Department
Teacher Education
The Department of Teacher Education offers a variety of unique opportunities that allow candidates to graduate prepared for numerous jobs.
12 : 1
Student to Faculty Ratio
100%
May 2021 Graduates Employed or Pursuing Graduate Studies Within 3 Months of Graduation
9
State Approved and 8 Nationally Recognized Programs
Samford’s teacher education programs are all nationally recognized by the Specialized Professional Associations (SPA) or approved by the Alabama State Department of Education, Continuous Improvement in Educator Preparation.
Orlean Beeson School of Education offers the only undergraduate major in Alabama with four different teaching certificates within one degree. Over the course of four years, undergraduates have the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of diverse, off-campus classroom settings. Candidates who complete one of our rigorous bachelor’s or master’s degree programs are eligible for certification through the Alabama State Department of Education.
“We are helping shape the future of our students, and Samford does a really good job of crafting those leadership skills by providing many opportunities to be in schools, observing and student teaching well before graduation.”
—Kamryn Ashby, senior
Undergraduate Programs
Early Childhood, Special Education, Elementary, Elementary Collaborative (ESEC)
This nationally recognized program is designed to meet the needs of candidates interested in teaching children birth through sixth grade. Candidates pursuing this degree earn Alabama teaching certificates in four areas.
Elementary Education with a Concentration in Christian Education and Missions
This program is designed for candidates who desire the flexibility and opportunity to integrate service and teaching in an educational mission setting. This concentration is open to students throughout the university.
Secondary Education
The secondary education program is for candidates who wish to teach at the middle or high school level (6th-12th grade). By pairing Samford's renowned and rigorous content classes with solid pedagogy and teaching strategies, we aim to equip graduates to be highly skilled and innovative educators.
Graduate Programs
The Alternative A Master’s Programs are designed for those who have earned a bachelor's degree in a field other than education from a regionally accredited institution who desire to become a certified teacher.
Student Organizations
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
ASCD is a global community of educators dedicated to excellence in learning, teaching and leading. The group's innovative solutions empower educators to promote the success of each child. Membership in Samford's student chapter is a valuable opportunity for candidates to connect with education professionals while transitioning into their own career in education.
Junior Dean's Executive Council
The council provides an environment for students to collaborate with the school of education dean. This avenue allows students to share their perspectives about the school and departments. It also grants them the opportunity to offer suggestions for ways in which their learning environment can be enhanced. Students who serve on the council participate in events hosted by the school. It is an excellent opportunity for members to network and meet professionals in their field.
Teacher Education Honor Society
Orlean Beeson School of Education is home to the Kappa Delta Pi, international honor society in education, Zeta Theta chapter. Each year, teacher education and educational leadership candidates who have completed at least 24 credits of collegiate course work, six of which are education courses, and maintained a grade point average of a 3.0 or higher are eligible for admission.
Scholarships
Ralph W. & Orlean B. Beeson Scholarship
Scholarship grants for worthy students at Orlean Beeson School of Education at Samford University.
James H. Williams Scholarship
Awarded to needy and worthy undergraduate students. Preference shall be given to students within the education school.
Jeanna King Westmoreland Endowed Scholarship
Awarded to a student of financial need, within Orlean Beeson School of Education.
Orlean Beeson School of Education Legacy Scholarship
Awarded to rising junior students who feel called to work within education and/or in work that enriches the lives of families; with preference given to those with demonstrated significant financial need.
Charlotte Opal Herring Ennis Graduate Scholarship
Awarded based upon need to students in graduate education in Orlean Beeson School of Education.
Ms. Jewell Scholarship
Awarded to a person who has clearly demonstrated his or her commitment to Jesus as Lord of their life, whose father or mother serves as a minister of the gospel of Jesus, who is pursuing a degree in child education in the second or latter years of study who has maintained a GPA of “B” or above, and who has attempted to provide the funds for their education through work study or part-time work in the first year of education.
Mary Elizabeth Wyatt Scholarship
Awarded to a student recipient for this scholarship who is starting their junior year at Samford University and is a registered declared student in Orlean Beeson School of Education. The Scholarship and Awards Committee within Orlean Beeson School of Education must have evidence that the scholarship recipient exhibits Christ-centered character, has shown evidence of propensity in leadership, exemplifies Samford’s motto of For God, For Learning, Forever, has earned at least a 3.0 academic average in their coursework at Samford University and demonstrated financial need.
Maurice Persall Endowed Scholarship
Awarded to a doctoral candidate within Orlean Beeson School of Education with demonstrated financial need, academic ability to succeed and commitment to completion of the doctoral program in Educational Leadership.
Joan Gardiner Chambers Endowed Scholarship
Awarded based on need by HDFE department.
Home Economics Scholarship
Awarded based on need by HDFE department.
Home Economics Retailing Scholarship
Awarded based on need by HDFE department.
Alabama Power Foundation Scholarship
Awarded to a full-time student enrolled in undergraduate education
Anne Glaze Stone and William C. Stone Scholarship
Awarded to undergraduate students preparing for a career in education with preference given to students from Madison and Limestone counties.
Velma Wright Irons Scholarship
Awarded to a student who is pursuing a vocational role in education and who has attained a junior class rank.
Jo Cooper & Henry W. Dark Scholarship
Awarded to a student with demonstrated financial need and record of outstanding scholarship. Student must have plans to enter the teaching profession. Renewable for up to four academic years, pending a 3.0 GPA and good standing within the University.
Kathryn Abercrombie Scholarship
Awarded to students who are sophomores, juniors and/or seniors enrolled within the education school.
Brookwood Baptist/Nila Graham Campbell Scholarship
Awarded to a deserving student(s) with preference given to those students pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education.
John & Fran Carter Scholarship for Teacher Education
Awarded to rising juniors and/or rising seniors who are enrolled in a certification program for Teacher Education. Preference will be given to candidates with a high GPA, but should be chosen on both merit and financial need. It is preferable that the total available amount for award be divided between a male and female recipient.
Samford University School of Education International Internships Scholarship
Annual scholarship to support School of Education students enrolled in the Teacher Education Curriculum to enable and provide resources for their participation in international internships in developing countries allowing them to work as teacher assistants/interns in schools that serve local (primarily underserved) children.
The Bill and Pam Smith Family Foundation scholarship
Awarded to students pursuing a career in elementary education, with preference given to those who are passionate about teaching mathematics and science. Preference may also be given to those who demonstrate significant financial need.
Alto L. Garner Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to a teacher education graduate candidate within Orlean Beeson School of Education with demonstrated financial need, letters of recommendation regarding pertinent information relative to character and should have completed two graduate courses.
Twanna Caddell Powell Annual and Endowed Scholarship in Education
Since a large majority of students in the School of Education are female, the donor has expressed a strong desire to give preference to students that are male, of good character, in good standing with the school, and who have expressed intent to teach in the public school system after graduation.
