College of Charleston

In your first year, you will select from a wide variety of liberal arts courses and can select a First Year course related to Teacher Education.

In year two, you'll start taking introductory education courses and apply for formal admission to our educator preparation program.

In year three, you continue the journey with a focus on education coursework and field experiences in area schools.

In your senior year, you'll finish education coursework with student teaching in area schools.

Experiential learning is an important aspect of the college experience. You’ll spend more than 100 hours in classrooms before your full semester of student teaching. Student organizations provide additional time with children and youth so you will be well-equipped to excel as a beginning teacher in your own classroom. 

If you’re interested in teaching early childhood, you will have the opportunity to observe and work in our Early Childhood Development Center on campus.

The teacher education program's first core belief is "understanding, valuing, and advocating for all learners." The College of Charleston prepares teachers to teach ALL learners and to thrive in urban, suburban, and rural schools with students from many different racial, cultural, linguistic and socioeconomic backgrounds.

You can:

• Take courses in Diverse Learners and Exceptionalities
• Take part in specific projects to engage PreK-12 students who are English language learners, gifted, or who have special needs
• Assess your own dispositions regarding cultural awareness multiple times during your program
• Participate in the “All Y'all” student organization to promote a sense of community
• Participate in international study programs for global perspectives
• Take part in Intentional practicum placements in schools with students from different backgrounds
• Participate in the Urban School Synergy Program for a year-long experience at a high needs school

You will have a faculty advisor throughout your program of study, and the College regularly holds social events for students to engage with staff and with faculty members in informal settings. 

You’ll be paired with three or more area school teachers during your program for observations, lessons, and feedback. During student teaching, you will attend professional development sessions on resume writing, interviewing, and becoming a professional. 

Every year The College of Charleston has a Teacher Employment Expo with 70+ districts and schools who hire our graduates.

The College works closely with school districts throughout the region, known as the low country, and seeks feedback on what schools need, how candidates are performing, and how alumni are teaching. All programs are nationally recognized and the College is state and nationally accredited, winning an award in 2021 for the most recent accreditation!