BA, M.Ed. Secondary Education Initial Certification 4+1 Program

As a student of the M.Ed. Secondary Initial Certification program, you will complete the Pennsylvania state requirements for 7-12 teaching certification in the following areas: Biology, English, Mathematics, or Social Studies. You will possess the knowledge and skills to create a successful curriculum.

Program Highlights

• Courses taught year-round in an accelerated 8-week format with Fall/Spring/Summer start terms
• Unparalleled support with a dedicated faculty advisor to provide you with personalized service throughout your program
• Coursework is blended with on-campus meetings and online courses
• Hands-on experience teaching students in practicums and student teaching
• Field placement assistance

Curriculum

The course of study includes a background in psychology and pedagogy as well as the study of instructional techniques addressed by 7-12. Three credits of practicum are required before the supervised field experience. For the culmination experience, the student must spend a semester, or a minimum of 14 weeks, full-time in a 7-12 content-area classroom, supervised by Holy Family University School of Education faculty.

Core Requirements (15 credits)

• EDUC 507 Adolescent Development and Learning (3 credits)
• EDUC 531 Classroom Management (3 credits)
• EDUC 556 Addressing the Needs of English Language Learners (3 credits)
• EDSP 571 Foundations in Inclusive Environments (3 credits)
• EDSP 576 Assessment in Inclusive Education (3 credits)

Pedagogy Content (9 credits)

• EDUC 508 Instructional Methods in Secondary Education (3 credits)
• EDUC 509 Instructional Methods in the Content Area (3 credits)
• EDUC 604 Reading in the Content Area (3 credits)

Professional Studies (2 credits)

• EDUC 510 Practicum I (1 credit)
• EDUC 511Practicum II (1 credit)

Culminating Experience (4 credits)

• EDUC 524 Graduate Student Teaching 7-12 (3 credits)
• EDUC 525 Student Teaching Seminar (1 credit)

Admission Requirements

Prospective students must apply and be accepted to the School of Education prior to their Senior year and before starting the program. To qualify for School of Education admission, students must:

• Have earned a 3.0 cumulative grade point average
• Submit two faculty evaluations recommending them for admission
• Major in the content area for which they are seeking certification
• Be on track for graduation (bachelor’s degree)

Students are recommended to take the subject specific PRAXIS in the desired area of PA certification and obtain a passing score. The program director will complete a transcript analysis for all applicants. If a student is missing coursework or does not pass the content area PRAXIS, they will be directed to take missing coursework in that content area and encouraged to retake the PRAXIS.  Since observations are an essential ingredient of the program it is recommended that students obtain their necessary clearances as soon as they apply to the program to be ready to visit schools. Passing the subject specific PRAXIS is a requirement for PA teaching certification.