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.

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.

With the addition of 4-year old programs and all-day kindergartens in public schools, the need for additional teachers with expertise in the developmental needs of young children has increased.

The continuing medical, space, technological, and energy requirements of today's society demands that a strong science foundation and interest be supported in America's high schools.  The need for people who can effectively teach young people to understand and value science is ongoing.