JSU Teacher Candidates Make the Grade on Certification Exam
05/06/2022
by Brett Buckner
JSU’s teacher candidates are at the head of the class when it comes to preparation. Graduating education majors have earned a 95 percent pass rate on the high-stakes Teacher Performance Assessment, demonstrating their readiness for the classroom.
“Receiving such a high pass rate speaks volumes to the college’s efforts to have its students ready for Day 1 in the classroom,” said Dr. Kimberly White, dean of the JSU College of Education and Professional Studies. “Our current graduates are school and learner-ready when they complete our programs. I have no doubt that our future graduates will be just as prepared to go anywhere in the world and positively impact student learning.”
Developed by the Stanford Center for Assessment, Learning and Equity in 2009, the Teacher Performance Assessment – or edTPA – measures a teacher candidate’s abilities in planning, instruction and assessment, along with the ability to differentiate different student needs. It requires aspiring teachers to submit a portfolio of materials for review, including a series of lesson plans, a video of themselves teaching and written analysis of their instructional practice.
Since 2018, Alabama has used edTPA as an assessment option for candidates seeking initial teaching certification. All new teachers in Alabama must pass this nationally-scored assessment.
“The theme for our college is ‘reaching a world-class standard’,” White said. “To this end, faculty and staff members in our educator preparation programs are committed to providing engaging learning-centered experiences to help candidates develop the knowledge, skills and professional dispositions necessary for success at the highest level – and our candidates always rise to meet this expectation.”
Founded in 1883 as a teachers’ college, JSU has always been known for producing the best and brightest teachers for Alabama’s schools. The College of Education and Professional Studies offers bachelor’s, master’s and education specialist degrees and its programs are accredited by the Alabama State Department of Education, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.