Talented Education P-12, Endorsement (KE37)

Required Courses
GTE 536Nature and Needs of Gifted, Creative, and Talented Students3
GTE 537Curriculum, Strategies, and Materials for Gifted Students3
PSY 432GPsychology of the Gifted and Creative3
GTE 538Practicum for Teachers of Gifted Students3
Total Hours12

Instructional Computer Technology P-12, Endorsement (KCT)

Required Courses
LITE 535Survey of Educational Technology Practices3
LITE 537Principles of Educational Technology Applications3
LITE 508Informatics in Education3
Select 3 hours from the following:3
Educational Technology Production
Integration of Educational Technology
Emerging Technology in Education
Educational Technology Leadership
Total Hours12

Learning and Behavioral Disorders, Certification-Only (KLBD)

Required Courses
SPED 517Transition Services and Programs for Individuals with Disabilities3
SPED 533Seminar: Curriculum for Learning and Behavior Disorders3
SPED 595Advanced Preparation Capstone for Special Education3
EDU 522Foundations of Differentiated Instruction3
SPED 532Families, Professionals and Exceptionalities3
or LTCY 523 Assessment and Intervention of Reading and Writing
or ID 560 Instructional Design Foundations
or LITE 535 Survey of Educational Technology Practices
Total Hours15

Library Media Education, Certification-Only (KLM)

Required Courses
LITE 501Program Organization3
LITE 506Organization of Information3
LITE 508Informatics in Education3
LITE 512Issues in Libraries, Informatics, and Technology in Education3
LITE 518Advanced Children's Literature and Collections3
LITE 527Advanced Young Adult Literature and Collections3
LITE 535Survey of Educational Technology Practices3
LITE 537Principles of Educational Technology Applications3
LITE 590Practicum in Libraries, Informatics, and Technology in Education1-3
Total Hours25-27

Moderate and Severe Disabilities, Certification-Only (KMS)

Required Courses
SPED 517Transition Services and Programs for Individuals with Disabilities3
SPED 535Curriculum for Individuals with Moderate and Severe Disabilities3
SPED 595Advanced Preparation Capstone for Special Education3
Electives
Select 6 hours with advisor approval6
Research in Exceptional Child Education
Social Skills Instruction & Behavioral Programming for Students with Disabilities
Assistive Technological and Communication Interventions for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Foundations of Differentiated Instruction
Assessment and Intervention of Reading and Writing
Instructional Design Foundations
Survey of Educational Technology Practices
Total Hours15

Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), Endorsement (KE36)

Required Courses
ENG 407GLinguistic Analysis3
ENG 408GPsycholinguistics and Sociolinguistics3
ENG 565Integrated Teaching English as a Second Language3
ENG 566Teaching and Testing ESL Grammar3
ENG 471GTESL Practicum4
6 hours of one foreign language or fulfillment of the language requirements of the WKU Colonnade Program 0-6
Total Hours16-22

Teacher Leader, Endorsement (KTLE)

Required Courses
TCHL 500Foundations of Teacher Leadership3
TCHL 530Curriculum Development3
TCHL 545Classroom Instruction Strategies 10-3
TCHL 555School and Classroom Assessment 10-3
TCHL 559Capstone Project Design for Teacher Leadership1
TCHL 560Capstone Project for Teacher Leadership3
Total Hours10-16
1

All students must complete TCHL 545 and TCHL 555 or pass proficiency evaluations for these courses.

While enrolled in TCHL 500, students will use several documents, including KTIP assessments or in-kind examples, dispositions self-surveys, referrals from school personnel, and their respective School Improvement Plan, to develop with endorsement advisors an individualized program of study related to Kentucky Teacher Standards, Framework for Teaching Components, and professional goals. Students are expected to enroll in TCHL 500 at the beginning of the endorsement and in TCHL 560 toward the end. Students should consult with their advisors regarding the optimal sequence of course work to meet their professional goals. Students must successfully complete TCHL 560 (course grade of "C" or higher) and present research results in an approved venue. Students must achieve a minimum 3.0 GPA overall and in endorsement course work.