Undergraduate Leading Teacher Programs

Bachelor Programs

The School of Education offers undergraduate programs approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the preparation of Grades PreK-4 (Early Childhood), Grades 4-8 (Middle Level; concentration options include: English/Language Arts in Grades 7-8; Mathematics in Grades 7-8; Science in Grades 7-8; or a dual concentration with certification in Mathematics (Grades 7-8) and English/Language Arts in Grades 7-8), and Secondary Education (English, Mathematics, Science (Physics), and Social Studies) teachers. The Grades PreK-4, Grades 4-8, and Secondary/ K-12 Education programs, in accord with the philosophy and objectives of the School of Education, offer teacher candidates the opportunity to qualify for:

  1. The Instructional I (Provisional) Certificate in Pennsylvania.
  2. Admission to graduate programs in education.

The last 30 credits for the degree must be earned at Â鶹ֱ²¥. The minimum number of credits for graduation from Â鶹ֱ²¥ is 120 but varies by program.

Teacher candidates in the School of Education must comply with all Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements for certification. State regulations change from time to time and have precedence over University catalogs and School of Education Handbooks for minimum requirements. Teacher candidates will be notified of any modification regarding programs of study. The Office of Student and Academic Services, the Undergraduate Advisors, and Program Directors make the program requirements and changes known to students. 

Typically, the University/General Education core courses are completed during the first six semesters of study for Grades PreK-4 (Early Childhood) majors. There are slight variations in Grades 4-8 (Middle Level) and Secondary/K-12 Education depending on the academic major. Teacher candidates must consult their advisor for program-specific requirements.

While the University determines the courses required in the University Core (UCOR), variations in course requirements may exist within programs in the School of Education based on certification requirements. Teacher candidates will be notified of any modification regarding courses in the UCOR. The Office of Student and Academic Services, the Undergraduate Advisors and Program Directors make changes in the program requirements known to candidates.

Program Requirements

The material contained is subject to change from time to time and this publication cannot be considered an agreement or contract between individual teacher candidates and the School. The School of Education reserves the right to alter or amend the terms, conditions and requirements, and to eliminate programs or courses as necessary. Once enrolled, teacher candidates should refer to the Leading Teacher Program Handbook for specific information regarding academic policies pertaining to their program.

Certification Tracks in the Leading Teacher Program

Professional Educator Certification Track

Teacher candidates must apply and be accepted to one of three Professional Educator Certification Tracks before scheduling coursework in the junior year of the LTP. Specialized courses provide preparation in teaching techniques and methods required for specific fields of concentration, Grades PreK-4 (Early Childhood and Elementary), Grades 4-8 (Middle Level), or Secondary/K-12 education. To provide teacher candidates with the most current professional education, curriculum requirements and/or prerequisite requirements are subject to change by the Pennsylvania Department of Education or the faculty. Changes may affect the programs of study of teacher candidates. The Office of Student and Academic Services, the Undergraduate Advisors, and the Program Directors make changes in program requirements known to candidates.

Foundations of the Leading Teacher Program (Semesters 1 through 4)

In Semesters 1 through 4, all candidates take Foundational courses in Educational Psychology, Assessment, and Special Education. Courses specific to each certification program begin in Year 2 and are the main focus of coursework in years 3 and 4. Courses include:

  • EDUC 181 and 182 Cohort Experiences, 0 credits
  • LTFL 102 Ethics, Education, and the Teaching Profession, 3 credits
  • LTFL 110 Introduction to Critical Education, 3 credits
  • LTFL 203 Social Justice in Community-Engaged Educational Settings, 3 credits
  • LTFL 293 Community-Engaged Learning Experience, 0 credits
  • LTFL 209 Educational Psychology: Development, Learning, and Motivation, 3 credits
  • LTFL 218/215 Foundations of Assessment, 3 credits
  • LTFL 298 Classroom Assessment Field Experience Stage 2, 0 credits
  • LTFL 231 Philosophy of Middle Level Education for the Mind, Heart, Spirit, 3 credits
  • LTSP 203 Foundations of Inclusive Educational (See description of this course in the section regarding Accommodations and Adaptations for Diverse Learners.)
  • LTSP 293 Inclusive Field Experience Stage 1, 0 credits

See each of these individual program pages in the course catalog for more program details:

  • B.S.Ed. Grades PreK-4 (Early Childhood Education)
  • B.S.Ed. Grades 4-8 (Middle Level)
  • B.S.Ed. Secondary and K-12 Education
  • Dual Certification in General and Special Education, B.S.Ed. 

Equity Education Certificate

The Equity Education Certificate is designed to develop teaching practices in ethics, equity literacy, culturally relevant/sustaining pedagogy, and critical studies in education. Students will learn how societal inequities can impact teaching and learning in schools. They will also learn about scaffolding curriculum and pedagogy to meet the needs, interests, skills, and abilities of diverse learners within their sociocultural, political, and community contexts. Ultimately, the Equity Education certificate program prepares educators to be agents of transformative, social change in schools, communities, and community organizations. This certificate program is housed in the School of Education, however, is open to all undergraduate students interested in working with youth in educational and community settings. It is open to any undergraduate student who maintains a 3.0 GPA, and meets eligibility criteria as reflected in the application process. This is a School of Education endorsed certificate.

Program Level Goals

  • The Equity Education Certificate will develop agents for social and transformational change in educational and community settings.
  • The Equity Education Certificate will create pathways for understanding how educational settings extend beyond schools to community organizations and other out-of-school learning spaces.
  • The Equity Education Certificate will foster educators and community leaders who engage in equity-minded and asset-based approaches when working with youth. 

Courses

  • LTFL 102 Ethics, Education, and the Teaching Profession 3 credits
  • LTFL 203 Social Justice in Community-Engaged Ed. Settings 3 credits
  • LTFL 293 Inclusive Field Experience Stage 1 0 credits
  • GFDE 503 Curriculum for Social Change 3 credits
  • LTEL 201 Meeting the Needs of English Language Learners 3 credits
  • GCNE 549 Multicultural Issues and Strategies in Counseling 3 credits
  • EDUC 421 Equity Education Capstone 3 credits


TOTAL CREDITS: 18 

Learning Outcomes 

  • Students will acquire skills in moral and ethical deliberation.
  • Students will develop critical knowledge, particular to students' rights, opportunities, and resources related to their vulnerable status in schools.
  • Students will develop culturally competent, responsive, and sustaining practices for diverse learners.
  • Students will learn the practice of critical self-reflection for self-correction.
  • Students will develop competencies in cultural critique of systemic inequities to create empowering and transformative practices in diverse K-12 school and community settings.