Education - General Program Information

The challenge of education is to be a master of subject matter and an expert in the learning process. The teacher education program at Buena Vista University offers the professional courses required for a teaching license in elementary education and various secondary education disciplines. Endorsements in areas such as special education, teaching English as a second language, reading, and coaching, as well as others, are also offered. All programs are approved by the Iowa Department of Education and are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Teacher Education Guiding Framework:

In keeping with the Buena Vista University mission of developing students for lifelong success through innovative and imaginative academic and professional preparation, the Teacher Education Program prepares students to enter the teaching profession equipped with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that develop effective teachers. As a performance-based program, emphasis is on a theory to practice orientation in coursework and field experiences. The curriculum of the Teacher Education Program is designed to conform to the standards of InTASC (Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium), the Iowa Department of Education, and various professional associations in education. A theme embedded within the program is “teacher as reflective practitioner.” This requires students to develop and reflect in three areas: as learner, as instructor, and as professional.

General Program Information:

1. Teacher education students returning to Buena Vista University after an absence of two or more years must follow the program/catalog that is in effect at the time of their return.
2. Canvas and SLL will be used to complete key assignments for education courses.
3. Students within the Teacher Education Program will be required to complete background checks at two points during their program. Background checks will be completed through BVU’s Human Resources department. Prior to beginning the student’s first field experience, students must complete a background check at the student’s expense. A second background check must be completed prior to student teaching and is free of charge to the student.
4. Upon registration for their first field experience, students will incur a SOE Portfolio Assessment Fee. This fee covers the first field experience background check, student account within the Via assessment program, and for Educator Disposition Assessments throughout the program.
5. Teacher Education Program requires students seeking licensure pass all required education, content courses, and student teaching with a C- or better. This includes courses required for initial licensure education majors, secondary certification, and endorsements. It also includes courses in the major, content area, and all endorsement coursework. Pass/Fail grade option is not allowed for the previously listed courses. Courses taken for general education Liberal Arts Core and support work are excluded.
6. Students who request student teaching placements beyond a 60 mile radius from a BVU location will incur an out of area student teaching fee.
   1. Placements more than 60 miles from site - $125 per placement
   2. Placements more than 100 miles from site - $250 per placement
   3. Placements more than 200 miles from a site - $500 per placement
7. Additional endorsements in content areas may be available for your program. Speak to your advisor or the licensure certification officer for details.
8. Recommendation for Iowa licensure upon program completion will be subject to requirements in effect at the time of recommendation. Any changes to the Teacher Education Program that Buena Vista University has on file with the Iowa Department of Education or to the licensure requirements from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners must be met. Failure to meet program completion requirements in a timely manner may, at minimum, require retaking or additional courses and/or field experiences.