Additional Certification Requirements
Students seeking teacher certification must also complete a number of additional processed and requirements outlined in the Steps to Pennsylvania Teacher Certification document on the Education Department web page. Along with other requirements, these include a minimum GPA and the following coursework:
1. Completion of one English composition course.
2. Completion of one English or American literature course.
3. Completion of two college-level mathematics courses.
4. Completion of required Special Education coursework:
SPE 250 Cog Devel of Diverse Learners| This course is designed to introduce all categories of disability. Specific attention will be given to the potential cognitive, physical, social, behavioral, and language differences in children with disabilities. Delivery approach will include, but not be limited to: lecture, case study discussions, and student presentations. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. 3 credits. |
| This course will begin with a historical overview of the field of special education, including key legislation and litigation that drives current practice. Assessment tools for diagnosing disability will be introduced, as well as assessment tools for documenting student progress. In addition, collaboration and communication skills essential for working as a part of the special education team will be practiced and further developed. Delivery approach will include, but not be limited to: lecture, field experiences, and hands-on experience with various assessments. 3 credits. |
The following course is required for music education majors and may also be required for students transfering credits into any certification program from other institutions:
SPE 258 Instruct & Behav. Strategies| The focus of this course content will be on (a) behavioral principles and their application in the classroom, (b) literacy development and literacy interventions for students with disabilities, and (c) evidence-based instructional strategies in other content areas, such as mathematics, social studies, science, and the creative arts. Delivery approach will include, but not be limited to: lecture, case study applications, field experiences, hands-on experience with various literacy programs, and student presentations. Prerequisite: Restricted to Music majors and transfer students. 3 credits. |
5. Completion of one of the following ESL courses:
For early childhood/special education certification: EDU 240 Lang, Diversity, Achiev.: Pk-8
| This course is designed for the pre-service music, art, language, early childhood education, or middle school educator to gain an understanding of the complex factors impacting the education and language acquisition of the diverse language and cultural minority groups of the United States. This course is required under Act 49-2 and may be taken while student teaching. Fulfills general education requirement: American Social Diversity. 3 credits. |
For secondary education certification: EDU 245 Lang, Diversity, Achieve: 7-12
| This course is designed to allow the pre-service music, art, language, or grade 7 - grade 12 secondary teacher certification candidate to gain an understanding of the complex factors impacting the education and language acquisition of the diverse language and cultural minority groups of the United States. This course is required under Act 49-2 and may be taken while student teaching. Fulfills general education requirement: American Social Diversity. 3 credits. |
K-12 certification (art, languages, and music) candidates may take either course.