Outstanding Aspects of the Program
- Accreditation: The Elementary Education program at Lees-McRae College has achieved the high standards required to maintain accreditation by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and North Carolina State Department of Public Instruction (NCSDPI). Building on the Lees-McRae College liberal arts core curriculum, the major curriculum has a balance of philosophy, theory, and practice for effective teacher preparation.
- Field Experience: The field experiences required by the program are in logical progression from observations, to assisting, to student teaching. Each provides for a smooth transition to the next level of expectation, thereby assuring success at each level. Many field experiences take place at Lees-McRae Professional Development Schools (PDS). These specially selected educational facilities enable students to work closely with professionals who are committed to the educational success of future teachers.
- INTASC Portfolio: The Elementary Education program requires the development of a professional portfolio aligned with the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (NTASC) standards. Completion of this portfolio assists the graduate in making a smooth transition to the Initial Licensure Program for new teachers.
- Technology Skills: The program also requires the completion of a technology portfolio. This portfolio demonstrates that Lees-McRae students have acquired the technology skills/competencies expected by the state of North Carolina of all new teachers.
- Faculty and Staff: The faculty and staff of the program are well qualified for the positions they hold and the responsibilities they fulfill. All faculty have appropriate degrees, public school experience, and N.C. Professional Licensure. Staff members are knowledgeable of the program, competent in required skills, and supportive of students and faculty, exemplifying the reflective practitioner framework.
- Student/Faculty Ratio: The student/faculty ratio is appropriate to allow for positive interaction. Class size is held to a number that allows for a high level of student participation and small group activity. Faculty members are available to mentor and work with student needs on an individual basis. When in field experiences, students are provided appropriate supervision.