Education

Since 1904, Susquehanna University has prepared liberal arts students for teaching careers. In the teacher education program, students master professional knowledge and skills necessary for state certification and for developing a successful and rewarding career in education. Our mission is forging partnerships for teaching and learning.

Upon completion of the program students will demonstrate professional knowledge and skills in:

• preparation and planning of instruction,
• instructional delivery and assessment of student learning,
• creating a classroom environment of respect and rapport,
• professional responsibilities.

Areas of Certification. The Susquehanna University Department of Education offers the following teacher certification programs approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education:

• Early Childhood
• Elementary (K-6)
• Secondary (7-12) with certification in:

The Teacher Intern Program offers a route to any of the above certificates for those who have a bachelor's degree in an approved major. Accepted candidates may earn credits while employed in a public school. For information about the program contact the director of the teacher intern program at the Susquehanna Department of Education office or see the department's website (www.susqu.edu/education/).

Certification Requirements To qualify for teaching certification in Pennsylvania, students must complete a bachelor's degree with a satisfactory grade point average in an appropriate academic course of studies, complete an approved certification program such as that offered by Susquehanna University, and pass the PRAXIS tests required by the Commonwealth. More detailed information about certification requirements is available in the Department of Education office or in the handbook - Frameworks - found at www.susqu.edu/education/Frameworks.htm.

Declaring Your Interest in Education Students who wish to major in elementary education or minor in secondary education should notify the head of the Department of Education as soon as possible. Those who wish to pursue a secondary certification should inform the Office of the Registrar of their minor in secondary education as well.

Majors at Susquehanna University which are approved for Teaching Certification:

(Some certifications, such as General Science, and some majors, such as biology, may require extra coursework because of state or university requirements. For more information see the graduation worksheets at the Office of the Registrar.)

Application for the Teacher Education Program. Students seeking admission to Susquehanna University's teacher education program must meet requirements of both the teacher education program and the Pennsylvania Department of Education and make formal application to the department. Application forms are available in the Susquehanna Department of Education office.

Acceptance into the program is determined by the head of the Department of Education, and/or teacher education committee. To enhance the quality of our programs and services, the university may limit the number of students accepted into the program in a given year. The department reserves the right to determine eligibility on a case-by-case basis.

When to Apply Students may apply for admission to the teacher education program as early as the spring semester of their sophomore year. Most secondary-education students apply in their junior year. Students must apply and be admitted no later than the second semester of their junior year.

Requirements for Admission:

• completion of at least 48 credit hours of coursework, including:
  • 3 semester hours of English composition
  • 3 semester hours of English/American literature
  • 6 semester hours of college-level mathematics
• a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or a cumulative GPA of 2.8 and successful completion of Praxis I examinations
• completion of one 40-hour externship (see below), with completed forms returned to the Center for Career Services
• current Act 34 and Act 151 clearances
• two letters of reference from university faculty
• submission of a completed Department of Education application form

Student Teaching. Student teaching usually occurs in the spring semester of the senior year. In order to participate in student teaching, students must already be admitted to the teacher education program. In addition, a separate application for student teaching must be submitted the semester before student teaching occurs. Student teaching application deadlines are October 15 for the spring semester and March 15 for the fall semester. To be accepted for student teaching, a student must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA in the academic major and education courses. Student teachers must enroll in the student teaching block and should not take any additional courses during student teaching without permission from the head of the Department of Education.

The Department of Education faculty reserves the right to make a judgment on the suitability of students for professional teaching practice. Practicum students and student teachers must follow the policies of the host school district. Practicum students and student teachers will be removed from a school site by a building administrator who gives as reason, therefore, one of the following: unsatisfactory teaching performance; immorality; incompetence; intemperance; cruelty; persistent negligence in the performance of duties; willful neglect of duties; physical or mental disability as documented by competent medical evidence, which after reasonable accommodation of such disability as required by law substantially interferes with the student teacher's ability to perform essential functions of student teaching; conviction of a felony or misdemeanor; persistent and willful violation of or failure to comply with the school laws of this Commonwealth including official directives and established policy of the board of directors. A student asked to leave a school site will be assigned a grade by the Department of Education and faculty based on the work completed and evaluations from the host district.

Study Abroad. Students in education are urged to take advantage of opportunities offered at Susquehanna University to study abroad. For more information visit the Office of International Study Programs in Bogar Hall.

Departmental Honors Departmental honors may be awarded to elementary education students who meet the following criteria:

• overall GPA of 3.4, and GPA of 3.4 or higher in education courses,
• completion of elementary or early childhood program for graduation,
• submission of a formal application for honors to the education faculty committee during the spring semester of the junior year and prior to implementation of the research project, acceptance of the application by the education faculty committee,
• selection of an honors advisor from the education faculty,
• development, in consultation with the selected Honors advisor, of a proposal to execute, interpret and report on the individual research project,
• approval by the education faculty committee of the project proposal,
• enrollment in ED:601: Independent Study (1-4 semester hours),
• completion of the research project and a public presentation of results,
• submission of a final written report on the project to the Honors advisor on or before the last day of classes for the semester of graduation, and
• determination of honors status by the education faculty based on student performance.