Bachelor of ArtsEducation

The faculty in the School of Education believe that learning to be an effective teacher happens through an exploration of both theory and practice. Therefore, teacher candidates begin observation and field work in the first semester of their freshman year and continue this every semester of their four years. On average, Bellarmine students obtain 30 hours of field work experience each semester. In the fall semester of senior year, candidates complete a semester-long student teaching experience. This intensive professional semester enables candidates to refine the teaching skills that will prepare them for a rewarding career.

The School of Education uses a variety of materials and technology in the everyday classroom. Students get hands-on experience with technology used in public schools, standardized and diagnostic tests, and real-life examples of techniques and materials used in classrooms. Classrooms are equipped with smart board technology and tablets, which allows students to be more interactive with information from the internet, classroom presentations and teaching materials.

The philosophy of the continuous assessment plan of the School of Education is that the professional educator engages in a continuous, lifelong professional development process based on authentic reflection. A continuous assessment is conducted by the candidate, the teacher education faculty and relevant practitioners (cooperating teachers) during the certification process.

The School of Education’s continuous assessment plan is based on three transition points:

1. Admission to Teacher Education Program
2. Application for the Professional Semester
3. Exit/Teacher Certification
   

Graduates of the Education program find employment in elementary, middle and secondary education in both public and private schools. Bellarmine teachers are always in high demand.

Kappa Delta Pi is the international honor society for Education students. Our chapter, Alpha Gamma Epsilon, offers members leadership, service and scholarship opportunities throughout their teaching careers.

Here is a quick snapshot of a few of our faculty members. Read profiles of all of our distinguished faculty.

Winn Crenshaw Wheeler, Ph.D.
Winn Crenshaw Wheeler, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Literacy. She received her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Literacy and Instructional Coaching from the University of Louisville. Dr. Wheeler holds a Master of Education in Elementary Education as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and History from Elon University. Additionally, she is a National Board Certified Teacher (Middle Childhood Generalist). Prior to her work at Bellarmine, Dr. Wheeler worked in public education for twenty years where she served as a classroom teacher and literacy coach. Her research interests include adolescent literacy, fluency development, writing assessment and instruction, professional collaboration, instructional coaching and curriculum design. At Bellarmine, Dr. Wheeler teaches courses in literacy at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

All initial and advanced-level teacher education programs at Bellarmine University's Annsley Frazier Thornton School of Education are recognized by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board and are fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

Click to view CAEP Annual Reporting Measures