The mission of the Biology education certification program is to prepare candidates for a successful future as educators who motivate and inspire their students. Biology teacher degree candidates become adept at developing data-driven, authentic learning experiences for future students, designed to challenge cognition and promote active student engagement. Candidates also learn how to create and maintain a positive, student-centered learning environment, utilizing research-based strategies and classroom procedures. As a biology major, candidates engage with concepts, terms, phenomena, methods, applications, data analysis, and problem solving in Biology, with an understanding of the impact of science and technology on the environment and human affairs.
The purpose of educator preparation programs at University of the Cumberlands is to prepare candidates in the use of research-based pedagogical practice, enabling them to address the diverse needs of P-12 students throughout Kentucky and beyond. Biology teacher majors learn to apply biology content knowledge in a manner consistent with state and national expectations. Through the program, candidates learn to exemplify the dispositions of communication, critical/creative thinking, and professionalism.
To accomplish this purpose, the School of Education implements rigorous coursework aligned to state/national standards. The School also prescribes field/clinical experiences aligned to coursework, creating meaningful connections between educational theory and practice. Finally, biology educator degree candidates are required to demonstrate proficiency in knowledge, skills, and dispositions at various formative and summative checkpoints throughout the program.