Teacher Education

The Department of Teacher Education offers undergraduate and graduate programs leading to initial Instructional 1 certification. Undergraduate programs leading to certification include Elementary grades PK4, coursework includes the option to add grade 5 and 6, elementary and middle Grades 4-8, secondary grades 7-12, art education PK12 and Foreign language PK12. Graduate programs leading to certification include PK4, elementary and middle Grades 4-8, secondary grades 7-12, art education PK12 and Foreign language PK12. The department also offers an MS in Reading Specialist leading to initial Instructional 1 certificate and an ESL program leading to PDE program certificate. All certification programs offered in the Department of Teacher Education are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The department also offers an MS in Curriculum and Instruction that does not lead to licensure for teaching. Our programs connect theory, research and practice aimed at preparing innovative teachers, critical thinkers, and educators who practice social justice in education. Our innovative programs teach future educators critical aspects of education — from empowering students to be critical thinkers and creating culturally relevant pedagogy to adapting instruction for individual and special needs. Students work closely with distinguished faculty and have several field experiences observing and working in PK12 classrooms with learners beginning their first year.