MAJOR - EDUCATIONAL STUDIES
Department of Education Studies

Department Mission: Guided by the tenets of Catholicism and the Benedictine hallmarks, the Department of Education’s mission is to promote commitment among students to serve and to be advocates for those most vulnerable in society, children. By our own example, we teach our students to understand the responsibilities and privileges entailed in this commitment. Through the study of the liberal arts and the knowledge, skills, and dispositions inherent in education courses and field experiences, we help our students develop minds that are both broad and agile, so they are equipped to make wise and ethical decisions that benefit them and those whose lives they touch.

To be eligible for acceptance into the degree program, the student must declare the major and have completed at least 9 hours of education coursework. The student must complete 30 hours of coursework in education, including an internship, with a minimum grade of “C-” in each.

Major requirements (Traditional Students):

• ED 300 - Introduction to Education
• ED 303 - Children’s Literature
• ED 305 - Introduction to the Exceptional Child
• ED 308 - Perspectives in Education
• ED 310W - Educational Development & Psychology
• ED 351 - N.C. History or an approved course in United States History
• ED 399 - Diversity in Education
• ED 460 - Internship & Seminar
• BU 315W - Business Communications

Other Courses:
Selected in consultation with advisor to address the student’s interests and professional goals.

The Department of Education recommends that Educational Studies majors pursue a minor.

It is the student’s responsibility to see that all degree requirements for graduation are fulfilled.

Educational Studies - Resources
Kappa Delta Pi
Honor students in education are invited to join the Upsilon Eta Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi (KDP), an international society promoting excellence in education. Membership is open to honor students who have shown commendable personal qualities, worthy educational ideals, and sound scholarship. Involvement in KDP provides students with the opportunity to cultivate relationships with other members of the teaching profession, inspires students to strive for individual and professional growth, and encourages them to become active participants in state, regional, and national meetings.

Curriculum Resource Center
The Curriculum Resource Center (CRC) is a resource facility (located in room 112, William Gaston Science Building) that provides a variety of education services for students and faculty. The CRC houses curriculum materials, professional literature, and instructional equipment. It supports the goals and objectives of the Department of Education, which reflect the instructional needs and practices of teachers in elementary schools. The center serves as an active learning environment for students and provides opportunities for examination, production, and evaluation of educational resources.

The Sister Christine Beck Department of Education of Belmont Abbey College is in compliance with Section 207 of Title II of the Higher Education Act of the United States Department of Education. This act requires Institutions of Higher Education (IHE’s) to report to the federal and state governments as well as to the public. These reports and relevant data are available upon request from the Sister Christine Beck Department of Education Office.

Faculty:
Dr. Tara Galloway - Assistant Professor of Education
B.S., Pembroke State University
M.Ed., University of North Carolina-Charlotte
Ph.D., University of North Carolina-Charlotte

Dr. Carroll Helm – Associate Professor of Education
B.A., Carson-Newman College
M.S., University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Ph.D., East Tennessee State University

Dr. Julie Kohlbrenner - Lecturer in Education
B.A., University of Florida-Gainesville
M.Ed., University of Florida-Gainesville

Dr. Judith McDonald - Assistant Professor
B.S., in Secondary Education, West Virginia University
M.Ed., in Science Education, University of North Carolina-Charlotte
Ph.D., in Curriculum and Instruction, University of North Carolina-Greensboro

Dr. Lisa O'Neill - Assistant Professor of Education
B.S., Appalachian State University
M.Ed., University of North Carolina-Charlotte
Ed.D., Gardner-Webb University

Dr. Sara Davis Powell– Chair and Professor of Education
B.S., in Mathematics, Southern Nazarene University
M.A.T., in Math Education, University of Colorado
Ph.D., in Administration, Supervision, and Curriculum Development, University of Colorado.

Dr. Melinda Ratchford - Associate Professor of Education
B.S., Appalachian State University
M.S.L.S., University of North Carolina-Greensboro
Ed.S., Appalachian State University
Ed.D., University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

Dr. Benette Sutton - Instructor of Education and Director of Student Teaching
B.A., Sacred Heart College
M.Ed., University of North Carolina-Charlotte