Professional and Secondary Education
College of Education
Stroud Hall Room 209
570-422-3363
www.esu.edu/psed
Professional and Secondary Education offers candidates the opportunity to pursue a bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree (varies by major) in a specific discipline leading to eligibility to apply for teacher certification in the areas of: English, French, Spanish, German (certificate only), Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, General Science, Physics, or Social Studies.
The curriculum is designed to develop a community of learners who are competent and reflective professionals able to teach any child in any setting. The courses and extensive field-based component develops beginning educators’ knowledge, skills, and dispositions relevant to content, the learner and the learning environment, teaching and learning process, and professionalism.
A personalized program will be developed for all students as they work with two advisers, one in education and one in the academic discipline they plan to teach. Students who complete the required courses in one of the certification areas, the professional education courses, the university requirements, and the state requirements will be eligible to apply for certification to teach in their major discipline in grades 7-12 within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
ALL teacher education students should be in frequent consultation with their academic advisers to make sure they are meeting the appropriate program and certification requirements which will vary depending on a variety of circumstances.
The programs for certification in secondary education are planned and supervised by the Department of Professional and Secondary Education and by the department responsible for the academic major. Students must achieve and maintain the minimum requirements for admission to and retention in the certification programs as specified by the departments and the Teacher Education Council. Specific requirements are listed in the academic subject areas.
Certification areas:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth and Space Science
- English
- French
- General Science
- German (certificate only)
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Social Studies
- Spanish
Dual Certification
Consult with your advisers if you are interested in obtaining dual certification (certification in any two of the above areas).
PSED and SPED Certification
Students who are getting certified in 7-12 Mathematics or 7-12 English can also be certified in SPED 7-12 by taking the additional courses: SPED 105, 201, 214, 215, 313, 314, and 351. Students should work with their PSED, SPED and content area adviser to move through the program efficiently.
Teacher Education Program Requirements
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has established requirements for all candidates in teacher preparation programs. Students are required to have a minimum 2.8 QPA, pass the basic academic skills assessments as defined by PDE, and complete 6 credits of Mathematics and 6 credits of English (English composition and literature) for admission into the initial teacher certification program. A 3.0 QPA is required for Pennsylvania teacher certification. Please refer to the section The College of Education (p. 57) in this catalog for specific requirements for admission into teacher education.