South Carolina State University July 1, 2016 Teacher Ed Program Continues Legacy of Producing Highly Sought After Minority Teachers During the Semi-Annual Educators' Induction ceremonies, held fall 2015 and spring 2016, Dr. Albert Heyward, dean of the College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences proudly administered the Educators' Oath to 27 multi-talented teacher education candidates, inducting them into one of the most uncelebrated, yet critically important professions in the world, teaching. This group of educators consisted of 11 males, who upon graduation, will be certified and highly qualified to teach in several critical subject areas: secondary science (biology); mathematics, English education, special education and music and physical education. These male teachers will make a significant impact on the critical shortage of African American male teachers, as well as the need for teachers in the critical subject areas. Additionally, 16 females will graduate certifiable and highly qualified in critical subject areas: drama/theater, secondary English, mathematics education, as well as middle level education and elementary and early childhood education. According to Dr. Janice B. Owens, director of the teacher education program, "SC State University is one of the few schools in South Carolina where each teacher education candidate is required to pass all examinations required for certification by South Carolina prior to student teaching, making 100 percent of our teacher education candidates certifiable. This policy makes South Carolina State teacher education graduates marketable and one of the most highly sought after group of teachers." Teacher education graduates secure teaching positions in school districts from more than 40 states in the United States, throughout districts in South Carolina, as well as in Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and New York. Graduates also obtain teaching positions in school systems abroad, including the Caribbean Islands. To be admitted to the SC State University Teacher Education Program, students must first meet all state-mandated requirements. While in the competitive program, professors accept and nurture the unique skills and experiences of the candidates, preparing them to become passionate, innovative and extraordinary educators. As such, graduates begin their teaching careers with confidence by employing creative and unconventional methods to transform lives of many pre-K - 12 students who often share similar backgrounds as the newly minted educators. Dr. Charlie G. Spell, department chair and a former assistant superintendent of Orangeburg Consolidated School District 5, agrees that SC State's teacher education graduates are successful in securing and maintaining teaching positions because the educators often relate to their students. "Student achievement is higher when the educator has a similar background and experiences as the student. When the educator has similar or is familiar with the learner's background and experiences, the educator is more able to adjust teaching strategies to fit student's learning styles. Therefore, teaching is more effective and student achievement is higher," said Spell. For more information on the SC State University Teacher Education Program, contact Dr. Janice B. Owens, professor of teacher education and director of the Office of Clinical Experiences, Evaluation and Certification at jbowens@scsu.edu<mailto:jbowens@scsu.edu> or (803) 536-7020. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) 404-577-5158 (fax) Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/ 7th Biennial Membership Meeting: Register here http://hbculibraries.org/html/2016meeting-form.html for the October 10,11 Membership Meeting in Atlanta. [Sized Coming Soon]NEW DIGS!!!! The HBCU Library Alliance is relocating to the Atlanta University Center Woodruff Library. Transition process is near completion. Stay tuned!!! Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314-4207 www.auctr.edu Honor the ancestors, honor the children.