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		Division of Education and Speech Language Pathology Gary Hall 206 \| Chickasha, Oklahoma \| 73018 \| 405-574-1328 405-574-1220 fax
		Dr. Vicki L. Ferguson, Chair
		Teacher Education
Faculty Degree and Certification Programs Early Childhood (B.S.) Education of the Deaf (B.S.) Elementary Education (B.S.) Speech-Language Pathology (B.S.) K-12 and Secondary Certification Programs Art Business Language Arts Mathematics Music (Vocal & Instrumental) Physical Education Science Social Studies		The Division of Education and Speech Language Pathology plays a major role in the general administration and coordination of the Teacher Education Program. The primary objective of this program is to assist prospective teachers in developing the competencies required for obtaining Oklahoma teacher certification and becoming effective classroom teachers. Courses are designed to meet the certification requirements and standards of the Oklahoma State Department of Education, The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), , and the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation (OCTP). The program is both state and nationally accredited. The Division offers three education degree programs that allow students to obtain an Oklahoma teaching certificate in early childhood education, elementary education, or education of the deaf. The division also operates and manages the Gary Hall Multimedia Laboratory, the USAO Child Development Center, and the John Morris Speech and Language Clinic. Teacher certification programs are also offered through the other three divisions on campus in the areas of: art, business, physical education, English, math, music, science, and social studies. Students seeking a teaching certificate in one of these areas should consult with the education advisor for that program. All requirements for teacher certification programs are *subject to change* if new requirements are established by the Oklahoma State Board of Education, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, or the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation.
		Shortage Areas in Oklahoma Schools
		There is an increasing demand for special educators and related service providers in Oklahoma and across the nation. The Division offers an undergraduate degree in two of these shortage areas: Speech-Language Pathology and Deaf Education. The U.S. Department of Labor indicates that employment of speech-language pathologists is expected to grow much faster than average.
		Career Potential in Shortage Areas
		Speech-language pathologists are employed in a wide variety of settings including public schools, clinics, hospitals, industry and business, private practice, government agencies, and universities. They diagnose and treat people with communication disorders caused by related conditions such as cleft palate, stroke. stuttering, autism, speech and language delay, and numerous other disorders. Deaf educators teach the deaf and hearing-impaired population in the public schools. Employment in schools will increase along with growth in elementary and secondary school enrollments, including enrollment of special education students. Federal law guarantees special education and related services to all eligible children with disabilities, including the hearing impaired. Greater awareness of the importance of early identification and diagnosis of hearing impairment will also increase employment.
		© 2001 University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma 1727 West Alabama, Chickasha, Oklahoma USA 73018 Phone: (405) 574-1328 Last Updated 07/30/2008