The Educational Studies Unit at Union College prepares students who seek to enter education-related professions. Candidates pursuing teaching, professional school personnel, or administrative careers in schools and other professional roles will find an assortment of integrated programs organized to meet their professional aspirations. All ESU programs are experiential, collaborative, standards-based, assessment-informed, research-guided, and technology-supported. Union College’s Educational Studies Unit has an institutional commitment to educator preparation and excellence.
The teacher education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the Education Professional Standards Board . This accreditation includes the initial teacher preparation and the advanced levels of professional education programs.
NCATE/CAEP Programs
Accountability Measures
Measure 1 (Initial): Completer Effectiveness R4.1
- Initial
- Alumni Survey & Student Survey
- CSA Summary Report
- Impact on P12 Growth Case Study
- 3-year Employment Survey Summary
- Program Impact Survey Analysis
Data for Measure 1 is currently under development / not yet available due to change in ESU Faculty & Administration. The EPP plans to add data is expected to become available to the public by January 2024.
Measure 2 (Initial & Advanced): Satisfaction of employees and stakeholder involvement R4.2, R5.3, RA4.1
| Memorandums of Understanding (2021-2023) |
| Barbourville Independent |
| Bell County |
| Clay County |
| Corbin Independent |
| Fayette County |
| Harlan County |
| Harlan Independent |
| Knox County |
| Laurel County |
| Madison County |
| Middlesboro Independent |
| Pineville Independent |
| Pulaski County |
| Rockcastle County |
| Somerset Independent |
| Whitley County |
| Williamsburg Independent |
| ESU Advisory Board |
| Courtney Clouse (Elementary) |
| Stephen Loveless (Middle) |
| Tyler Saylor (High) |
| Sabrina King (Administrator) |
| Chris Gibson (UC Faculty – Health & Wellness) |
Measure 3 (Initial & Advanced): Candidate competency at completion R3.3
| Test | Passing Scores / Tests Taken | Percent |
| Core Academic Skills for Ed: Math (5733/0733) | 11 / 15 | 73.33% |
| Core Academic Skills for Ed: Reading (5713/0713) | 14 / 15 | 93.33% |
| Core Academic Skills for Ed: Writing (5723/0723) | 11 / 21 | 52.38% |
| Elem Ed: MS Mathematics Subtest (5003/0003) | 9 / 11 | 81.82% |
| Elem Ed: MS Reading Lang Arts Subtest (5002/0002) | 7 / 10 | 70.00% |
| Elem Ed: MS Science Subtest (5005/0005) | 7 / 8 | 87.50% |
| Elem Ed: MS Social Studies Subtest (5004/0004) | 5 / 8 | 62.50% |
| Principles of Learn Teach: Grades K-6 (5622/0622) | 6 / 7 | 85.71% |
| School Leaders Licensure Assessment (6990/1990) | 13 / 14 | 92.86% |
| Special Ed: Core Know Mild/Moderate (5543/0543) | 8 / 9 | 88.89% |
| Pass Rate at Completion (2021 – 2022) | 12 / 12 | 100.00% |
The student teacher values the input and contributions of families, colleagues, and other professionals in understanding and supporting each learners development. (InTASC 1)
The student teacher understands the expectations of the profession including codes of ethics, professional standards of practice, and relevant law and policy. (InTASC 9)
The student teacher takes initiative to grow and develop with colleagues through interactions that enhance practice and support student learning. (InTASC 10)
The student teacher values flexibility and reciprocity in the teaching process as necessary for adapting instruction to learner responses, ideas, and needs . (InTASC 8)
The student teacher is committed to supporting learners as they participate in decision making, engage in exploration and invention, work collaboratively, and engage in purposeful learning. (InTASC 3)
The student teacher is committed to work towards each learner’s mastery of disciplinary content and skills. (InTASC 4)
The student teacher is committed to using multiple types of assessment processes to support, verify, and document learning. (InTASC 6)
Measure 4 (Initial & Advanced): Ability of completers to be hired (in positions for which they have prepared).
| School Year | Completers Hired / Total Completers | Percentage |
| 2020 – 2021 | 8 / 10 | 80% |
| 2021 – 2022 | 10 / 12 | 83% |
| 2022 – 2023* | 7 / 11 | 64% |
* – Denotes Completers hired BEFORE Graduation
