McMurry University: Education Department

Dr. Perry Kay Haley-Brown, Professor of Curriculum & Instruction, Dean
Dr. Marla K. Banks, Professor of Curriculum & Instruction
Dr. Terry Northup, Professor of Curriculum & Instruction,
Kathy Hall, Instructor of Curriculum & Instruction
James Shelton, Instructor of Curriculum & Instruction
Lynn Nichols, Instructor of Curriculum & Instruction
Denise Hawkins, Instructor of Curriculum & Instruction

A liberal education combined with adequate professional and specialized study constitutes the best preparation for a successful teaching career. The department of Curriculum and Instruction at McMurry University offers the Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies degree to qualify students for the Texas Teaching Certificate. The Certificate gives the holder legal authority to perform teaching duties in the public schools of Texas at the grade level and in the academic specialization(s) designated on the face of the certificate.

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction, with the advisement of the Teacher Education Committee, is responsible for establishing policy and providing leadership for the teacher education program. Because of the multi-disciplinary nature of teacher education, several departments of the University are represented on the Teacher Education Committee. The administration of McMurry University strives to promote a close, cooperative relationship between the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and the other academic departments of the University. See requirements for Multidisciplinary Studies I, Multidisciplinary Studies II, Multidisciplinary Studies III.

The teacher education program at McMurry is accredited by the State Board for Educator Certification. The development and maintenance of a quality program in teacher education is a high priority of both the University and the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. McMurry takes pride in its ability to offer a personalized teacher education program which ensures that each of its graduates will be well prepared to enter the teaching profession.

Note to Students

To qualify for a teaching certificate, students must meet the requirements of both McMurry University and the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). There are several important steps which students must follow to insure that these dual requirements are satisfied. These steps include:

Achieve a score of 220 or higher on the math portion, 240 or higher on the writing section, and 250 or higher on the reading section of the Texas Academic Skills Program Tests, a test of basic skills. Students interested in teaching should take this test as soon as possible, even in the freshman year.
Apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program while enrolled in CI 2310. Admission requirements are outlined on the Admission to Teacher Education Program page.
File a degree plan in the Registrar's Office during your sophomore year.
Apply for admission to student teaching. Admission requirements are outlined on the Admission to Student Teaching page.
In order to be approved for the certificate, students will be required to achieve a satisfactory score on the TExES examinations prescribed by SBEC. Content of the test will generally cover areas of professional education and the individual's teaching field(s) or areas of specialization.
File an application for certification with the Certification Officer in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction prior to graduation.

Important details on each of these steps are outlined on subsequent pages. Students are urged to read the catalog carefully and consult closely with their advisors in planning their programs of study.