Our Conceptual Framework

The classroom and educational experience for each student – whether in kindergarten or college, relies mostly on the attitude and skill of the teacher. Our program offers students the unique opportunity to learn from loving, intellectual, organized, hard-working, and wise instructors while simultaneously being trained to teach. Students are educated in the methodology behind the classroom, given hands-on experience in practicing to teach, and have lovely examples to sit under and watch. The influence teachers have on their students is vital for their personal growth. In a world that is growing ever darker, knowing how to be an example of Christ — in a secular or religious school — is an invaluable asset to teachers who want to make a genuine impact in young lives.

If a career in education is your calling, you will be in a professional ministry of service to students, families, and communities. These are the four pillars of TMU’s School of Education Conceptual Framework for life-changing learning:

1. Grounded in the Truth, which can be discovered by but is not derived from our own self.
2. Transformational, resulting in the development of the learner across the cognitive, social-emotional, spiritual, and physical domains.
3. Individual, though informed by and benefiting from socio-cultural setting
4. Experiential and can be engaged in and represented by multiple means.

Teaching Credential Program

The TMU Teaching Credential Program is a full-time, on-ground, post-BA two-semester (Fall/Spring) program. Both single subject credential or multiple subject credential programs are offered.

Master of Education (M.Ed) in Teaching, Online Program

The Master’s University’s M.Ed. in Teaching is designed to develop practical knowledge and skills for real classroom issues. This is a 100% online program.

M.Ed. in Teaching

Pearl C. Schaffer School of Education

Dr. Jordan Morton, Chairperson

The mission of the Pearl C. Schaffer School of Education is to equip and empower effective educators, developing Christ-like professionals called to ensure life-changing learning for all students.

The School of Education offers two undergraduate degree programs, both of which are designed to give students a well-rounded, interdisciplinary program of study. The BA in Liberal Studies/Teacher Education Emphasis is the degree pathway for students who desire to become elementary school teachers, combining subject matter content and introductory pedagogy. The BA in Liberal Studies/General Emphasis is a broader degree area, encompassing four key subject areas of the liberal arts and offering students flexibility in course choice.
The School of Education also offers two teaching credential programs, one for those who desire to teach elementary school (Multiple Subject) and one for those who desire to teach at the secondary level (Single Subject).

In addition, the School of Education partners with the School of Online Studies to offer a Master of Education in Teaching degree (M.Ed.), designed to enhance the skills of classroom teachers.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students interested in becoming elementary teachers should enroll in the Liberal Studies: Teacher Education emphasis. It has been developed to prepare students to teach the content expected of elementary teachers, to provide an introduction to foundational concepts in education, and to ensure students meet the Subject Matter Competency requirement for the California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.

1. Demonstrate an advanced baccalaureate-level working knowledge in written communication, literature, and/or spoken communication skills.
2. Demonstrate an advanced baccalaureate-level working knowledge in at least two of the following subject areas within the science and mathematics disciplines: mathematics, biological sciences, physical sciences, kinesiology, and computer information systems.
3. Demonstrate an advanced baccalaureate-level working knowledge in at least three of the following subject areas within the social science disciplines: history, political studies, geography, business, social science, health, and physical education.
4. Demonstrate an advanced baccalaureate-level working knowledge in at least two of the following subject areas within the humanities and fine arts disciplines: music, art, theater, philosophy, and foreign language.
5. Identify and analyze the interrelationships existing between the various academic disciplines.
   6. Identify and design teaching techniques and strategies for the specific subject areas included in California K-8 elementary school classrooms.
6. Demonstrate a strong working knowledge of the diverse dimensions of K-8 student characteristics.

Emphasis Courses (50 Units Required)

• ED101 Introduction to Teaching & Learning◊
• ED202 Curriculum Instruction & Learning Theory◊

English/Communication subject area

• E322 Children’s Literature*◊◊
• ESL351 Language Acquisition for Teachers

Humanities/Fine Arts subject area

• ART330 Integrating Discipline-Based Art into the Elementary Classroom
• MU431 Music Components & Tech. for Elem. Teachers
• P321 History and Philosophies of Education◊**

Mathematics/Science/Computer Science subject area

• ED410 Technology Uses in Education
• KIN415 Elementary P.E. Components & Techniques
• LS150 Essentials of Biology
• MA201 Mathematical Systems for Elem. Teachers
• PS261 Physical Science
• One of the following: 
  • PS242 Earth Science
  • GS150 Essentials of Geology

Social Science subject area

• ED301 Cultural & Linguistic Diversity in Teaching◊◊
• H332 California: Past & Present
• One of the following:
  • SS381 Cultural Geography (3) (preferred)
  • BMS346 Cultural Anthropology (3)
• ED402 LS Senior Capstone Seminar

*Fulfills G.E. requirement for literature elective ONLY for Liberal Studies: Teacher Education majors.
**Fulfills G.E. requirement for P311 ONLY for Liberal Studies: Teacher Education majors.
◊Prerequisites for TMU’s Teaching Credential Program, in lieu of ED400 Foundations of Education (all three courses—ED101, ED202, ED301—must be taken).
◊◊ Prerequisite for TMU’s Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Program.

Minor in Education (18 Units)

The School of Education offers a minor open to students in other majors.

Minor in Education Courses

• ED101 Introduction to Teaching & Learning
• ED202 Curriculum Instruction & Learning Theory
• ED301 Cultural & Linguistic Diversity in Teaching
• P321 History and Philosophies of Education
• Two of the following:
  • ED410 Technology Uses in Education
  • ESL351 Language Acquisition for Teachers*
  • ED332 Exploring Disabilities & Special Needs Through Literature

*Another ESL course may be substituted.