The Department of Teacher Development and Educational Studies offers an outstanding undergraduate program in elementary education that prepares high quality teachers for the schools in the state of Michigan and throughout the country.  Students completing this program concurrently earn a Bachelor of Science degree and recommendation for a Michigan provisional certificate in elementary education.  Graduates of the program are also eligible for grade 6-8 endorsements in one or more of the following areas: language arts, mathematics, modern languages, science and social studies.  Students who hold a bachelor's degree can pursue the program as second undergraduates.

The undergraduate elementary education program is approved by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) and our graduates are recognized throughout the state for the quality of the preparation.  

Field-Based Teacher Education

The program in elementary education uses a field-based model in which the issues and topics that make up the university curriculum are immediately put into practice in public school, public school academy, or selected private school classrooms.  Conversely, students' real-life experiences in actual classrooms become the basis for further discussion and study.

Students in the program have a field placement in a public school, public school academy, or selected private school during each semester they are enrolled in professional courses.

Commitment to Diversity

Oakland University is committed to preparing teachers who are capable and willing to meet the needs of students with diverse cultural, ethnic and national origins.  To this end, students are required to have field placements in a minimum of two urban and two suburban settings.  Coursework within the program is designed to foster a positive attitude toward multicultural education, an appreciation of the importance of gender equity and an awareness of global issues in the schools.

School and Field Services

All field placements and student teaching assignments are arranged through the Office of School and Field Services.  Informational meetings for students at various stages of the program are held each semester, with the dates of these meetings published on this website.  The Director of Field Services is available to resolve any problem involving placements in the public schools.

Career Services

Each student has the opportunity to register with the Office of Career Services.  Students are assisted in developing a professional resume, portfolio and securing appropriate letters of recommendation.  This office also maintains a listing of professional job opportunities.

Admission Requirements

• Complete all general education requirements with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.9 with no less than 2.0 in any class and no less than 2.5 in coursework of the major and minor,
• Receive a satisfactory score on the Basic Skills portion of the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC),
• Complete a minimum of 70 hours of supervisory work with children and
• Receive a minimum grade of 3.0 in the required pre-professional education course
• Upon admission to major standing in elementary education, the student and the department will sign an acceptance agreement contract outlining the requirements and expectations for completing the program.

New State Certification Requirements

In addition to meeting the baccalaureate degree requirements and passing the required MTTC tests, as of July 1, 2004, the state now requires, through House Bill No. 4038, that candidates for initial teaching certification must present evidence of satisfactory completion of a course in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including a test demonstration on a mannequin, and successful completion of instruction in foreign body airway obstruction management, holding valid certification in these topics issued by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.

Partnerships with Public Schools

Fundamental to our programs is the concept of a team approach to education and school improvement.  Partnership initiatives between the department and local school districts not only benefit elementary schools in the area, but also provide university students with a model of the 21st century educator.  Teachers are encouraged to join in the education of our university students.

 Students have the option of applying for two very different configurations for their student teaching experience.  Selected students may take part in a collaborative teaching project with Bloomfield Hills/Lone Pine Elementary and selected students may participate in the New Zealand Student Teacher Exchange.

Outstanding Faculty: Excelling in Teaching and Research

Professors in Teacher Development and Educational Studies have distinguished themselves in teaching and research.  They are committed to the success of their students and to providing a supportive stimulating learning environment.

All members of the department have extensive public school experience as teachers, principals, assistant superintendents and superintendents.  In addition, faculty have written numerous journal articles and books as well as making presentations at national and international conferences.  Members of the department have received grants from agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Justice Department and the Michigan Partnership for New Education as well as numerous in-house grants from the Oakland University Foundation, the Meadow Brook Foundation and the University Senate.  The Department of Teacher Development and Educational Studies, can boast of having recipients of Oakland's Teaching Excellence Award, the Phyllis Law Googasian Award and two Fulbright Scholars.  Faculty members have also served as consultants to the U.S. State Department, the World Bank, and the Ministry of Education in Pakistan and Cyprus.

Information

For additional information call:

Teacher Development and Educational Studies

Department Office  (248)370-2613

School and Field Services

Office Assistant (248)370-3060

Director (248)370-3083

Coordinator (248)370-4251