Overview
Mission Statement - Kinesiology
Kinesiology is a broad-based discipline offering educational opportunities in diverse areas, including exercise science, health & fitness, health and physical education teacher education, and coaching. The Department of Kinesiology at the University of Jamestown provides exceptional instruction and learning experiences that play a vital role in the holistic development of students. Through the academic disciplines, students will gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to apply the concepts of physical activity and healthy living in a variety of professional settings. Students will be prepared to pursue a career in the fields of fitness, teaching, or coaching, or continue in graduate studies in exercise physiology, physical therapy, athletic training, or related fields.
Mission Statement - Teacher Education
Our mission is to prepare teachers with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to provide optimum learning experiences for diverse students in today’s schools. The program balances the ideals of a liberal arts tradition and sound professional preparation within a Christian atmosphere of self-discipline, responsibility, and concern for the continuing growth of the individual.
Teacher Education Programs
Programs and requirements are subject to change to meet state approval. Approved areas for teacher licensure at University of Jamestown include:
- Elementary
- Biology
- English
- History
- Music
- Health and Physical Education
Teacher Education Organizations
Candidates are encouraged to join Student North Dakota United (SNDU), a professional organization, to gain greater knowledge of their field and to meet other pre-service and in-service Educators. Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements are invited to join Pi Lambda Theta, the International Honor Society and Professional Association in Education.
Admission to the Teacher Education Program
Candidates generally apply for admission to the program while enrolled in EDUC 201: Introduction to Teaching. Candidates who transfer this course from another institution should meet with the Teacher Education chair upon admission to UJ. Applications are due November 1st for spring admission and April 1st for fall admission. Applications are not accepted or reviewed during the summer months.
Admission Criteria
- Attainment of required credits for sophomore status
- Completion of EDUC 201: Introduction to Teaching with a minimum grade of C-
- Completion of EDUC 100: Praxis Preparation
- Minimum grade of C- in ENGL 101 and ENGL 102
- Minimum grade of C- in COMM 102 or COMM 201
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70
- Satisfactory background check
- Passing scores on the Praxis I (Core Academic Skills) tests
- Approval of the Teacher Education Council
Additional Information for All Candidates Seeking Teaching Licensure
While completion of the Praxis II: Content and Praxis II: PLT exams is an exit requirement, passing scores on those exams is not. However, candidates must earn passing scores on both exams in order to attain North Dakota licensure. Candidates are required to complete the Praxis II: Content exam prior to student teaching. The Praxis II: PLT exam must be taken before the completion of student teaching. Candidates who plan to teach in states other than North Dakota should consult with that state’s education department since each state has its own licensure requirements and administers its own licensing process.
A grade of C- or above must be earned in all courses that are required in a major or a minor.
Outcomes
Intended Student Learning Outcomes - Health and Physical Education
Health and Physical Education candidates:
- Demonstrate an understanding of common and specialized content, scientific and theoretical foundations, health literacy, digital literacy skills, and behavior change, for the delivery of effective K-12 health and physical education standards for the purpose of instilling health behaviors in all learners.
- Are physically literate individuals who can demonstrate skillful performance in physical education content areas and health-enhancing levels of fitness.
- Apply content and foundational knowledge to plan and implement meaningful and developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with local, state, and national standards for K-12 Health and Physical Education. Candidates plan and use a range of instructional technology, resources and accommodations and/or modifications that support the needs of all learners regardless of race, ethnic origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, cognitive ability and physical ability.
- Engage students in meaningful learning experiences through effective use of pedagogical skills. They use communication, feedback, and instructional and managerial skills to enhance student learning.
- Select and implement appropriate assessments to engage all learners, monitor students’ progress, provide meaningful feedback, and guide decision making related to instruction and learning.
- Demonstrate behaviors essential to becoming effective professionals. They exhibit professional ethics and culturally competent practices; seek opportunities for continued professional development; and demonstrate knowledge of promotion/advocacy strategies for physical education, expanded physical activity opportunities, and health promotion and support the development of health and physically literate individuals.
Intended Student Learning Outcomes - Teacher Education
The Teacher Education program has adopted the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) standards as its program outcomes. These standards have been adopted by a majority of states, including North Dakota. Candidates in the University of Jamestown Teacher Education program will demonstrate competency in the ten InTASC standards, which are:
- Learner Development
- Learning Differences
- Learning Environments
- Content Knowledge
- Application of Content
- Assessment
- Planning for Instruction
- Instructional Strategies
- Professional Learning and Ethical Practice
- Leadership and Collaboration