Education
Professor Fuchs, Chair
Professor Warfield
Assistant Professors Seidenstricker and Himmele
Lecturers Barnshaw, DeLuca, Forrer, Gourley, Professor Jogan, Jones, Kemmerer, Martin, Yarworth, and Zerr.

Teacher Certification Requirements	What Can I do with a Major in Education? A List of Resources for Education Majors
Pass Rates on Required Pennsylvania Praxis Exams
Early Childhood / Elementary
Early Childhood / Elementary Academic Course Requirements
Special Education
Secondary Education
Courses

Pennsylvania Department of Education approved teacher education programs leading to certification are offered in:

• Early childhood education
  
• Elementary education
  
• Special education – general
  
• Secondary education: (art, biology, chemistry, English, Foreign Languages - French, German, Latin, Spanish - general science, mathematics, physics, and social studies - a comprehensive program including economics, history,
  psychology, anthropology, geography, sociology, and political science).
  

Students interested in any of the certification programs must contact the chairperson of the Education Department early in their college tenure to insure scheduling of all required courses and experiences.

The objectives of the education department are to select, screen, guide, and adequately prepare teachers for the profession. Programs are being developed and constantly revised by the Education Department, in cooperation with other departments at Albright, to meet the Pennsylvania requirements for certification of teachers. Any basic education courses may be taken for cultural or practical value by students not expecting to teach upon permission of the chairperson of the department. Candidates for teacher certification are screened throughout the program and, upon recommendation of the Education Department or its designates, complete a professional semester in the senior year or a ninth semester.

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Pass Rates on Pennsylvania Required Praxis Exams

The Education Department of Albright College is proud of its tradition of preparing quality educators with a rich foundation in liberal arts learning. Albright teacher candidates develop competencies, including but not limited to effective instructional planning and practice, knowledge of child development, use of practical teaching strategies, and skillful classroom management. A partnership with local schools provides numerous practical opportunities for future teachers to develop instructional skills in field experiences throughout the program of study.

The pass rate achieved by recent (1999/2000 & 2000/2001) Albright College Education Program Completers on PA Praxis assessments of communications skills, general knowledge, and professional knowledge reflects the high level of competency of Albright students entering the teaching profession. An overall pass rate of 91% on assessments of knowledge in all academic content areas is a positive reflection on Albright’s strong liberal arts program of study. Albright students are entering the classroom with the subject-matter competencies needed to guide young learners. Albright’s teacher preparation program compares most favorably with other Pennsylvania teacher education institutions. At Albright, small classes, rigorous requirements, and a caring faculty with extensive experience in public education combine to create a positive environment for teacher education.

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Teacher Certification Requirements

Here follows a list of general requirements for inclusion and retention in all Albright College teacher certification programs culminating in a professional semester which includes student teaching.

1. Specific state requirements (minimum GPA, PRAXIS tests, course requirements) for Pennsylvania teacher certification are currently being phased in with each entering class. Candidates for Pennsylvania teacher certification must consult with the Education Department for current information regarding specific certification requirements.
   
2. Passing scores on all Pennsylvania required PRAXIS tests.
   
3. A grade of C or above in all required education courses and content courses required for certification. (A grade of C- does not qualify for this requirement.)
   
4. Completion of all required courses in the appropriate certification area. Early childhood, elementary and special education candidates must achieve quality in all coursework required for certification including courses specifically required for combined concentration for degree. Required certification courses counted toward combined degree must be taken at Albright College.
   
5. Recommendation of concentration department.
   
6. Formal admission to the professional semester by the Albright Education Department in accordance with the screening and retention policies and guidelines for teacher certification programs.
   
   All certification programs offer opportunities for extensive field and classroom
   experiences; Special Education candidates are offered membership in the Council for Exceptional Children.

Certification.

Upon completion of all approved certification program and College graduation requirements, the candidate is eligible to apply for the Pennsylvania teaching certificate. Candidates are advised to consult faculty in the Education Department
concerning specific state requirements and changes in certification programs.

1. The Early Childhood Education Certification Program certifies teachers to teach grades Nursery through Third.
   
2. The Elementary Education Certification Program certifies teachers to teach grades Kindergarten through Sixth.
   
3. By combining Early Childhood and Elementary Certification Programs,
   certification will be granted to teachers for Nursery through Sixth grade.
   
4. Secondary School Certification Programs certify teachers in middle school through grade 12.
   
5. Foreign Language and Art Certification Programs certify teachers to teach in Kindergarten through grade 12.
   
6. Special Education - General program certifies teachers for Special Education
   classrooms Kindergarten -12.
   
   Each certification area is separate and distinct but students may pursue whatever
   certificates they wish.

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