The early childhood through grade six curriculum is designed to produce teachers who are knowledgeable about children and how they learn, passionate about teaching, and resourceful in solving problems. The courses are planned to provide a wide range of professional readings, cooperative learning experiences, authentic assignments that simulate the work of classroom teachers and productive field experiences.
Requirements. To be highly qualified to teach in Texas, students must pass the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards EC–Grade 6 Core Subjects exam and TExES EC–Grade 12 Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities exam. In addition, all requirements – seven classroom-based courses, three field experience courses, satisfactory student-teaching or internship experiences, and passing scores on the appropriate TExES tests – must be fulfilled before the Simmons School will recommend a student for licensure granted by the Texas Education Agency. Candidates must complete all of the following courses with an overall B average.