Irvin School of Education
The Irvin School of Education provides life-long learning opportunities through innovative and reflective scholarly experiences for undergraduate students. Through thoughtful engagement discovering new ideas or solutions, students develop a passion for seeking personal and professional transformation through physical and mental health, education, technology, science, service, leadership, and community. Irvin supports excellence in scholarly pursuits that explore complex issues related to education and leadership among individuals, families, educational institutions, and our global society.
Our mission is to prepare transformative leaders, educators, global citizens, and excellence in research, education, and science. We are dedicated to building a community and providing excellence in education enlightened by Christian faith and values.
The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and Texas Education Agency (TEA) Office of Accountability has awarded Hardin-Simmons University Teacher Education Program a rating of “Accredited” under the Accountability System for Educator Preparation authorized by Texas Education Code 21.045 every year since the rating of teacher preparation entities has been awarded. Educator preparation programs are held accountable for the performance of their graduates on the state credentialing examinations required for certification. Programs must achieve a minimum pass rate on the tests by disaggregated subgroups (All, Male, Female, White, Hispanic, African American, Other) to receive a rating of “Accredited.”
- Irvin School of Education Calendar
- Effects of Supply & Demand: Teacher Shortage Areas
- Title II Link (EPP Data Dashboard)
- Policy for Complaints against Irvin School of Education Educator Preparation Program
- Admission to the Teacher Preparation Program Requirements
- Military & Veteran Information
- Military & Non-Military Coursework & Training: The Irvin School of Education (SOE) welcomes military and non-military members to the Educator Preparation Program at Hardin-Simmons University. The Irvin SOE reviews all military teacher candidates’ prior military service, training, or education toward the EPP’s required field experiences or related certification requirements (other than certification examinations) directly related to the certificate being sought case by case. We also review prior coursework from accredited institutions of higher education case by case for any foundational coursework as well as certification content courses directly related to the certificate being sought. We review all non-military teacher candidates’ prior coursework from accredited institutions of higher education case by case for any foundational coursework as well as certification content courses in EDUC, READ, SPED, or ECED directly related to the certificate being sought.
- University Info for Military and Veterans
The Irvin School of Education faculty members are excited to share the following information from the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).
As a result of continuous positive and productive instruction and effective assessments, the Irvin School of Education at HSU, according to the 2021-2022 Accountability System for Educator Preparation Accreditation Statuses (ASEP) received an ACCREDITED Status. In addition to the Accredited status, HSU Irvin SOE received two commendations.
Background Info about Commendations:
Educator preparation programs (EPPS) are entrusted to prepare educators for success in the classroom. Chapter 229 establishes the performance standards and procedure for EPP accountability.
To better distinguish EPP performance outside of the accountability system, the SBEC directed staff to provide options to recognize high-performing EPPs. At the October 2019 SBEC meeting, the Board adopted the EPP Commendation framework into rule, reflected in 19 TAC §229.1(d). This section allows the SBEC to recognize EPPs that go above and beyond in preparing candidates for educator preparation. The section identifies the following categories to identify high-performing EPPs to receive accommodations for success:
- Rigorous and Robust preparation
- Preparing the Educators Texas needs
- Preparing Educators for Long-Term Success
- Innovative Educator Preparation
Commendations for the Irvin SOE at HSU:
In #1 category – Rigorous and Robust preparation
Performance Standard 95% for the state – 95% for HSU for First Test Pass Rate (85 number of passed exams) HSU was one of three universities to receive this commendation in the state.
Performance Standard 95% for the state – 100% for HSU First Test Pass Rate in teacher shortage areas in English Language Arts & Reading (20 number of passed exams) HSU was one of eight universities to receive this commendation in the state.
2021-22 Educator Preparation Program (EPP) Commendations | Texas Education Agency
Irvin School of Education Degrees Available
We currently offer 15 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Click any link below to learn more about a program.
Undergraduate Programs
- Accounting Degree
- Art Education Degree
- Business Administration Degree
- Cybersecurity Minor
- Economics Degree
- Elementary Education Degree
- English Education Degree
- Finance Degree
- History Education Degree
- Human Services Administration Degree
- Human-Computer Interaction Degree
- Information Systems Degree
- Management Degree
- Marketing Degree
- Mathematics Education Degree
- Music Education
- Physical Education Degree - All Level
- Science Education Degree
- Second Certificate – SPED
- Social Studies Education Degree
- Theatre Education Degree
- Wealth Management Minor
Graduate Programs
Featured Facts and Information
Human Services Program
Our Human Services Administration students learn the skills required to become specialists and leaders in adult services, pre-school and childcare administration, gerontology, program management, or social service. If you want to serve people and families in need, this program will teach you how to serve in non-profit, schools, health care centers, and other state and community-based organizations.
Elementary Education Degree
Our Elementary Education program is dedicated to preparing future Early Childhood-6th grade classroom teachers who understand how to provide positive and productive learning environments as well as engaging and developmentally appropriate instruction that is respectful for diverse learners in public, private, or charter school classrooms.
Meet the Irvin Faculty
Explore the profiles for the faculty and staff from the Irvin School of Education.
Exploration Station
Exploration Station is a six week experience designed for 3, 4, and 5 year olds. It is open to faculty and students and the surrounding community offered by the Hardin-Simmons University’s Irvin School of Education Early Childhood students in conjunction with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Houston-Lantrip Center for Literacy and Learning
The Hardin-Simmons University Houston-Lantrip Center for Literacy and Learning is dedicated to providing support for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and other learning differences through teacher education, professional development, community outreach, and parental and student resources.