Secondary Education 7-12 Post-Baccalaureate Program

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Department Chairperson - Dr. Sara Rutledge

Secondary Education Coordinator - Dr. Beth Shoff

The professional education program for students earning a grades 7-12 secondary education post-baccalaureate teaching certificate provides evidence that certification candidates complete a program aligned to the Pennsylvania Department of Education 7-12 Program Framework Guidelines. Specific teacher education courses are required which provide students with the knowledge they will need for successful teaching. This program is intended for students who have a previous bachelor’s degree completed in either English, Biology, History or Political Science.

Upon completion of the course of study, graduates will earn a Post-Baccalaureate 7-12 teaching program and will be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of the content of the curriculum related to the certification area of 7-12 Social Studies, Biology, or English.
Use a variety of evidence-based instructional approaches/strategies to teach the content of their disciplines.
Engage and maintain the interest of all adolescent students through the use of technology and universally designed and differentiated instruction.
Support the literacy development of each learner in a variety of contexts.
Analyze formative and summative assessment data to improve student learning and to inform instruction.
Effectively use a variety of assessments to evaluate student proficiency toward Pennsylvania K-12 Academic Standards and provide effective feedback to learners.
Use the Pennsylvania K-12 Academic Standards to develop learning objectives, design assessments, and universally designed and differentiated instruction.
Develop and maintain an instructional environment that maximizes student learning through high expectations, clear standards of conduct, established routines and procedures, respectful and affirming interactions, and positive communication among students, families, teachers, and the school and local community.
Demonstrate and understand the professional qualities and dispositions required of educators within the school and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania aligned to the Pennsylvania Model of Code of Ethics of Educators and include: punctuality, communication, record-keeping, continued professional development, knowledge/participation in extracurricular activities, and requirements of Pennsylvania certification.
Integrate knowledge of adolescent development with learning theories and apply those principles in teaching situations.

Admission Requirements for Post-Baccalaureate Program

The Post-Baccalaureate (Post Bachelor’s) Teaching Program in Secondary Education (Grades 7-12) is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree and who seek to qualify for PA state teacher certification at the secondary level. The curriculum is designed for those changing careers as well as those who already serve as temporary, emergency, or substitute teachers and wish to earn a formal teaching credential.The Post Bachelor’s Teaching Program for Secondary Education (Grades 7-12) curriculum and course descriptions may be found in the Mount Aloysius College Online Catalog.

The coursework for a general certificate of secondary education consists of 33 credit hours (11 courses) and includes mandatory field-based experiences and 12 weeks of student teaching. All coursework is aligned to the Pennsylvania Department of Education Framework for Post-Baccalaureate Program Framework Guidelines.

The Post-Baccalaureate program at Mount Aloysius College flows naturally from the College’s philosophical roots. Preparation for a career in teaching requires a desire to serve others, engage in life-long learning, and work toward social justice and the common good. The Post-Baccalaureate program prepares students to accept people of all faiths and walks of life, respect their individual gifts and talents, and empower those who have been disenfranchised in the system. As guided by the philosophy of Mount Aloysius College, students are expected to value and engage in holistic learning experiences that synthesize intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social, and creative ways of thinking, and base their own teaching on these principles. The mission of the certification program is to develop teachers whose pedagogy is based on theoretical understandings, who employ frequent reflection, and who are competent in using a wide variety of teaching, learning, and assessment techniques.

Pennsylvania State Department of Education’s changes in regulations may result in changes in the requirements of education programs.

Education Department Admission Requirements

Successful completion (a grade of “C” or better) in the following coursework:
- Child and Adolescent Development for Educators with a C or better
Successfully pass the PRAXIS Core Battery tests in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.
In compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Education Guidelines meet a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
Successful Interview (see Education Department Student Teaching Handbook).
Signature on all formal written policies outlined in the Education Department Student Handbook

Admission to Student Teaching

All students will be charged a Student Teaching Fee. (Please see the Tuition and Fees section.)

Student Teaching Admission Requirements

A GPA of 3.0 or better
Successful completion of all PRAXIS exams as listed above.
A grade of “C” or better in all education courses.
A completed application to Student Teaching 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.
Successful completion of all field experiences.
Current Act 34 and 151 Clearances (Request for Criminal Record and Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance) and FBI Federal Criminal History
Records for Prospective Employees (fingerprinting).
Completed Health Appraisal including TB test.

Degree Completion Requirements

Successful completion of Content Discipline PRAXIS Exams.
A successful exit interview with College faculty and local school district administrators.
A digital 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 the Praxis Exams

Praxis bulletins and test information can be obtained from any education faculty member. Please see your advisor or any education faculty member for guidance and assistance regarding any facet of the PRAXIS exam.
Students should carefully read the bulletin to avoid problems in registering for the test and to mark test dates so that tests can be completed as required for admission into the department.
- NOTE: Testing Centers might not offer all the tests for each testing date. Regular testing is not available during the summer months. The PPST can be taken more frequently via the computerized format. Please read the Praxis Bulletin carefully and plan accordingly.

Successfully completed PRAXIS Series I exams including:
PPST Reading - passing score 172
PPST Writing - passing score 173
PPST Math - passing score 173
OR
A composite score of 521 with PA Minimum State Score Requirements
(see ETS PA State Standards (www.ets.org)
PPST Reading - passing score 171
PPST Writing - passing score 170
PPST Math - passing score 171
Successfully complete Content area PRAXIS Exam
Biology 7-12 Test Code 20235 Passing Score 147
English 7-12 Test Code 10041 Passing Score 160
Social Studies 7-12 Test Code 10081 Passing Score 157
Apply for graduation
Submit certification form

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 and the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, and the FBI Federal Criminal History Record (fingerprinting) for review.

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 relationship 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.

Student Admission with Completed Bachelor Degrees

Applicants must pass the PRAXIS Core Battery tests in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. Transfer students with bachelor degrees must complete all coursework as specified in the program.