Southeastern remains the only university in the Gulf South authorized to offer courses leading to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Educator Certificate in Teaching and Learning. The University is one of only 50 IB authorized certification institutions in the United States.
The certification, which is granted by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), prepares teachers to use advanced academic techniques in the growing number of IB schools. IB programs offer students in elementary through high school a comprehensive, demanding curriculum of advanced studies for highly motivated students.
“It’s such an honor to know that Southeastern is in this elite number of universities offering the International Baccalaureate Educator Certificate (IBEC),” said Paula Summers Calderon, dean of the College of Education. “As the only accredited university in the Gulf South approved to offer the IBEC, Southeastern has earned a stellar reputation.”
Cherissa Vitter, IB coordinator for the University’s Department of Teaching and Learning, has worked to recruit both pre-service and in-service teachers to seek certification in international education. “Her students hail from all over the world and range from undergraduate students to students who already hold doctorates,” said Calderon. “In the IBEC program, teachers learn best practices for all content areas and grade levels regardless of whether the teachers teach in an IB school.”
“IB Programs are inquiry-based and teach students how to learn,” Vitter explained. “The curriculum is worldwide and teachers must attend IB sanctioned training to teach IB courses at an IB World School. This training is standardized across the globe.”
The IB program started in 1968 as a diploma program in the United Kingdom, France, and the United States as educators looked to develop an academically challenging program to prepare students for success at the university level and beyond. IB programs are now offered worldwide at schools that meet the rigorous IB standards.
The program at Southeastern has verified the course completion for candidates in over nine countries, including the U.S. “It is quite incredible to reflect upon the fact that teachers in China and India are able to teach at IB World Schools because of their courses from Southeastern,” Vitter said.
The entire program is two semesters online. After two semesters, candidates receive a Certificate of Course Completion from Southeastern and the IB Educator Certificate in Teaching and Learning from the IBO. Candidates may also pursue a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, International Baccalaureate Education with additional courses.
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