Back to Degree Programs EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP

EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP STUDIES

Dr. S. Jean Wilson, Chair
Education and Leadership Studies
sjwilson@cheyney.edu
(610) 399-2086
Office: Harris Turner Building, Room 101

 

The Education and Leadership Studies Department offers (1) four-year baccalaureate degree programs in early childhood, elementary, and special education and (2) Master of Education degree programs in elementary education, special education, and educational leadership. Certification program offerings include the Master of Arts (MAT) in elementary education, special education, and principal certification. All program offerings are guided by the reflective approach to education, and focus on the development of candidates as “Reflective Decision Makers who are Collaborative and Effective Practitioners.”

Requirements for Admission into Undergraduate Teacher Education Programs

Admission to the university does not ensure admission into the teacher education program.
Students who seek to enter the program should possess good character, above average academic ability, and personalities suitable for working with children and youth.

In order to apply for formal admission into teacher education, students must have completed the following:

  1. Declared a major in education;
  2. Completed a minimum of forty-eight (48) semester hours credit in the common core program;
  3. Completed 6 credit hours of college level math with a minimum grade of “C” or better;
  4. Completed 6 credit hours of English courses with a minimum grade of “C” or better;
  5. Completed 3 credit hours of English Literature with a minimum grade of “C” or better;
  6. Acquired a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0;
  7. Passed Praxis I Academic Skills Assessment test in reading, writing and mathematics;
  8. Submitted a well-written essay explaining why he/she has chosen to enter the profession of teaching that has been accepted by the Dean of Education; and
  9. Applied for and received clearance on (1) Act 34 (Criminal Background Check), (2) Act 151 (Criminal Abuse History Clearance) and (3) FBI Fingerprint Clearance at least one semester prior to applying for admission into teacher education.

Failure to comply with these requirements will make it necessary for students to change their major to a choice other than teacher education.

Application Procedure for Admission into Undergraduate Teacher Education Programs

  1. Students who meet the above requirements may submit an application for admission into the teacher education program.
  2. Application forms for admission into teacher education are made available to interested students by the Department Chair or his/her designee and should be made during the second semester of the sophomore year and no later than four (4) weeks prior to the end of that semester.
  3. Completed applications are presented to the Teacher Education Committee for review and action. Each applicant is notified, in writing, by the Dean of the School of Education of the action taken by the committee. If a student receives notice of rejection, he/she is advised to consult his/her major advisor to determine how any deficiencies can be corrected.

Students who have not been admitted into Teacher Education are not permitted to register for any 300 or 400-level education courses in their major.

Student Teaching Requirements

To qualify for EDU 428: Student Teaching, a student must have:

  1. Received acceptance into teacher education prior to student teaching;
  2. Passed PRAXIS I and II assessment tests;
  3. Maintained a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0;
  4. Completed all education courses with a grade of “C” or better;
  5. Cleared all “I” grades, “F” grades, and “NG” grades prior to student teaching;
  6. Received a medical clearance and clearance from the Teacher Education Committee;
  7. Applied for and received clearance on (1) Act 34 ( criminal background check), (2) Act 151 (child abuse history clearance), and (3) an FBI fingerprint clearance at least one semester prior to student teaching; and
  8. Filed a completed student teaching application form one semester prior to the anticipated student teaching semester.

Note: Completed applications are presented to the Teacher Education Committee for review and action. Each applicant is notified, in writing, by the Dean of the School of Education of the action taken by the committee.

Pennsylvania Candidates for Teacher Certification Testing Requirements

All individuals seeking a teaching certificate in the state of Pennsylvania must have earned at least a baccalaureate degree, completed an approved teacher education program, and passed Praxis I and II certification tests. The Praxis Series: Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers is a set of rigorous assessments that provide information for use by state departments of education to use when making licensing decisions.

The Praxis I test is required for entering a teacher training program, and Praxis II is used to determine licensure for exiting the teacher preparation program and entering the teaching profession. Praxis I and II are administered by the Educational Testing Service. Only Praxis I and II are required before one receives the Bachelor of Science degree.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education will only recognize Praxis Test scores for five years from the date that any test was taken. Established minimum scores are subject to change, and all candidates for certification must meet the qualifying score for all applicable tests at the time the Pennsylvania Bureau of Teacher Certification and Preparation receives an application.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to register for the proper subject assessment test, and to obtain information concerning passing scores. For more information about the Praxis Series, visit these sites: www.ets.org/teachingandlearning or www.teaching.state.pa.us.