The Education Department offers Pennsylvania-approved teacher certification programs in elementary and secondary education, as well as a school nurse certification program.

Students seeking secondary teacher certification must complete EDUC 200 and PSY 138 prior to the professional semester (EDUC 446, 447, 449) as well as the necessary subject area courses. Students must have the required 14 half-day observations with their assigned cooperating teacher during the semester prior to their professional semester. Students may earn secondary certification in one or more of the following areas: art (K-12), biology, chemistry, English, French (K-12), general science, German (K-12), mathematics, music (K-12), physics, school nurse (K-12), social studies, and Spanish (K-12).

Students seeking elementary teacher certification must complete EDUC 200, PSY 138, MATH 205, EDUC 000, 341, 342, 343, and 344 prior to the professional semester (EDUC 445, 447, 448). Students must have the required 14 half-day observations with their assigned cooperating teacher during the semester prior to their professional semester.

Students interested in the teacher education program should refer to the Teacher Education Handbook, which specifies the current requirements for certification. Early consultation with a member of the Education Department is strongly recommended. Application for the professional semester must be made during the fall semester of the junior year. The Department of Education admits to the professional semester applicants who have (a) completed the participation requirements, (b) paid the student teaching fee, (c) obtained a recommendation from the student’s major department, (d) passed a screening and interview conducted by the Education Department, (e) passed the PSST Reading, Writing, Math and Listening portions of the NTE exam, and (f) achieved an overall grade point average of 3.00 or better. Major departments have different criteria for their recommendations; therefore, the student should consult with the chairperson of the major department about those requirements. The Pennsylvania state requirements override any contractual agreement the student teacher has with the college via the catalogue under which they were admitted.

Additional teacher intern program information can be found on page 50.

The following courses have been approved to be offered as writing intensive courses and may be offered as such: EDUC 343, 344 and 447. Students must check semester class schedules to determine which courses are offered as "W" courses for that semester.

SEMINAR IN ART, MUSIC, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, and MATH ACTIVITIES

Each elementary student teacher attends a series of 24 seminars, conducted prior to student teaching, during the fall semester of the senior year. These seminars, conducted by certified public school personnel, emphasize activities and knowledge which are helpful in the self-contained elementary classroom. Non-credit course.

A study of teaching as a profession with emphasis on the economic, social, political, and religious conditions which influence American schools and teachers. Consideration is given to the school environment, the curriculum, and the children with the intention that students will examine more rationally their own motives for entering the profession.

A study of the value, design, construction, and application of the visual and auditory aids to learning. Practical experience in the handling of audio-visual equipment and materials is provided. Application of audio-visual techniques. Application of the visual and auditory aids to learning. Students will plan and carry out actual teaching assignments utilizing various A-V devices.

PUBLIC SCHOOL CURRICULUM

TEACHING THE SOCIAL STUDIES IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Science methods and materials interpreting children’s science experiences and guiding the development of the scientific concepts. A study of the science content of the curriculum, its material and use. Observation and participation in Lycoming County elementary schools. Prerequisite: EDUC 200 and PSY 138, or consent of instructor.

TEACHING LANGUAGE ARTS AND CHILDREN’S LITERATURE IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

A course designed to consider means of communication, oral and written, including both practical and creative uses. Attention will be given to listening, speaking, written expression, linguistics and grammar, and spelling. Stress will be placed upon the interrelatedness of the language arts. Children’s literature will be explored as a vehicle for developing creative characteristics in children and for ensuring an appreciation of the creative writing of others. Observation and participation in Lycoming County elementary schools. Prerequisite: EDUC 200 and PSY 138, or consent of instructor.

A basic course in the philosophy and rationale for the implementation of an elementary reading program from kindergarten through sixth grade. Emphasis is upon designing a reading instructional program which reflects the nature of the learning process and recognizes principles of child development through examination of the principles, problems, methods, and materials used in elementary reading programs. Prerequisite: EDUC 200 or PSY 138, or consent of instructor.

The following courses comprise the Elementary Professional Semester:

Professional experience under the supervision of a selected cooperating teacher in a public elementary school in Lycoming County. Student teachers are required to follow the calendar of the school district to which they are assigned. Two units maximum.

The following courses comprise the Secondary Professional Semester:

The following courses comprise the Art/Music (K-12) Professional Semester:

EDUC 447 Problems in Contemporary American Education
EDUC 448 Student Teaching in the Elementary School (6 semester hours)
EDUC 449 Student Teaching in the Secondary School (6 semester hours)

METHODS OF TEACHING IN MIDDLE LEVEL AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS (PART OF THE PROFESSIONAL SEMESTER)

A study of materials, methods, and techniques with emphasis on the student’s major. Specific attention is given to structuring unit and lesson plans, maintaining classroom discipline, and to overall classroom management. Stress is placed on the selection and utilization of a variety of strategies, materials, and technologies to support learning for a diverse student population. Students teach demonstration lessons in the presence of the instructor and members of the class and observe superior teachers in Lycoming County middle and secondary schools. Prerequisites: EDUC 200, PSY 138, and pre-student teaching participation.

Professional laboratory experience under the supervision of a selected cooperating teacher in a public secondary school in Lycoming County. Student teachers are required to follow the calendar of the school district to which they are assigned. Two units maximum.