School of Education
Degree Programs | Admissions | SOE Faculty
Forming Teachers for the Church and the World
The Aquinas College Educator Preparation Program (EPP) was founded on the belief that teaching is more than a career choice: it is both a gift and a mission.
Since 1994, Aquinas College forms educators who are equipped to
The School of Education at Aquinas College prepares teachers who understand education not merely as a profession, but as a vocation. Rooted in the charism of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia and inspired by the wisdom of St. Thomas Aquinas, our programs unite faith and reason in service to the formation of the whole person.
Whether serving in Catholic, public, or independent schools, our graduates are prepared to foster the
intellectual,
moral, and
spiritual growth of the students entrusted to their care.
The human and personal development of each candidate takes place in an environment where the sanctity of each human person is respected, the unity of faith and reason is made clear, the love for truth is cultivated, the fidelity to Church teachings is lived, and the mission of evangelization is embraced. Thus, candidates are prepared to be Teachers of the Truth, enabled to bring the message of salvation to bear on ethical, social, political, religious, and cultural issues in a variety of public, private, and parochial school settings.
Field Experience
Visiting real classrooms is a requirement for each education course and begins early in the course. After ample time visiting classrooms and watching master teachers at work, teacher candidates practice teaching lessons and units in real classrooms, learning how to connect theory and practice in authentic classroom settings and to refine their own competence in delivery.
A Curriculum Rooted in Wisdom
The curriculum combines robust study in the liberal arts, educational theory, classroom practice, and professional preparation. Candidates gain a deep understanding of both what to teach and how to teach it, while developing the habits of reflection, communication, and leadership necessary for a lifetime of service in education.
Clinical Practice
Those in the M.A.T. program with a full time, paid teaching position have the option for embedded clinical practice after completing the course work. A Tennessee provisional license is obtained, and the teacher candidate completes the requirements of the clinical practice experience in their own classroom, under the supervision of a college supervisor and peer mentor. The placement requires a minimum of 100 days, with the portfolio presentation normally occurring in March to complete the program.
With completion of our coursework, passing of content area Praxis tests, and successful student teaching experience, the School of Education applies for the teacher candidate’s Tennessee license through the Tennessee State Department of Education.
The Student Learning Outcomes guide the programs, established by the faculty and accomplished in the delivery of the curriculum, in the experiences provided in K-12 classrooms, and in the classes of the professional core
Identified Student Learning Outcomes state that the Aquinas College Educator Preparation Program initial licensure program graduate will be prepared to:
- Demonstrate depth and breadth in subject area content.
- Integrate a variety of instructional strategies to develop student performance skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and personal achievement.
- Design and implement a variety of assessments to evaluate student progress.
- Direct and manage individual and group behavior to promote an atmosphere conducive to academic progress.
- Model respect and reverence for the dignity of all peoples of various cultures and creeds by creating learning opportunities that enhance and value differences in learning styles, development, and other diversities.
- Employ effective communication techniques to encourage supportive, collaborative interaction among teachers, students, and parents.
- Collaborate and cooperate with other professionals and professional organizations in order to remain current and abreast of new trends and research in education.
We believe great teachers do more than deliver content. They inspire curiosity, cultivate virtue, encourage human flourishing, and help students discover their God-given potential.
Contact us
School of Education
Aquinas College
4210 Harding Pike
Nashville, TN 37205
