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Education

WHY EDUCATION AT SOUTHERN?

Graduates of Southern Adventist University Education are professionals ready to start a rewarding teaching career.

Teacher education programs prepare students for careers in diverse areas of instruction with tools to create an innovative learning environment. Our graduates are in high demand in both public and private institutions.

Southern students consistently score above state and national averages on the Praxis II exams.

The teacher education program emphasizes both the art and the science of teaching. Faculty are intentional in providing preparation that enables students to meet the rigorous demands of early entry into the profession.

Graduates consistently cite the relationships they develop with their education professors and the mentoring they receive as being strengths of the program.

The School of Education and Psychology is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation for educator preparation and approved by the Tennessee State Board of Education for secondary and elementary teachers. The program is endorsed by the Adventist NAD Office of Education.

With a growing public and private school teacher shortage, the future holds more job openings than there are graduates at all education levels. In greatest demand are elementary teachers of math, science, and reading and secondary teachers of math, physics, chemistry, computer science, and English.

EXPLORE MAJORS AND MINORS

Beyond the Classroom

Academic programs are complemented with practical learning experiences in the community and beyond.

Actual Teaching Experience

Southern partners with local public and Seventh-day Adventist schools to provide teacher candidates with early field experiences beginning with their first education course and continuing until student teaching. Student teachers spend a full semester refining their craft as they observe highly-qualified mentors who also guide their teaching and reflections on teaching.

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Teacher Materials Center

Teaching Materials Center (TMC) provides students, faculty, and community members with one of the most comprehensive collections of teaching resources in Southeast Tennessee. Designed to foster imaginative teaching, the TMC offers curriculum materials, teaching aids, and creative ideas to undergraduate and graduate students, private or public school teachers, homeschooling parents, and Bible class teachers.

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Our Christian Focus

We are more than an academic program. We're a spiritual community and emphasize service and discipleship. We strive to learn from the best Teacher of all, our Lord Jesus.
 
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

Ps 32:8, NIV

Why Be a Teacher

Students share about their experiences in the Education Program at Southern, and about the difference Education professors make in the lives of their students.

Professors

Headshot Photo of Krystal Bishop

Krystal Bishop

Professor

Headshot Photo of Gary Bradley

Gary Bradley

Professor

Headshot Photo of Melanie DiBiase

Melanie DiBiase

Associate Professor

Headshot Photo of Katie McGrath

Katie McGrath

Associate Professor

Headshot Photo of Michelle Adams

Michelle Adams

Assistant Professor

Headshot Photo of Chanda Daggs

Chanda Daggs

Assistant Professor

Alumni Voices

Jeff Richardson describes how the education program at Southern prepared him for a fulfilling career as a teacher, and how professors are still willing to answer questions and help with things even now after he's graduated.

Contact

Main Office

423.236.2415

4881 Taylor Circle
Collegedale, Tn 37315

Start your teaching career with us.