Department of Education

Overview

Teaching: A People-Oriented Field

If you are interested in an Education major, you can begin or continue your university studies at the University of Wisconsin–Fox Valley.

Educators help others learn about themselves and their world. Teachers help students understand abstract concepts, solve problems, and develop critical thought processes. The greatest numbers of people in education are in teaching, one of the largest occupations in the United States.
Teaching requires a variety of skills such as organizational, administrative, leadership, and record keeping abilities, research and communication skills; creativity; and the ability to influence, motivate, and train others. Teachers must continually update their skills to use the latest technologies in the classroom. All 50 states and the District of Columbia require public elementary and secondary school teachers to be certified by state education authorities.

Career Opportunities

An important factor to consider in teaching is the age level of students you desire to work with. If you like working with very young children,“early childhood” might interest you. Early childhood teachers usually teach children in preschool to grade
3. Early childhood teachers plan play and learning activities that help children learn how to relate to the world around them.

If you enjoy young children, elementary education might interest you. Elementary Education teachers usually teach children in grades 1-8 and instruct one class of children in several subjects.
If you enjoy older students, Secondary Education teachers teach junior high or high school students. Secondary Education teachers help students delve more deeply into subjects introduced in elementary school and learn more about the world and about themselves. Teachers in junior high and high schools specialize in a specific subject, such as English, Spanish, mathematics, history, or biology. They may teach a variety of related courses, for example: American history, contemporary American problems, and geography.

In addition, there are specialized fields of education that you may find rewarding. Such areas are: Special Education, Art Education, Physical Education or Music Education. Special Education teachers work in elementary, junior high, and high schools. They instruct students with a variety of disabilities such as visual and hearing impairments, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities. Special Education teachers design and modify instruction to meet a student’s special needs. Art, Music, and Physical Education teachers also work in elementary, junior high, and high schools teaching specialized areas.

Curriculum Guidelines

During the first two years of an Education degree, you will take course work in social sciences, English, mathematics, humanities, natural sciences and public speaking.
Here is a typical course layout for a UWFox student who plans to major in elementary education. The course requirements for Secondary Education, Special Education, Art Education, Physical Education and Music Education are similar to this sample layout. You would plan your individualized program based on your transfer plans.

Education Core Courses

Introduction to Psychology Psychology of Child and Adolescents Math for Elementary Teachers Geometry for Elementary Teachers Human Environmental Biology The Exceptional Individual Concepts, Issues and Field Experience in Education National, State and Local Government Introduction to Drawing Physical Education for Elementary Schools

Liberal Arts Courses

Introduction to Public Speaking Oral / Written Composition Literature Natural Science History Humanities

This course listing serves as a guideline. The beginning English and mathematics classes will be dependent upon placement scores. Specific freshman/sophomore requirements vary by major and by intended transfer institution. You should refer to the catalog of the bachelor degree-granting college or university to which you plan to transfer.

Academic and Career Advising

Faculty members are available to assist you within their respective discipline. Student Affairs advisors are available to assist you with both academic and career selection. The staff will help you to select courses to fulfill academic requirements for your desired majors. Advisors will also be able to assist you with career exploration through computerized interest inventories, resource materials, and job shadowing opportunities.

ACT! Secondary Education Program

Beginning fall 2006, career math and science professionals interested in becoming secondary math and science teachers can enroll in the program at any of the campuses. Learn more!

Further Information

E-mail address is foxinfo@uwc.edu
Web address is www.uwfox.uwc.edu
Career information web address is www.uwhelp.wisconsin.edu
Call the Student Affairs Office at (920) 832-2620
Write to the following address: Student Affairs Office, University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley 1478 Midway Road, Menasha, WI 54952
Visit the campus Student Resource Room
Explore career options on WISCAREERS computer program