Education Department

In general, your Taylor experience isn’t just about the next 4 years you spend on campus. It’s about the 40 that follow – and becoming the person God designed you to be. That’s why educating the whole person is the emphasis here…especially in the education department.

In this section, Dr. Cindy Tyner, department chair, takes on your questions about education. Don’t see an answer to your question? Contact Dr. Tyner today!

Q: Why should I pick Taylor University for education?

Here are a few reasons why we feel you should pick Taylor for your studies in education

• Experience. Not only do our faculty have the experience to model for you how to teach, you will be given opportunities to confirm your calling starting in your freshman year with your own experience in the classroom.
• National Accreditation. Since 1962, the TU teacher education program has been accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). This accreditation has been reaffirmed until 2014.  What this means is that you have an opportunity after graduation to find work just about wherever you feel called. We also have global relationships that you can take advantage of if you feel led to work overseas.
• Junior Methods Practicum (JUMP) – while you will have opportunities to get into the classroom during each of your years at Taylor, elementary education students will spend two full days a week in the classroom through our Junior Methods Practicum program – you will learn to make professional decisions, plan effective lessons and create stimulating learn environments for students.

Q: How can I grow professionally outside the classroom?

Here are a few examples of the things you can get involved in outside the classroom:

• Kappa Delta Pi. Join other elite education students from across the globe in this exclusive, international honor society for education students.
• Berne Swiss Heritage Education Day. Lead over 1,400 fourth graders in pioneer games and early settler activities.
• Conferences and presentations. Early childhood education conference, Network of International Christian Schools job fair, kappa Delta Pi…there are many opportunities to do research and give public presentations to build your educational resume.

Q: What travel or off-campus programs are available?

• International practicums. During January term of your sophomore year, you can complete one of your required practicums overseas.
• Wide range of student teaching options. You can choose from rural, inner city and international student teaching experiences. Typically, over 25% of our seniors choose to teach in overseas assignments – literally all over the globe – while others opt for an experience close to home. Still others choose an urban experience in New York City or Los Angeles through our partnership with World Impact.
• Short term missions trips. Education majors are given the opportunity to travel abroad with professors from the Education Department on Spring Break or J-term mission trips.  Students will have the opportunity to work in international schools during the trips.
• Washington, D.C. senior trip. Tour our nation’s capital to get a taste of how to lead a 6^th or 8^th grade field trip to D.C.