Bachelor's Programs
Teacher Education Program
Teacher Education is a valued program of study at the University of the Incarnate Word because it so directly addresses the mission to which the University is committed. The emphasis of the program incorporates a broad liberal arts education as a foundation for the more in-depth focus on academic teaching specializations and the body of knowledge associated with the teaching and learning process. The program prepares individuals for a profession in which they can affect society and mankind in significant, positive ways.
The UIW Teacher Education Department offers a field-based program that provides intensive, realistic, and high-quality experiences in settings where preservice teachers can match theory and practice, observe effective teaching practices, encounter diversity, and explore and develop their teaching in close interaction with university faculty.
Programs of Study
The UIW Dreeben School of Education is both state and nationally accredited. Graduates of the Teacher Education Program meet state licensure requirements established by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The Dreeben School of Education was first accredited by the TEA in January 1973 and maintains state accreditation. The University of the Incarnate Word is a member of good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The Teacher Education Program has been awarded full accreditation by AAQEP through December 31, 2028. UIW's academic programs, including Teacher Education, are approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The Teacher Education degrees are designed to prepare students for initial Texas teaching certification. Students seeking certification from the UIW Teacher Education Department will be subject to any additional or new requirements, which may set forth by legislative mandates or by the State Board for Educator Certification. Students prepare for certification at the elementary level (early childhood-sixth grade) by completing the Bachelor of Arts, Education-Elementary Major with a Literacy Minor and required special education coursework. Students seeking a degree grounded in elementary education but without the teaching certification preparation complete the Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies Major which also includes the Literacy Minor and special education coursework. Both majors offer the optional Special Education Minor.
Students interested in secondary certification (grades 7 through 12) and all-level certification (early childhood through grade 12) complete a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major, in their teaching discipline and in Education. Prospective music teachers complete a Bachelor of Music in Music Education with the Education Minor. The Literacy Minor and Special Education Minor are options for secondary and all-level certification candidates.
At present, the University of the Incarnate Word offers certification in the following areas and levels. Secondary and All Level candidates benefit from advising in both disciplines as they prepare for initial teacher certification.
Education—Elementary
Education—Secondary
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Biology / Life Science (7-12)
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Chemistry / Physical Science (6-12)
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English Language Arts and Reading (7-12)
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History (7-12)
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Mathematics (7-12)
Education—All Level