Teacher Residency and Education Division

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Division Chairperson and Graduate Program Director: Daniel Mourlam, Ed.D.
 

Division of Teacher Residency and Education
115 Delzell Education Center
Phone: (605) 658-6639
tre@usd.edu 
http://www.usd.edu/tre

FACULTY

 Associate Professors:

Susan Gapp, Ed.D., University of South Dakota. Specialization: Language Arts, Reading Education.
Daniel Mourlam, Ed.D., University of Northern Iowa. Specialization: Instructional Technology, Secondary Methods.
Kevin Reins, Ph.D., University of Wyoming. Specialization: Mathematics Education.
Jing (An) Williams, Ph.D., Ohio University. Specialization: Social Studies Education

Assistant Professors:

John Williams, Ed.D., University of South Dakota: Science Education, STEM Education

Senior Lecturer:

Monica Iverson, Ed.D., University of South Dakota. Specialization: Special Education.

Lecturer:

Branden Hoefert, M.S., Fort Hays State University. Specialization: Elementary Education, Science Education, STEM Education 
Robin Wiebers, Ed.D., University of South Dakota. Specialization: Secondary Education.
Jacqueline Wilber, Ed.D., Doane University. Specialization: English, Language Arts Education, Literacy Education.

Instructor:

Kirsten Biersbach, M.A., University of South Dakota.
Nicole Carr, M.S., Southwest Minnesota State University, Specialization: Elementary Education, Teacher Residency.
Kristen DeMuth, M.Ed., University of Nebraska- Lincoln. Specialization: Teacher Residency.
Jamie Hovden, M.A., University of South Dakota, Specialization: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education 
Carla McMurry-Kozak, Ed.S., University of South Dakota. Specialization: Special Education, Secondary Education. 
Rebecca Phillips, M.A., Doane University. Specializtion: Teacher Residency.
Theresa Skinner, Ed.S., University of South Dakota. Specialization: Secondary Education, Teacher Residency

Professor Emeritus:

Lisa A. Hazlett, Ph.D., University of Kansas-Lawrence. Specialization: English, Language Arts Education.
Garreth Zalud, Ph.D., University of Georgia. Specialization: Reading Education.

DEGREE

Master of Arts

Elementary Education  

Secondary Education  

SPECIALIZATION

Culturally & Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Learners (accelerated option available) - inactive
Reading Specialist-Literacy Coach (NEW summer 2024)
STEM Education (accelerated option available)

Secondary Education + Certification  
Special Education  

SPECIALIZATION

Master of Science

Technology Integration and Coaching  

Doctor of Education

Curriculum and Instruction  

CERTIFICATE

Alternative Teacher Certification   
Dyslexia  
Science, Technology, and Math Pedagogy  
Special Education Alternative Teaching  

Division of Teacher Residency and Education

The mission of the Division of Teacher Residency and Education is to focus on teaching principles of learning and instruction through a framework of current theory, research, best practices, diversity, and technology in order to prepare reflective graduates that have broad knowledge of the multiple factors affecting individuals’ development, performance, and leadership within PK-12 classrooms and professional practice.

Graduate programs in the Division of Teacher Residency and Education are designed to provide advanced preparation in teacher education to prepare individuals for leadership positions in schools, districts, and higher education. For students enrolled in master’s degree programs this is accomplished through coursework and experiences where students learn about the rationale and theory behind instructional decision-making, while also building students’ specialized content expertise. Students pursuing their doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction extend their knowledge and skills by engaging in state and national level professional organizations, conducting original research leading to publication, engaging in successful teaching and curriculum planning experiences within higher education contexts, and seeking grant funding opportunities. Coursework in programs is offered through a variety of delivery systems, including many courses offered through online modalities, to flexibly meet the unique needs of students pursuing advanced degree work within the Division. 

The Division of Teacher Residency & Education administers the Professional Development Center. Adapted from national models of “Grow Your Own” programs that identify and train teachers, learning specialists and support staff in education and professional development, the PDC is a partnership between PK-12 districts and USD School of Education utilizing a scholar practitioner model demonstrating the best teaching and learning practices to develop educators who have pedagogical expertise to meet the learning needs of all children. The USD School of Education PDC model has also been adapted from apprenticeship models in which teachers, support staff and other learning specialists work full time in a district while seeking a teaching degree in special education. The USD School of Education approach clusters school district teachers into a cohort to encourage PDC Teachers to exchange ideas, materials, teaching demonstrations, and teaching technologies. At the same time, this approach provides opportunities to influence both existing professional practices in school districts and teacher education program development at USD. The PDC brings increased resources to the classrooms and provides for systematic and collaborative interaction among school educators and university teacher educators. The PDC provides a restructured relationship between school districts and USD School of Education to encourage the further development of educational systems and meet the needs of districts facing teacher shortages. To apply to this program, candidates must be an employee of a partner district, have a Bachelor’s Degree, and recommended by the partner district. Please contact Dr. Robin Wiebers (robin.wiebers@usd.edu) with questions. 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS (Doctor of Education)

1. Completed Graduate Application form found at: https://www.usd.edu/graduate-school/apply-now and a non-refundable application fee of $35.
2. Official transcript(s) verifying receipt of an undergraduate degree and previous graduate credit (in English or with translation). Transcripts must be complete (e.g., if currently enrolled, work-in-progress coursework must be included, foreign transcripts must include a grading scale, and for countries that issue, copy of degree certificate/diploma i.e., India, Nepal, etc.). The USD Graduate School and/or academic units retain the right to require credential evaluations from organizations, such as Educational Credential Evaluators/World Education Services (ECE/WES), for a student if such an evaluation is deemed necessary.
3. Completion of a baccalaureate degree is required from an institutionally accredited institution. A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.7 on conferred degree and/or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, based on a 4.0 scale, on all graduate coursework is required for full admission. Each graduate program may admit students on provisional status per university policy.
4. Applicants with degrees from countries other than the United States who have obtained a high school diploma, undergraduate, or graduate degree from an institutionally accredited American college or university or from an accredited institution in the approved list  of English-speaking countries are not required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score. For all other applicants with degrees from other countries, a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT), 8.5 on the TOEFL Essentials, 6.0 on the IELTS Academic, 53 on the PTE, or 110 on Duolingo is required for graduate admission. 
5. Applicants are required to include a purpose or goal statement that outlines their career and professional goals and why they believe this degree program will help them achieve those goals.

Additional Program Admission Requirements:

6. Three (3) professional letters of recommendation are required.
7. Resume.

Subject to division chair’s approval, applicants who do not meet all of the above criteria may be admitted on a provisional basis.

WICHE Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) eligible program. 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS (Master of Arts and Master of Science)

1. Completed Graduate Application form found at: https://www.usd.edu/graduate-school/apply-now and a non-refundable application fee of $35.
2. Official transcript(s) verifying receipt of an undergraduate degree and previous graduate credit (in English or with translation). Transcripts must be complete (e.g., if currently enrolled, work-in-progress coursework must be included, foreign transcripts must include a grading scale, and for countries that issue, copy of degree certificate/diploma i.e., India, Nepal, etc.). The USD Graduate School and/or academic units retain the right to require credential evaluations from organizations, such as Educational Credential Evaluators/World Education Services (ECE/WES), for a student if such an evaluation is deemed necessary.
3. Applicants with a baccalaureate degree may be qualified for admission into the graduate program. Baccalaureate degree must be from an institution with institutional accreditation for that degree. A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.7 on conferred degree and/or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, based on a 4.0 scale, on all graduate coursework is required for full admission. Each graduate program may admit students on provisional status per university policy.
4. Applicants with degrees from countries other than the United States who have obtained a high school diploma, undergraduate, or graduate degree from an institutionally accredited American college or university or from an accredited institution in the approved list  of English-speaking countries are not required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score. For all other applicants with degrees from other countries, a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT), 8.5 on the TOEFL Essentials, 6.0 on the IELTS Academic, 53 on the PTE, or 110 on Duolingo is required for graduate admission. 
5. Applicants are required to include a purpose or goal statement that outlines their career and professional goals and why they believe this degree program will help them achieve those goals.

Additional Program Admission Requirements:

6. Resume.
7. Three (3) professional letters of recommendation are required.
8. Secondary Education Plus Certification and Special Education Multicategorical Plus Certification applicants require the following: 

a. Secondary Education Plus Certification applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree in areas equivalent in content to an approved University of South Dakota teaching major. The secondary education plus certification program provides an opportunity to become certified to teach at the secondary level. Students with degrees in Art, Music, and Physical Education will also have to satisfy the necessary requirements for K-12 certification.

b.  Special Education Multicategorical Plus Certification applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree. The special education multicategorical program provides an opportunity for candidates to earn initial K-12 special education certification. Students in this program will also have to satisfy entrance requirements for admission to teacher education and all teacher certification requirements.

Subject to division chair’s approval, applicants who do not meet the above criteria may be admitted on a provisional basis.

WICHE Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) eligible program. 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS (Graduate Certificates)

1. Completed Graduate Application form found at: https://www.usd.edu/graduate-school/apply-now and a non-refundable application fee of $35.
2. Official transcript(s) verifying receipt of an undergraduate degree and previous graduate credit (in English or with translation). Transcripts must be complete (e.g., if currently enrolled, work-in-progress coursework must be included, foreign transcripts must include a grading scale, and for countries that issue, copy of degree certificate/diploma i.e., India, Nepal, etc.). The USD Graduate School and/or academic units retain the right to require credential evaluations from organizations, such as Educational Credential Evaluators/World Education Services (ECE/WES), for a student if such an evaluation is deemed necessary.
3. Applicants with a baccalaureate or master’s degrees may be qualified for admission into the certificate program. Baccalaureate degree must be from an institution with institutional accreditation for that degree. A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.7 on conferred degree and/or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, based on a 4.0 scale, on all graduate coursework is required for full admission. Each graduate certificate program may admit students on provisional status per university policy.
4. Applicants with degrees from countries other than the United States who have obtained a high school diploma, undergraduate, or graduate degree from an institutionally accredited American college or university or from an accredited institution in the approved list  of English-speaking countries are not required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score. For all other applicants with degrees from other countries, a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT), 8.5 on the TOEFL Essentials, 6.0 on the IELTS Academic, 53 on the PTE, or 110 on Duolingo is required for graduate admission.   
5. Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose or goal statement.

Additional Program Admission Requirements:

6. Resume.
7. Three (3) professional letters of recommendation are required.
8. Applicants to the Graduate Certificate in Special Education Alternative Teaching must meet the following requirements:
   1. Have 3 years of teaching experience in the general education classroom within the last 5 years.
   2. Be currently employed or have a job offer in hand as a Special Education teacher in a South Dakota school district.

Subject to division chair’s approval, applicants who do not meet the above criteria may be admitted on a provisional basis.

Note: Applicants for the Alternative Teacher Certification certificate should understand that the graduate certificate does not automatically result in a teaching license in South Dakota. Applicants should follow the processes outlined by the South Dakota Department of Education (https://doe.sd.gov/). 

Application Deadline

• Summer 2024, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025, starts
  • Two weeks before the start of the semester
• Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Spring 2026, starts
  • Three weeks before the start of the semester

Student Learning Outcomes for Special Education (M.A.)

1. Candidates will understand and apply knowledge and skills appropriate to their professional field of specialization.  
2. Candidates will demonstrate understanding of principles of learning that are appropriate to their field of specialization.  
3. Candidates will demonstrate professional dispositions that are appropriate to their field of specialization. 

Student Learning Outcomes for Secondary Education Plus Certification (M.A.)

1. Majors in Secondary Education will demonstrate content knowledge in their major field.  
2. Majors in Secondary Education will demonstrate the application of teaching and learning principles in the field of education.  
3. Majors in Secondary Education will have an impact on student learning in their major field. 

Student Learning Outcomes for Secondary Education (M.A.)

1. Candidates will understand and apply knowledge and skills appropriate to their professional field of specialization.  
2. Candidates will demonstrate understanding of principles of learning that are appropriate to their field of specialization.  
3. Candidates will demonstrate professional dispositions that are appropriate to their field of specialization.

Student Learning Outcomes for Elementary Education (M.A.)

1. Candidates will understand and apply knowledge and skills appropriate to their professional field of specialization.  
2. Candidates will demonstrate understanding of principles of learning that are appropriate to their field of specialization.  
3. Candidates will demonstrate professional dispositions that are appropriate to their field of specialization.

Student Learning Outcomes for Technology for Education and Training (M.S.)

1. Candidates will understand and apply knowledge and skills appropriate to their professional field of specialization.  
2. Candidates will demonstrate understanding of principles of learning that are appropriate to their field of specialization.  
3. Candidates will demonstrate professional dispositions that are appropriate to their field of specialization. 

Student Learning Outcomes for Curriculum and Instruction (Ed.D.)

1. Candidates will understand and apply knowledge and skills appropriate to their professional field of specialization.  
2. Candidates will demonstrate understanding of principles of learning that are appropriate to their field of specialization.  
3. Candidates will demonstrate professional dispositions that are appropriate to their field of specialization. 

In addition to coursework and the dissertation research, students will demonstrate competency in the following as a result of this program:

1. active participation in a state or national professional organization,
2. development and submission of an academic publication,
3. successful teaching or curriculum planning experience with pre-service, in-service, or other similar population,
4. submission of an external funding request to support teaching and/or research. 

Programs

• Alternative Teacher Certification Graduate Certificate
• Curriculum and Instruction (Ed.D.)
• Dyslexia Graduate Certificate
• Elementary Education (M.A.)
• Elementary Education Plus Certification or non-specialization (M.A.)
• Science, Technology, and Math Pedagogy Graduate Certificate
• Secondary Education (M.A.)
• Secondary Education Plus Certification or non-specialization (M.A.)
• Special Education (M.A.)
• Special Education (SPED) Alternative Teaching Graduate Certificate
• Technology Integration and Coaching (M.S.)

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