Department of Education

The Congregation to Divine Providence started as a teaching order in the late 18oo’s in rural areas of Texas. Students in these communities would not have had the opportunity to go to school had it not been for the sisters. We have a long legacy of preparing outstanding teachers. Education Faculty are committed to personalized holistic attention to academic and personal goals, interests, and career counseling both inside and outside the classroom. Through the guided application of content knowledge, effective pedagogical models, varied field experiences, and reflective practice, our candidates develop instructional expertise and professional skills required for the teaching profession. We have effective partnerships with area school where students engage in educational activities in school settings and reflect on these diverse introductory experiences as they prepare for student/clinical teaching. Graduates have over 92% pass rates on state certification exams. Our graduates demonstrate confidence, professional competence and a commitment to teaching diverse students. More than 88% of our graduates remain in teaching for five or more years, and many pursue their master’s degree.

Programs within the Education Department at Our Lady of the Lake University prepare the professional educator to understand and meet the comprehensive needs for diverse student populations, including students with linguistic, cultural and learning differences. Graduates of our programs are committed to being lifelong learners, who demonstrate content and pedagogical knowledge, utilize innovative and effective practices as ethical reflective practioners and leaders in the field.

Formal entry into the teacher education program is contingent upon junior standing, a cumulative grade point average of 2.75, favorable recommendations, and the attainment of certain prerequisites in general education, academic foundations, pre-professional courses and other requirements as specified in the Teacher Education Handbook. In addition, students seeking admission to teacher education must demonstrate satisfactory performance in mathematics, reading and writing/composition on the Student Success Initiative exams listed in the Teacher Education Handbook to assess basic skills mandated by the State Board for Educator Certification. All teacher education applicants submit a writing sample and are interviewed by members of the Education faculty and must receive a favorable recommendation. Any out-of-country applicants must also submit a passing score of 26 or higher on the speaking section of the TOEFL-IBT, per state guidelines for demonstration of oral communication skills prior to admission to teacher education.

Candidates for standard Texas teacher’s certificates must achieve a satisfactory level of performance on the examinations prescribed by the State Board for Educator Certification. All applicants will be screened for a record of felony or misdemeanor conviction through SARMA, a national level search, as prescribed by state law.

Texas teaching certificates may be earned as follows:

Early Childhood - Grade 6 Certification

Students desiring Elementary through Grade 6 certification pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with specializations in the areas of Bilingual, Elementary, English as a Second Language or Special Education.

Grades 7 - 12 Certification

Students desiring grades 7-12 certification pursue a major and minor in the chosen teaching fields.

Additional courses in professional education are taken for certification. Current Certificates:

English Language Arts and Reading
History
Life Science
Mathematics

All Level Certification

Art
Spanish

Music