Education -Choose between Early Level Pre K-4 or Middle Level 4-8
Department Chairperson - Dr. Sara Rutledge
Students who enroll in the Education program for Early or Middle Level Certification will be prepared to pass the required state standardized exams appropriate for each certificate and/or discipline. Drawing from the constructivist philosophies of Vygotsky, Bruner, and Piaget, as well as the perspectives of Maslow and Gardner, students will attain the target standards of excellence as identified by the Association of Childhood Education International. This professional preparation accompanies a liberal arts concentration that will provide the graduate with a broad foundation necessary for optimal teaching in grades Pre K-4 and 4-8.
Graduates from the program will:
- use their knowledge of the liberal arts to engage students in a curriculum that values life-long learning, and that engages the whole child in all facets of learning including creativity, inquiry, and reflection;
- use effective communication strategies when interacting with various audiences such as students, parents, and other professionals;
- base teaching and learning strategies on child development theories and best practices;
- possess a knowledge of technology as an educational resource, an instructional tool, and as a curriculum component;
- use effective methodology in developing instructional plans that include active engagement in learning, problem solving, critical thinking, and inquiry;
- use differentiated instruction to address the learning needs of a diverse student population including English Language Learners;
- demonstrate the use of informal and formal assessment strategies;
- engage in professional development including scholarly research and writing and innovative and reflective practice that leads to lifelong learning;
- demonstrate a passion for learning and teaching that includes advocacy for students and the profession, service to others, and professional collaboration; and
- be able to gain certification in her or his area of study and gain an entry level position in an educational setting and/or pursue graduate study.
Education Department Admission
All students interested in teacher certification will enter into the pre-education program until all requirements for admission into the department have been met. Upon admission, all pre-education majors must declare a concentration that includes English, General Science or History, Politics, and Global Affairs. An advisor will be assigned to aid in the scheduling of the courses for these majors. The following requirements for academic preparation and performance must be successfully met prior to admission into the program and education major.
Education Department Admission Requirements
- Earn a minimum of sixty (60) credits and have sophomore standing
- Complete six (6) hours in communication/writing (ENGL 110 /ENGL 210 )
- Complete the Mount Aloysius College Foundation Course (LIBA 150 )
- Complete six (6) hours in college level mathematics (according to the requirements of the second major)
- Pass EDUC 221 - Educational Psychology and EDUC 225 - Child and Adolescent Development for Educators with a “C” or better
- Successfully pass the Pre-Professional Academic Performance Assessment Exam (PAPA) or Praxis.
- Complete other courses as specified in the College Core Curriculum
- In compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Education Guidelines meet a minimum overall GPA of 3.0
- Have current Act 24, Act 34 and 151 Clearances and FBI Federal Criminal History Record (fingerprinting), and Mandated Reporter Training
- Completed Health Appraisal including TB test
Admission to Student Teaching
All students will be charged a Student Teaching Fee. (Please see Tuition and Fees section.)
Student Teaching Admission Requirement
- A GPA of 3.0 or better
- Successful completion of the PAPA exams as described above
- A grade of “C” or better in all education courses
- Student Teaching Application and Data Sheet
- An essay describing the student’s interest in and preparation for a career in teaching
- Successful completion of all required education courses at the completion of the junior year
- Successful completion of all field experiences
Degree Completion Requirements
- A successful exit interview with College faculty and local school district administrators
- A portfolio that demonstrates that the student has met each of the learning principles identified in Chapter 354.33, Professional Competencies of the Pennsylvania Department of Education General Standards
- A satisfactory evaluation from the College supervisor on the state-wide performance evaluation and inventory of student teachers (PDE 430)
- Successful completion of all student teaching assignments
Important Information Regarding Pennsylvania Standardized Exam
Test information can be obtained from any education faculty member. Please see your advisor or education faculty members for guidance and assistance regarding any facet of the required standardized exams.
All students must successfully complete the reading, mathematics, and writing pre-professional skills tests (these are referred to as modules). Qualifying scores are 220 for each module with a 3.0 GPA. PAPA exams are available by appointment, year round. Test appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. However, the website urges students to check real time availability.
Students interested in an early level certificate must take and pass the Pre-K-4 Module in Child Development, Language and Social Studies, and Math, Science. Passing scores for each of these tests (with the required 3.0 GPA) is 220.
Students interested in a middle level certificate must take and pass the Pennsylvania Grades 4-8 Praxis exams, Module 1 in pedagogy (passing score is 162), Module 2 in English, Language Arts and Social Studies (passing score is 152) and Module 3 in Mathematics and Science (passing score is 164), and the exam for their specific content area (English language arts, passing score 156; science, passing score 156; social studies, passing score 150). Students are advised to carefully check the Praxis websites for available test dates and sites.
Clearances
The Education Department requires all students enrolled in a certification program to develop and maintain a sound professional record. Students applying to the Education Department must submit a Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Record, the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, and the FBI Federal Criminal History Record (fingerprinting) for review, Act 24, Arrest/Conviction Report and Certification From, and all students must enroll in Mandated Reporter Training and provide evidence of their successful completion of the workshop during their first semester in the program.
Copies of these reports will be kept on file in the department. If individuals have offenses on the report, they may not be allowed to participate in practicum experiences or student teaching depending upon the policy of the public school district with which the College has a working relation and to which they are assigned. This will mean they may not be able to complete a certification program and be recommended by the department’s certification officer for certification. If offenses show on these reports, students should see their Education department advisor to discuss their situation and possibly consider other career options.
Transfer Students Admission Requirements
All transfer students interested in certification are subject to all current requirements for entrance to, retention in, and completion of certification program including the GPA requirements.
Because of the integrated nature of our certification programs, many education credits completed elsewhere will not be transferable. The transfer of education credits will be evaluated individually to be sure they meet the dual standards as addressed in the education coursework at Mount Aloysius College. The transfer of field experiences will be evaluated individually.
Student Admission with Completed Bachelor Degrees
Students who desire certification and who already have a bachelor’s degree will be admitted into the program after having completed one semester in the pre-education program demonstrating through transfer or Mount Aloysius coursework successful completion of college level mathematics and communications courses. Applicant must pass the PAPA exam or have passed the PRAXIS Core Battery tests in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics and Fundamental Subjects Content Knowledge. Transfer students with bachelor degrees must complete all coursework as specified in the program.
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