The Colleges range of education programs allows students planning a career in teaching to complete the first two years of a transfer program and earn an associate in arts degree whether they plan to teach in elementary or secondary schools. All students should be aware of the standards of the Pennsylvania Department of Education and that they specify different preparations for elementary and secondary school teachers.
The PA State Board of Education passed new requirements for admission to, as well as exit from, professional education programs. On October 7, 2000, Title 22 of the PA School Code, Chapter 354, became law. This regulation affects every institution that prepares teachers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. These requirements affect all (elementary and secondary) bachelors level-education programs for PA Teacher Certification. Students who complete 48 credit hours after August 15, 2002 but prior to August 15, 2003 must have a 2.8 GPA (3.0 GPA after August 15, 2003) to enter professional courses leading to initial teacher certification. They will also be required to attain a qualifying score on the PRAXIS-I Academic Skills Assessment test.
Each student will be required to have an Act 34 Criminal Background Investigation and an Act 151 Child Abuse Clearance prior to any practicum/student teaching experience and employment. The student should consider these factors prior to enrolling in this program.
Since the requirements of senior institutions vary widely, it is essential to choose an intended transfer institution as soon as possible and carefully follow the program described in that colleges catalog. The entire program is available at the Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and Gettysburg Campuses. |
