The Education Department offers Pennsylvania-approved teacher certification programs in elementary and secondary education, as well as a school nurse certification program (which will be discontinued after the 2002-2003 academic year).

All students seeking teacher certification must complete EDUC 200 with at least a B- or consent of the department before applying for the professional semester. All students must complete a minimum of 30 hours of observations and participation with the assigned cooperating teachers during the semester prior to their professional semester.

Students seeking secondary teacher certification must complete PSY 138 and EDUC 239 prior to being accepted to the professional semester as well as the necessary subject area courses. Students may earn secondary certification in one or more of the following areas: art (K-12), biology, chemistry, citizenship (economics, history, political science), French (K-12), general science (astronomy/physics, biology, chemistry), German (K-12), mathematics, music (K-12), physics, school nurse (K-12). [This program will not be available after May 2003], social sciences (psychology, sociology-anthropology), and Spanish (K-12).

Students seeking elementary teacher certification must complete PSY 138 and all elementary methods courses prior to being accepted to the professional semester, including EDUC 000, 340, 341, 342, 343, and 344.

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, when scheduled as W courses, count toward the writing intensive requirement: EDUC 239, 343, 344, and 447.

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

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

An examination of the various curricula of the public schools and their relationship to current practices. Special attention will be given to development of the curriculum, state and national curriculum standards, and criteria for the evaluation of curricula and student progress. A particular emphasis will be placed upon emerging issues and technology as they relate to curriculum. Emphasis will be placed upon the curriculum work within the teaching field of each individual. Prerequisites: PSY 138 and EDUC 200 or consent of the instructor.

340

TEACHING MATHEMATICS IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

This course is intended for prospective elemen- tary and middle school teachers and is required for all those seeking elementary certification. Topics include number systems, computational algorithms, measurement, geometry, and children’s development of mathematical concepts. Includes an emphasis on adapting instruction for diverse learners. Prerequisites: PSY 138, EDUC 200, and two courses in mathematics or consent of the instructor.

TEACHING THE SOCIAL STUDIES IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Studies and experiences to develop a basic understanding of the structure, concepts, and processes of anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, and sociology as they relate to the elementary school social science curriculum. Practical applications, demonstrations of methods, and the development of integrated teaching units using tests, reference books, films, and other teaching materials. Observation and participation in Lycoming County elementary schools. Prerequisites: EDUC 200 and PSY 138, or consent of instructor.

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.

Students are considered full time when enrolled in the Professional Semester. Those students needing an additional course must comply with the standards stated in the College catalog.

The following courses comprise the Secondary Professional Semester:

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

EDUC 445 or 446 Elementary or Secondary Methods
EDUC 447 Problems in Contemporary American Education
EDUC 448 Student Teaching in the Elementary Schools (4 - semester hours/6 weeks)
EDUC 449 Student Teaching in the Secondary Schools (4 semester hours/6 weeks)

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

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.