Educator Preparation

If you want to teach in high school or middle school, Nichols College can prepare you for a teaching career.

Educator Preparation Program Handbook 2005-2006

Nichols College is committed to providing the best practically-oriented educator preparation program for middle and secondary education (grades 5-12). The program prepares our students to become excellent teachers of Business, English, History, and Mathematics.

Through partnerships with local schools, students observe, analyze, and practice teaching throughout their education coursework. Students graduate with the experience and knowledge necessary to teach today's diverse children with standards-based curricula in a technological environment.

Dynamic, innovative, conscientious, and collaborative, graduates from the Nichols College Educator Preparation Program transform the lives of their students and the communities in which they work.

Team-oriented Teaching

Today's educators strive to help their students develop conceptual understanding and critical thinking ability so that they can creatively apply concepts to solve complex problems. At the same time, teachers must meet the needs of an increasingly diverse population.

Accomplishing the goal of having all students master concepts in an in-depth way requires a great deal of careful planning. Collaboration among teachers is essential to excellent curriculum development and high student achievement.

For example, integrating subject areas to study topics in depth from multiple perspectives demands extensive collaboration. Team planning also sparks creative and innovative curriculum plans as people brainstorm and share their knowledge and experience. Additionally, teachers need to be able to team with special services aides, assistants, and teachers in inclusive classrooms. Colleagues can also support the growth of each other's professional skills through peer observations.

As a student at Nichols, you work collaboratively with teachers in local middle schools and high schools, as well as with your peers. You design units together, observe one another, and support each other's growth to prepare you for a team-centered work environment.


Technology in the Classroom

In order to prepare students to live and work in an information society, teachers need to use technology themselves and integrate it into the classroom experiences they plan for students.

As a student in the education program, you learn to use the computer to enhance the learning of your students. We offer a unique course called Communication and Technology, while also integrating technology into your assignments for the other education classes.


Portfolio Development

Throughout your education classes, you will be creating a teaching portfolio. This portfolio will be a personal representation of how you have developed the skills, knowledge, and judgment that teaching requires. A portfolio is an excellent way for you to demonstrate your own progress and exhibit the unique interests and talents you bring to teaching.