| Approximately one out of every three students at Bluffton University is a candidate for a teaching license. For most of these students, the desire to teach springs from a deep conviction to make a difference in the lives of children. Bluffton nurtures this conviction through every phase of its teacher preparation program.
“We seek students who have the heart and soul to be a teacher. We encourage them to view teaching as a call to vocation,” said Dr. Gayle Trollinger, professor of education and education department chair. “Being an educator means more than just showing up for work each day. It means being the best you can be … helping every child learn … working collaboratively … and continually striving for professional growth.” Bluffton’s teacher preparation program is distinctive because it is shaped around the conceptual framework: “Educators Nurturing Communities of Learning and Respect.” The goal is for education majors to leave Bluffton prepared to establish a classroom community that is caring and inclusive, focused on high levels of learning and centered on respect. When a student first expresses an interest in teaching, they are invited to take an introductory course that includes classroom experience. According to Trollinger, the student is expected to be an active participant in the classroom, not just an observer. “This experience enables them to discern if teaching is the right choice for them before they advance too far into the program,” she said. Bluffton’s rigorous teacher preparation program uses four assessment checkpoints to ensure that each student is being fully-prepared for the challenges of today’s classroom. Checkpoints include entrance requirements, clinical practice and evaluation, program completion and post-graduation assessment. Bluffton education courses strive to model the program’s goals of high levels of learning, respect and professional growth. According to Trollinger, respect is modeled through showing care and concern for each student, valuing and appreciating their special gifts and contributions, and honoring differences. “We also expect high levels of learning to take place in our classroom,” she said. “If you want to teach math, you will be expected to demonstrate exceptional math skills.” In addition, students are required to dress and behave as highly-qualified professionals. This includes having a collaborative work style and striving for personal and professional growth. The standards and expectations that Bluffton places on teaching candidates make Bluffton graduates among the best qualified in the nation, as reflected in candidate rankings on the Praxis Series and in the reputation Bluffton graduates enjoy once they enter the teaching profession. “We work closely with administrators and teachers informally and also formally through our undergraduate and graduate advisory councils,” said Trollinger. “These relationships help us as we prepare candidates to meet our outcomes, national and state standards and local school districts’ expectations. We are confident that our candidates meet and exceed the highest standards.” |
 Master’s degree program National Accreditation |
