Academics > Majors and Areas of Study > Education

Announcements:

PLEASE NOTE: All forms are now included under the Resources link to your left.

All Elementary Education majors both in the program and graduated must complete all;

- Coursework

- Student Teaching

-and PASS all required PRAXIS exams

BY

MAY 30, 2013

Any questions please contact Professor Reinhart (creinhart@thiel.edu, 724-589-2065) or Professor Mild (tmild@thiel.edu, 724-589-2101).

The State (Pennsylvania) is no longer offering this certifcate after this date.

Since 1992, the Thiel College education program has emphasized early exposure to all the facets of classroom instruction. As in the past, secondary teacher candidates are required to major in one of Thiel's liberal arts disciplines. Effective Fall 2001, elementary education students have been matriculating in the B.A. in Elementary Education. Students who qualify academically can begin taking theoretical foundations classes in Phase I during their freshman year. Each teacher candidate will also work with an elementary or secondary classroom teacher from one of the local school districts as part of the Mentoring experience.

Throughout the teacher education program, teacher candidates will observe teachers in local schools and discuss local practices that support theories taught in on-campus classes.

Thiel Education courses are divided into three phases: Phase I, Theoretical Foundations; Phase II, Content Methodology; and Phase III, The Professional Semester. The Theoretical Foundations courses must be completed by both elementary and secondary certification candidates. Phase II Content Methodology courses are divided into those for elementary certification candidates and those for secondary certification candidates.

Secondary Education students should consult with their major advisors to be sure they are meeting department major requirements needed for secondary teacher certification.

Having completed all Phase I and Phase II course work and having met all department prerequisites, including the required grade-point average and qualifying scores on the required PRAXIS tests, the student is then eligible for Phase III, the Professional Semester, in which the teacher candidate student teaches under the guidance of a local cooperating teacher.

Once the teacher candidate completes the Professional Semester, passes the required PRAXIS tests administered by the Educational Testing Service, and meets all graduation requirements; the Education Department will apply for an Instructional I Teaching Certificate which will be issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.