Department of Education
Department Chair: Judy Bryant
Offices: 100 Gott Educational Center
Departmental Secretary: Jennifer Smith
Phone: (417) 328-1717
Mission Statement
The Department of Education is a learning community preparing teachers and administrators to be caring, effective practitioners in today's schools.
Vision Statement
The Department of Education endeavors to prepare students for careers in teaching by:
- Building a strong knowledge base in educational theory and developmentally appropriate practice;
- Linking knowledge, academic theory, and practice through diverse clinically-based experiences;
- Promoting the use of technology in schools;
- Integrating Christ-like values in daily school interactions by helping students become moral, ethical teachers and administrators;
- Promoting reflective thinking about school experiences;
- Promoting professional development and life-long learning.
Program Accreditation and Approval
The Teacher Education Program at Southwest Baptist University prepares teachers at the undergraduate and graduate levels for teaching in both public and Christian schools. These programs combine strong academic study with a variety of practical clinical experiences.
All SBU's academic offerings are accredited by The Higher Learning Commission & North Central Association Membership. The Teacher Education Program has further been approved by the State Board of Education of the State of Missouri. This approval is granted by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The Teacher Education program is also recognized by the Association of Christian Schools International.
SBU is authorized by DESE to conduct a professional education program and to recommend candidates for initial certification and/or second areas of certification as set forth in the current catalog and reflected in these web pages. Total hours must meet SBU's graduation requirements.
