Teacher Education

Certifications: Grades Pre-K-4
Degree BS, Early Childhood

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program is designed to prepare teachers to work with all children, including those with disabilities, from preschool through grade 4. Students who successfully complete the ECE program are eligible for recommendation by the University to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for teacher certification (Grades Pre-K-4). The University’s recommendation and the successful completion of other requirements established by the state, including meeting the pass scores specified by PDE on the required battery of certification tests, qualify graduates for PA Instructional I certificates. Pennsylvania has signed an Interstate Agreement through the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification which facilitates certification in other states. States’ requirements vary; graduates should determine what they have to do to become certified in a state other than Pennsylvania.

Pre-service teachers in ECE must successfully complete the University’s liberal arts Core Curriculum, a series of Teacher Education Department courses and field/practicum experiences, and the courses and experiences required by the ECE specialization. ECE majors must satisfactorily complete a series of field/practicum experiences that begin during the first year and continue every semester until graduation. By graduation, our
pre-service teachers will have spent approximately 750 hours in community classrooms. During students’ final semesters, they must complete two seven week student teaching assignments (two separate placements) in Pre-K-4 learning environments.

The Special Education (SPED) program is designed to prepare teachers to work with children with disabilities from preschool through Grade 12. Students who successfully complete the SPED program are eligible for recommendation by the University to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). The University's recommendation and the successful completion of other requirements established by the state, including meeting the pass scores specified by PDE on the required battery of certification tests, qualify graduates for PA Instructional I certificates. Pennsylvania has signed an Interstate Agreement through the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification which facilitates certification in other states. States' requirements vary; graduates should determine what they have to do to become certified in a state other than Pennsylvania.

Pre-service teachers in SPED must successfully complete the University's liberal arts Core Curriculum, a series of Teacher Education Department courses and field/practicum experiences, and the courses and experiences required by the SPED specialization for Grades Pre K - 12. SPED majors must satisfactorily complete a series of field/practicum experiences that begin during the first year and continue every semester until graduation. By graduation, our pre-service teachers will have spent approximately 750 hours in community classrooms. During students' final semesters, they must complete two seven-week student teaching assignments (two separate placements). One placement is in a high incidence disability setting and one in a low incidence disability setting.

Certifications: Grades Pre-K-4 and Special Education Grades Pre-K-12
Degrees: BS, Early Childhood and BS, Special Education

The Early Childhood Education/Special Education (ECE/SPED) double major program is designed to prepare teachers to work with all children, including those with disabilities, from preschool through grade 4 and students with disabilities through Grade 12. Students who successfully complete the ECE/SPED program are eligible for recommendation by the University to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for two teacher certifications. The University's recommendation and the successful completion of other requirements established by the state, including meeting the pass scores specified by PDE on the required battery of certification tests, qualify graduates for PA Instructional I certificates. Pennsylvania has signed an Interstate Agreement through the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification which facilitates certification in other states. States' requirements vary; graduates should determine what they have to do to become certified in a state other than Pennsylvania.

Pre-service teachers in ECE/SPED must successfully complete the University's liberal arts Core Curriculum, a series of Teacher Education Department courses and field/practicum experiences, and the courses and experiences required by the two TED specializations – Grades Pre K - 4 and Special Education Grades PreK-12. ECE/SPED majors must satisfactorily complete a series of field/practicum experiences that begin during the first year and continue every semester until graduation. By graduation, our pre-service teachers will have spent approximately 750 hours in community classrooms. During students' final semesters, they must complete two seven-week student teaching assignments (two separate placements). One placement is in a Pre-K-Grade 4 setting and the other is in Special Education.

PA Certification: Grades 4-8

Degree BS, Middle Level Education

The Middle Level Program (ML) is designed to prepare teachers to work with students, including those with disabilities, in Grades 4 through 8. Middle Level majors choose among five concentrations: Mathematics/English-Language Arts-Reading, Mathematics/Social Studies, Mathematics/Science, Science/English-Language Arts-Reading and Science/Social Studies. Students who successfully complete the ML program are eligible for recommendation by the University to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for teacher certification. The University's recommendation and the successful completion of other requirements established by the state, including meeting the pass scores specified by PDE on the required battery of certification tests, qualify graduates for a PA Instructional I certificate. Pennsylvania has signed an Interstate Agreement through the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification which facilitates certification in other states. States' requirements vary; graduates should determine what they have to do to become certified in a state other than Pennsylvania.

Pre-service teachers in the Middle Level program must successfully complete the University's liberal arts Core Curriculum, a series of Teacher Education Department courses and field/ experiences, and the courses and experiences required by their chosen concentration. Middle Level majors must satisfactorily complete a series of field/practicum experiences that begin during the first year and continue every semester until graduation. By graduation, our pre-service teachers will have spent approximately 750 hours in community classrooms. During students' final semester, they must complete two seven-week student teaching assignments (two separate placements).

Secondary Education Certification

Degree: BA, Biology

The secondary education program in Biology (BIO/Sec.Ed) is designed to prepare teachers of Biology for Grades 7-12. Our BIO/Sec.Ed program has been continually refined to keep pace with developments in the profession. A unique aspect of the program is that it prepares teachers to effectively deal with students with disabilities who are likely to be included in their classes. It is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and leads to a PA Instructional I certificate. The University's recommendation and the successful completion of other requirements established by the state, including meeting the pass scores specified by PDE on the required battery of certification tests, qualify graduates for a PA Instructional I certificate. Pennsylvania has signed an Interstate Agreement through the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification which facilitates certification in other states. States' requirements vary; graduates should determine what they have to do to become certified in a state other than Pennsylvania.

Pre-service teachers in the BIO/Sec.Ed program must successfully complete the University's liberal arts Core Curriculum, a content major in Biology, and series of Teacher Education Department courses. BIO/Sec.Ed majors must satisfactorily complete a series of field/practicum experiences that begin during the first year and continue every semester until graduation. By graduation, our pre-service teachers will have spent approximately 750 hours in community classrooms. During students' final semester, they must complete two seven-week student teaching assignments (two separate placements).

Students in the Biology/Secondary Education have two academic advisors. The TED advisor is responsible for advising related to Education courses and field/practicum experiences. The content area advisor is responsible for advising related to the University Core and content major requirements. Each semester, students must meet with both advisors prior to registration to facilitate course selection and receive approval to register. The student is ultimately responsible for the selection and registration of courses.

Secondary Education Certification

Degree BA, Chemistry

The secondary education program in Chemistry (CHM/Sec.Ed) is designed to prepare teachers of Chemistry for Grades 7-12. Our CHM/Sec.Ed program has been continually refined to keep pace with developments in the profession. A unique aspect of the program is that it prepares teachers to effectively deal with students with disabilities who are likely to be included in their classes. It is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and leads to a PA Instructional I certificate. The University's recommendation and the successful completion of other requirements established by the state, including meeting the pass scores specified by PDE on the required battery of certification tests, qualify graduates for a PA Instructional I certificate. Pennsylvania has signed an Interstate Agreement through the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification which facilitates certification in other states. States' requirements vary; graduates should determine what they have to do to become certified in a state other than Pennsylvania.

Pre-service teachers in the CHM/Sec.Ed program must successfully complete the University's liberal arts Core Curriculum, a content major in Chemistry, and series of Teacher Education Department courses. CHM/Sec.Ed majors must satisfactorily complete a series of field/practicum experiences that begin during the first year and continue every semester until graduation. By graduation, our pre-service teachers will have spent approximately 750 hours in community classrooms. During students' final semester, they must complete two seven-week student teaching assignments (two separate placements).

Students in the Chemistry/Secondary Education have two academic advisors. The TED advisor is responsible for advising related to Education courses and field/practicum experiences. The content area advisor is responsible for advising related to the University Core and content major requirements. Each semester, students must meet with both advisors prior to registration to facilitate course selection and receive approval to register. The student is ultimately responsible for the selection and registration of courses.

Secondary Education Certification

Degree BA, English

The secondary education program in English (ENG/Sec.Ed) is designed to prepare teachers of English for Grades 7-12. A unique aspect of the program is that it prepares teachers to effectively deal with students with disabilities who are likely to be included in their classes. It is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and leads to a PA Instructional I certificate. The University's recommendation and the successful completion of other requirements established by the state, including meeting the pass scores specified by PDE on the required battery of certification tests, qualify graduates for a PA Instructional I certificate. Pennsylvania has signed an Interstate Agreement through the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification which facilitates certification in other states. States' requirements vary; graduates should determine what they have to do to become certified in a state other than Pennsylvania.

Pre-service teachers in the ENG/Sec.Ed program must successfully complete the University's liberal arts Core Curriculum, a content major in English, and series of Teacher Education Department courses. ENG/Sec.Ed majors must satisfactorily complete a series of field/practicum experiences that begin during the first year and continue every semester until graduation. By graduation, our pre-service teachers will have spent approximately 750 hours in community classrooms. During students' final semester, they must complete two seven-week student teaching assignments (two separate placements).

Students in the English/Secondary Education have two academic advisors. The TED advisor is responsible for advising related to Education courses and field/practicum experiences. The content area advisor is responsible for advising related to the University Core and content major requirements. Each semester, students must meet with both advisors prior to registration to facilitate course selection and receive approval to register. The student is ultimately responsible for the selection and registration of courses.

Secondary Education Certification

Degree BA, History

The secondary education program in History (HIS/Sec.Ed) is designed to prepare teachers of history and the other social studies for Grades 7-12. The program emphasizes studies in history with a number of courses in political science, geography, sociology, and anthropology. A unique aspect of the HIS/Sec.Ed program is that it prepares teachers to effectively deal with students with disabilities who are likely to be included in their classes. It is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and leads to a PA Instructional I certificate. The University's recommendation and the successful completion of other requirements established by the state, including meeting the pass scores specified by PDE on the required battery of certification tests, qualify graduates for a PA Instructional I certificate. Pennsylvania has signed an Interstate Agreement through the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification which facilitates certification in other states. States' requirements vary; graduates should determine what they have to do to become certified in a state other than Pennsylvania.

Pre-service teachers in the HIS/Sec.Ed program must successfully complete the University's liberal arts Core Curriculum, a content major in History, and series of Teacher Education Department courses. HIS/Sec.Ed majors must satisfactorily complete a series of field/practicum experiences that begin during the first year and continue every semester until graduation. By graduation, our pre-service teachers will have spent approximately 750 hours in community classrooms. During students' final semester, they must complete two seven-week student teaching assignments (two separate placements).

Students in the History/Secondary Education have two academic advisors. The TED advisor is responsible for advising related to Education courses and field/practicum experiences. The content area advisor is responsible for advising related to the University Core and content major requirements. Each semester, students must meet with both advisors prior to registration to facilitate course selection and receive approval to register. The student is ultimately responsible for the selection and registration of courses.

Secondary Education Certification

Degree BA, Mathematics

The secondary education program in Mathematics (MTH/Sec.Ed) is designed to prepare teachers of Mathematics for Grades 7-12. Our MTH/Sec.Ed program has been continually refined to keep pace with developments in the profession. A unique aspect of the program is that it prepares teachers to effectively deal with students with disabilities who are likely to be included in their classes. It is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and leads to a PA Instructional I certificate. The University's recommendation and the successful completion of other requirements established by the state, including meeting the pass scores specified by PDE on the required battery of certification tests, qualify graduates for a PA Instructional I certificate. Pennsylvania has signed an Interstate Agreement through the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification which facilitates certification in other states. States' requirements vary; graduates should determine what they have to do to become certified in a state other than Pennsylvania.

Pre-service teachers in the MTH/Sec.Ed program must successfully complete the University's liberal arts Core Curriculum, a content major in Mathematics, and series of Teacher Education Department courses. MTH/Sec.Ed majors must satisfactorily complete a series of field/practicum experiences that begin during the first year and continue every semester until graduation. By graduation, our pre-service teachers will have spent approximately 750 hours in community classrooms. During students' final semester, they must complete two seven-week student teaching assignments (two separate placements).

Students in the Mathematics/Secondary Education have two academic advisors. The TED advisor is responsible for advising related to Education courses and field/practicum experiences. The content area advisor is responsible for advising related to the University Core and content major requirements. Each semester, students must meet with both advisors prior to registration to facilitate course selection and receive approval to register. The student is ultimately responsible for the selection and registration of courses.

This new BS in Education with certification in General Science (7-12) seeks to develop effective teachers who are masters of the content they will teach and who teach in pedagogically-sound ways that inspire all students to learn. Within a mastery model of learning, and using educational theory and methods courses with the liberal arts core as a base, students will be provided with a variety of learning opportunities to develop a thorough knowledge of human growth and development, an appreciation for diversity, and an understanding of the fundamental concepts of the life, physical, and earth and space sciences.