Dean, School of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences
Ph.D., Kent State University
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
(440) 826-2166
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OVERVIEW
At Baldwin Wallace, your path to becoming a contributing, compassionate and competent professional educator begins your first year with relevant coursework and in-school classroom observations.
Rigorous and career-focused, BW's undergraduate education program builds on the strengths of a liberal arts-focused foundation.
Your education studies will include comprehensive, professional coursework and practical experiences. You'll learn innovative classroom techniques and research-based teaching methods and gain the knowledge, skills, technical competencies and professional perspectives to prepare for an ever-changing education environment. Before you graduate, you'll have more than 800 hours of field and clinical experience in a variety of diverse school settings.
BW graduates meet a rigorous set of standards on their way to licensure eligibility. As a result, they meet and most often exceed requirements set by the State of Ohio.
Small classes, personalized attention and high standards are at the forefront of the program. You'll learn the latest, effective teaching practices, as well as see them modeled in classes by faculty members with decades of teaching experience. An education studies minor is also available for students interested in the field of education, but not interested in getting a teaching license.
PARTNERSHIPS HELP POISE STUDENTS FOR CAREER SUCCESS
The rigor and high professional standards of BW's education program have fostered an outstanding reputation in Northeast Ohio and beyond. BW has partnerships with more than 60 districts and hundreds of schools. An ongoing partnership with Asheboro School District in North Carolina offers impressive benefits for BW education students. They can gain valuable student teaching experience as well as be in a district and state where teachers are in-demand.
FULLY ACCREDITED PROGRAM
Baldwin Wallace University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The Department of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for initial and advanced programs. Music Education (grades PK-12) is also accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). All BW licensure and endorsement programs are approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE).
View additional education accreditation information and CAEP annual reporting measures.
LICENSURE AND GRADUATE STUDY OPPORTUNITIES
In addition to traditional undergraduate programs, BW offers two initial teacher licensure programs for individuals with bachelor's degrees seeking to enter the teaching profession without earning another bachelor's degree.
- Initial licensure - earn an initial teaching license
- License + master's - earn an initial teaching license plus a Master of Arts in Education in a specialty area
BW also offers a Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) program, endorsements and licenses, professional development courses for licensed teachers, and courses leading to a school social work license.
CURRICULUM
BW's undergraduate education program provides a professional experience for aspiring teachers that includes:
- Freshman year field experiences
- Three years of technology-integration instruction
- Minimum of five field experiences - more than 800 hours - in four years
- Exceptional opportunities for year-long clinical placements and co-teaching with experienced teachers
PROGRAM OUTLINES
The requirements for each teaching area are detailed below.
Dual Primary and Primary Intervention Specialist (Grades Pre-K to 5)
This license is for candidates who wish to teach children in pre-kindergarten through grade 5 (ages 3-10). This program allows students to earn multiple credentials including the early childhood education license and early childhood intervention specialist license. Graduates of the program will be able to teach young children with and without disabilities in a variety of inclusive settings. Candidates may also choose to complete certification in English for the Second Language Learner by adding two courses.
2023-24 program outline - for all incoming students who enter BW in fall 2023 or later
Dual Primary and Primary Intervention Specialist
2022-23 program outline - for all incoming students who enter BW in fall 2022 or later
Dual Primary and Primary Intervention Specialist
2021-22 program outline - for all incoming students who enter BW in fall 2021 or later
Early Childhood Education
2020-21 program outline - for all incoming students who enter BW in fall 2020 or later
Early Childhood Education
Middle Childhood (Grades 4 to 9)
The middle childhood license is for grades 4 through 9 (ages 8-14), and requires that teachers hold a license in two subject areas from the following: reading and language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. Students who select reading and language arts as one of their middle childhood teaching areas will also receive the reading endorsement (grades 4-9) as an addition to their middle childhood teaching license. Students must complete requirements of the middle childhood program outline and two subject areas from the teaching fields for middle childhood.
2023-24 program outline - for all incoming students who enter BW in fall 2023 or later
Middle Childhood Education
2022-23 program outline - for all incoming students who enter BW in fall 2022 or later
Middle Childhood Education
2021-2022 program outline - for all incoming students who enter BW in fall 2021 or later
Middle Childhood Education
2020-2021 program outline - for all incoming students who enter BW in fall 2020 or later
Middle Childhood Education
Adolescent/Young Adult (Grades 7 to 12)
The Adolescent/Young Adult (AYA) license is for subject-related teaching disciplines that span grades 7 through 12 (ages 12-21). Candidates will obtain an AYA Major with options for either a second major or a minor, depending upon the area they wish to teach ( see table).
Licensure Content Areas Offered in AYA:
- History
- Integrated Language Arts
- Integrated Mathematics
- Integrated Science
- Integrated Social Studies
- Life Science
- Physical Science (Physics and Chemistry)
Note: The History and Integrated Social Studies options allow a candidate to teach all Social Studies courses. However, the History option explores history content much deeper than the Integrated Social Studies option which explores all areas of social studies equally (history, political science, psychology, sociology, and economics).
2023-2024 program outlines - for all incoming students who enter BW in fall 2023 or later
Students must complete requirements of the adolescent/young adult program outline and the AYA teaching fields of choice:
- Integrated English language arts - grades 7-12
- Integrated mathematics - grades 7-12
- Integrated science - grades 7-12
- Integrated social studies - grades 7-12
- History major - grades 7-12
- Life science - grades 7-12
- Physical science - grades 7-12
2022-2023 program outlines - for all incoming students who enter BW in fall 2022 or later
Students must complete requirements of the adolescent/young adult program outline and the AYA teaching fields of choice:
- Integrated English language arts - grades 7-12
- Integrated mathematics - grades 7-12
- Integrated science - grades 7-12
- Integrated social studies - grades 7-12
- History major - grades 7-12
- Life science - grades 7-12
- Physical science - grades 7-12
2021-2022 program outlines - for all incoming students who enter BW in fall 2021 or later
Students must complete requirements of the adolescent/young adult program outline and the AYA teaching fields of choice:
- Integrated English language arts - grades 7-12
- Integrated mathematics - grades 7-12
- Integrated science - grades 7-12
- Integrated social studies - grades 7-12
- History major - grades 7-12
- Life science - grades 7-12
- Physical science - grades 7-12
2020-2021 program outlines - for all incoming students who enter BW in fall 2020 or later
Students must complete requirements of the adolescent/young adult program outline and the AYA teaching fields of choice:
Multi-Age (Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12)
The multi-age license is for subject-related teaching disciplines that span pre-kindergarten through grade 12 (ages 3-21). See also adolescent/young adult, above, for additional subject-related teaching areas.
2023-2024 program outlines - for all incoming students who enter BW in fall 2023 or later
Students must complete requirements of the multi-age major program and the teaching fields of choice:
2022-23 program outlines - for all incoming students who enter BW in fall 2022 or later
Students must complete requirements of the multi-age minor program and the teaching fields of choice:
2021-22 program outlines - for all incoming students who enter BW in fall 2021 or later
Students must complete requirements of the multi-age minor program and the teaching fields of choice:
2020-2021 program outlines - for all incoming students who enter BW in fall 2020 or later
Students must complete requirements of the multi-age minor program and the teaching fields of choice:
Intervention Specialist - Mild/Moderate Educational Needs (Kindergarten to Grade 12)
Previously called specific learning disabled, this intervention specialist license is for kindergarten through grade 12 (ages 5-21).
2023-24 program outline - for all incoming students who enter BW in fall 2023 or later
Intervention Specialist - Mild/Moderate Educational Needs
2022-23 program outline - for all incoming students who enter BW in fall 2022 or later
Intervention Specialist - Mild/Moderate Educational Needs
2021-22 program outline - for all incoming students who enter BW in fall 2021 or later
Intervention Specialist - Mild/Moderate Educational Needs
2020-21 program outline - for all incoming students who enter BW in fall 2020 or later
Intervention Specialist - Mild/Moderate Educational Needs
Education Studies Minor
This minor is available for students interested in the field of education, but not interested in getting a teaching license.
2023-24 program outline - for all incoming students who enter BW in fall 2023 or later
Education Studies Minor
2022-23 program outline - for all incoming students who enter BW in fall 2022 or later
Education Studies Minor
2021-22 program outline - for all incoming students who enter BW in fall 2021 or later
Education Studies Minor
2020-21 program outline - for all incoming students who enter BW in fall 2020 or later
Education Studies Minor
STUDENT EXPERIENCES
Experiential learning bridges classroom study with real-world opportunities. You can enhance your studies through internships, co-curricular activities and other learning opportunities that include:
Field and Clinical Practice Experiences
Throughout your four years at BW, you'll have a variety of field experiences that enable you to observe as well as teach in a classroom. The capstone of BW's education program is a year-long clinical practice experience. Through this opportunity, you'll demonstrate competencies in planning, delivering and assessing student learning. You'll develop the skills and professional attitudes needed to be responsive to student needs, to work collaboratively with other professionals, and to successfully represent the high standards and teaching practices you learned through your BW studies.
Student Clubs & Organizations
Personally and professionally rewarding, student organizations and activities foster career skills, leadership and teamwork.
Baldwin Wallace Student Education Organization (BWSEO)
BWSEO is a student organization that promotes and supports the professional teacher education interests of traditional and non-traditional students. It keeps students informed of educational activities and trends. It also sponsors its own professional conference each year.
ALUMNI SUCCESS
Michelle Koklauner '16 is junior high school teacher at the Lower Koskokwim School District in Eek, a small village in Alaska. The school district is a dual language site, where students learn both English and Yugtun, a dialect of the native Yup'ik people. The Parma, Ohio, native teaches all subjects in a contained classroom.
Erica Dickman '15 is eighth grade intervention specialist for Tiffin City Schools in Ohio. She teaches in a resource room and inclusion math and science. Close relationships with BW faculty and ample opportunities to practice teaching in the classroom prepared the Sandusky, Ohio, native for her first teaching position.
Christina Messer '15 is integrated preschool teacher at Richmond Heights Elementary in Ohio. Dual licensure in early education and special education gave her an edge that enabled her land her first teaching position. She teaches in an inclusion classroom and has written her own curriculum. Christina is from Cleveland.
Jessica Richmond '15 is third grade teacher at John F. Kennedy Catholic School in Warren, Ohio. The ongoing support provided by BW faculty to graduates regarding interviewing and lesson plans has been a valuable source of support and inspiration to the new educator. Jessica is from Girard, Ohio.
Rachel Stoss '15 is intervention specialist for grades 5-8 at The Prep Schools in Cleveland where she has a resource room and teaches in general education classrooms. BW teacher education faculty supported her growth from a freshman teaching candidate into a confident and excited teacher. Rachel is from Perry, Ohio.
Noah Hamrick '14 is vocal music teacher for grades 7-12 at the Avon Local School District in Ohio. The Amherst, Ohio, native says BW helped him grow into a confident, knowledgeable and independent teacher.
Vicki Hyder '14 teaches K-5 general music and beginning band in Mobridge-Pollock School District in South Dakota. The Franklin, Ohio, native credits BW for providing her with the experiences and knowledge to earn her first full-time teaching assignment.
Kristen Maddocks '14 is intervention specialist in the Copley-Fairlawn School District in Ohio. Kristen received her teaching licensure and master's degree from BW in early childhood education and mild/moderate educational needs. She is from Broadview Heights, Ohio.
Elizabeth "Biffy" Tufts '14 is teaching sixth grade at North Asheboro Middle School in North Carolina. The support and encouragement of BW faculty and staff gave her the confidence to go out of state for her student teaching experience. Elizabeth is from Perry, Ohio.
Candace Hisey '13 is language arts teacher for Bio-Med Science Academy in Rootstown, Ohio. An interdisciplinary education allowed the Grafton, Ohio, native to become an educator with broad interests and specialized knowledge, a combination that has made her highly valued in her profession.
Kevin Radigan '09 teaches social studies and coaches at Midview High School in Grafton, Ohio. He has also done historical research, restoration and preservation for Bet Olam Cemetery. BW professors helped the Olmsted Falls, Ohio, native develop critical thinking skills. Their example continues to inspire his teaching.
Joelle Magyar '91 is the superintendent of Brecksville-Broadview Heights School District in Ohio. The Mayfield Heights, Ohio, native started her career as a teacher in Cleveland Metropolitan School District. She has since held positions with various districts as principal, director of student services and assistant superintendent.
FACULTY
Chair, Department of Education
Ph.D., Kent State University
Assistant Professor
Ed.D., University of South Carolina
Associate Professor
Ph.D., Kent State University
Professor
Ph.D., Kent State University
Professor
Ph.D., Kent State University
Professor
Ed.D., Walden University
Coordinator of School Leadership Programs
Ed.D., Northcentral University
Director, Leadership in Higher Education Program
Ph.D., Fordham University
Assistant Professor
Ed.D., Walden University
Assistant Professor
Ph.D., St. John's University
Associate Professor
Ph.D., Kent State University
Full-Time Faculty
Gabriel Swarts
Associate Dean, Education
Associate Professor
Ph.D., Kent State University
Loretta Ayers
Assistant Professor
Ed.D., University of South Carolina
Rochelle Berndt
Associate Professor
Ph.D., Kent State University
Gary Christie
Professor
Ph.D., Kent State University
Cynthia Dieterich
Professor, Ph.D.
Kent State University
Susan Finelli-Genovese
Professor
Ed.D., Walden University
Debra Janas
Chair, Department of Education
Professor
Ph.D., Kent State University
Michelle Kocar
Coordinator of School Leadership Programs
Associate Professor
Ed.D., Northcentral University
Ken Schneck
Director, Leadership in Higher Education Program
Associate Professor
Ph.D., Fordham University
Brandi Seither
Assistant Professor
Ed.D., Walden University
Jeannie Votypka
Assistant Professor
Ph.D., St. John's University
Christy Walkuski
Associate Professor
Ph.D., Kent State University
Adjunct Faculty
David Bowlin
Lecturer
Ed.D., University of Pittsburgh
Erin Byrne
Lecturer
M.A., Middle Tennessee State University
Theodore Caleris
Lecturer
Ph.D., Cleveland State University
Anne Cole
Lecturer
MAEd, Baldwin Wallace University
Carolyn Constance
Lecturer
M.A., University of Akron
Christina Corsi
Lecturer
Ed.D., University of the Cumberlands
Anthony DiBiasio
Lecturer
Ph.D., The Ohio State University
Matthew Dunlap
Lecturer
M.S., Ashland University
Cathy Drescher
Lecturer
MAEd, Baldwin Wallace University
Margaret Eaton
Lecturer
MAEd, Baldwin Wallace University
Jason Habig
Lecturer
MAEd, University of Akron
Gjergj Haxhiu
Lecturer
MDY, Concordia University & Gwynedd Mercy University
Kerry Johnson
Lecturer
MAEd, Cleveland State University
Heather Marzenski
Lecturer
Ed.D., Walden University
Carol McKnight
Lecturer
MAEd, Baldwin Wallace University
Jennifer Murphy
Lecturer
MAEd, University of Phoenix
Vishtasp Nuggud
Lecturer
Ph.D., Cleveland State University
Henry Pettiegrew
Lecturer
Ph.D. Cleveland State University
Elena Scotton
Lecturer
MAEd, Cleveland State University
Latonya Shazor
Lecturer
MAEd, Capella University
Audrey Smolik
Lecturer
MAEd, Baldwin Wallace University
Barbara Sposet
Lecturer
Ph.D., Kent State University
Vicki Turner
Lecturer
Ph.D., Concordia University
David Vale
Lecturer
M.Ed., Cleveland State University
Robert Wilson
Lecturer
M.A., The Ohio State University
Staff
Heather Marzenski
Director of Field and Clinical Experiences
Ed.D., Walden University
Jennifer Murphy
Field Coordinator and Licensure Specialist
M.Ed, University of Phoenix
Shawn Straub
Administrative Assistant to the Dean, Office Manager
M.A., Edinboro University of Pennsylvania