Teacher Preparation (A-6)

Original Implementation: September 1, 1987
Last Revision: April 24, 2007

Since its establishment in 1923 as a teachers college, Stephen F. Austin State University has played a leading role in preparing professional personnel for the public schools of Texas. The preparation of highly competent teachers, principals, superintendents, and other school personnel to staff the schools of the State continues to be a major function of the university.

Teacher preparation is a university-wide function governed by policies developed by the Teacher Education Council. In developing and executing policies, the Council gives due consideration to relevant State and Federal law, to University Policies and Procedures, to recommendations from appropriate advisory committees, to guidelines of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, to rules of the Texas Education Agency (TEA)/State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC), and to the program standards of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and its professional organization affiliates. Accreditation by SBEC and NCATE assures program quality.

The Council reviews proposals for changes in teaching field programs and in professional education programs to assure appropriate curricula. Also, it establishes criteria for program admission and retention and for recommendation for educator certification or licensing.
The Council is chaired by the Dean of the James I. Perkins College of Education and is composed of faculty members appointed by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs from nominees submitted by the Dean of Education after consultation with the deans of other colleges offering the various teaching fields. Other members of the Council include the Associate Dean of Education, who serves as Council Secretary, and two representatives of the Texas Student Education Association appointed by its president.

Cross Reference: General Bulletin, Graduate Bulletin, Texas Education Code, Title II, Sub Title D, Chapter 21, Subchapter B, sec. 21.044

Responsible for Implementation: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Contact for Revision: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Forms: None