Overview
 

Mission Statement
In order to achieve the goal of improved student learning in schools, the mission of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction is to prepare candidates in developing and refining knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes and behaviors appropriate for teaching prekindergarten through grade twelve. Emphasis is placed upon sound decision making developed through a continuum of experiences. Through the interaction in classroom activities, the integration of research and professional literature, the exploration and meaningful implementation of current technology, and the collaboration with school systems through laboratory field experiences, the candidates  mature in the process from novice to expert. The areas of this professional growth occur in five major contexts: knowledge of self, diverse learner, subject matter, curriculum and instruction, and pedagogy. Advanced candidates are expected to study the literature in their fields, engage in research, and participate in more sophisticated analysis relating to effective teaching and learning.

Faculty
The Department of C&I consists of faculty of the highest caliber. Faculty members are enthusiastic teachers, noted researchers, and key leaders in education at the local, state, and national level. C&I faculty are genuinely concerned about the academic development and professional growth of the student. As academic advisors, faculty are assigned to personally work with each student from his or her freshman year through graduation. The C&I Department is small enough to enjoy close contact between faculty and students, permitting a program of study that addresses individual interests, abilities, goals, and career plans.

Special Facilities and Resources
In addition to classroom instruction, our students have access to many other learning opportunities. For example, the Instructional Technology Lab provides students with state-of-the-art computer access. The lab is equipped with IBM-compatible and Macintosh computers, each with wireless access to the Internet and University servers. This teaching lab is designed to facilitate a hands-on approach to learning about and utilizing instructional technology.

C&I students also have access to the Malone Curriculum Center. This comprehensive support center provides our students with a wide variety of contemporary educational resources and professional assistance. In support of the College of Education's teacher education programs, the Center houses an abundance of textbooks, classroom materials, audio/visual equipment, and a fully equipped multimedia computer lab. The C&I Department emphasizes the production and use of new instructional media and technologies, enabling its graduates to effectively manage the dynamic and individual educational needs of current and future learning environments.

Field Experiences
The University of Montevallo and the public schools in the surrounding areas have a close professional relationship. Before entering the Teacher Education Program in the College of Education, students observe teaching in public schools while taking an introduction to education course. Once a student is accepted into the Teacher Education Program, he or she will take a series of education methods courses that are integrated with professional laboratory experiences in a variety of public school settings. During their senior, students will be assigned to a full-time (16 weeks) internship by the department.

Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships specific to C&I students. For more information or to apply for any C&I scholarship, please visit or scholarship page.

Student Organizations
The Education honor societies and groups of special interests at the University of Montevallo include Kappa Delta Pi, Student Council for Exceptional Children, Alpha Epsilon Lambda, and the Student National Education Association.