Education

http://www.creighton.edu/ccas/education/

Department and Program Leadership

Chair: Jean L. Hearn, EdD
Associate Chair/Accreditation Coordinator: Ronald D. Fussell, EdD
Director of Secondary Education: Max T. Engel, PhD
Director of Elementary Education: Carin Appleget, PhD
Director of Counselor Education:  Jan Powers, PhD
Director of Educational Leadership: Ann T. Mausbach, PhD
Director of Catholic School Leadership: Ronald D. Fussell, EdD
Coordinator of Early Childhood Education: Carin Appleget, PhD
Department Office: Eppley, Room 450
 

Mission

Faculty and staff in the Education Department empower teachers, administrators, and counselors to transform the lives of their students by preparing graduates to be compassionate and effective leaders in the Jesuit tradition.

Vision

In the Jesuit tradition, we graduate women and men who build a better world by living and leading according to these charisms:

  • Reflective practice (contemplation in action),
  • Care for others (cura personalis),
  • Promotion of service, justice, and inclusive community (men and women for and with others),
  • Sharing gifts for the greater good and the greater glory of God (magis, ad majorem Dei gloriam).

 

Marks of Distinction

Faculty and staff in the Department of Education will be known for:

  • Placing the Jesuit charisms and Ignatian pedagogy at the center of all coursework.
  • Emphasizing social justice so that our graduates are formed to lead in highly diverse schools.
  • Providing specialized preparation so that our graduates are ready to serve students with diverse needs and backgrounds in P-12 schools.
  • Providing specialized preparation for those who wish to serve in Catholic schools.

Programs

The Education Department offers an undergraduate program in Elementary Education (major).  Additional programs are offered through the Graduate School.  Specific programs may have additional requirements.

Student Field Experience and Professional Background Requirements

Many of our courses include field experiences at an elementary or secondary school, and students must arrange their own transportation to complete these field experiences. Prior to admission and field experiences, the student must sign and have notarized an affidavit assuring that a) the student does not have a felony or misdemeanor conviction involving abuse, neglect, or sexual misconduct and b) the student possesses the mental capacity to fulfill the duties of a professional educator who will be responsible for students. After submitting the professional affidavit, any new convictions or changes in ability to fulfill the duties of a professional educator must be reported to the Director of Field Placement as soon as possible. Prior to the first field experience and again prior to student teaching, the student must pass a background check as specified by our Department.

The Department of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the State of Nebraska.

Majors in Education

Specific Requirements for Admission to Education Programs

Students will be allowed to register for 300 level and above courses only after receiving formal admission to the Education Department. In order to be considered for admission, students must obtain a minimum GPA of 2.5, achieve acceptable scores on the Praxis Core Test, receive acceptable grades in EDU 170 Diversity and Justice in Education and EDU 211 Exploring Child and Adolescent Development, and complete department application procedures, including a satisfactory background check through the Education Department. In addition, an interview may be requested by the Selection and Retention Committee.

Elementary Education (AAS to BS)

Students who have successfully earned the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Early Childhood Education at Metropolitan Community College may be eligible to earn the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in elementary education at Creighton University.

Accelerated Masters Program

Minor in Education

The Education Minor offers students the opportunity to explore education and the vocation of teaching while also attaining a major in another academic area or college. Numerous courses within the EDU minor also fulfill Magis Core requirements and this minor pairs well with any degree offered in CCAS, HCB, or SON. Nine of the eighteen credits can be put directly towards a Master's Degree in Education if the student applies for the Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Degree program in Education.

Students must meet with the Secondary Education Director to formalize intent to pursue the EDU minor. This meeting should happen early in a student's pursuit of the minor but must occur prior to the student enrolling in any of the 500-level courses.

Education minor requirements (18 credits)

Choose one of the following:3
Diversity and Justice in Education
Understanding Educational Assessment and Statistical Reasoning
Choose one of the following:3
Integration of Art, Music, and PE
Literature for Children
Choose one of the following: 3
Social Welfare Needs of Vulnerable Populations:Exploring Helping Role from Social Work Perspective
Family Dynamics
Grief, Loss & Bereavement
Addictions: Substances, Processes and People
Trauma Care for the Whole Person
Understanding Educational Assessment and Statistical Reasoning (Only if not taken as an intro course)
Each of the following are required:
EDU 510Growth And Development3
or PSY 510 Growth and Development
EDU 595Restorative Justice in the Eyes of our Youth3
EDU 525Inclusion and Differentiation in the Elementary Classroom3
Total Credits18

In addition to completing all requirements of the chosen programs in the Education Department, students must consult with the Education Department and with the appropriate agency in the state in which they intend to teach in order to learn about all of the requirements for teacher certification.

Faculty

Professors: Timothy J. Cook, Debra L. Ponec, Thomas Simonds S.J.

Professor Emeritus: Charles Timothy Dickel, Lynne E. Houtz, Sharon Ishii-Jordan

Associate Professors: Carin L. Appleget, Beverly A. Doyle, Max T. Engel, Ronald D. Fussell, Jean Hearn, Ann T. Mausbach

Associate Professor Emeritus: Lynn O. Olson

Assistant Professor Emeritus: W. Patrick Durow

Resident Assistant Professor: Gerald C. Igboanusi