Villanova University's teacher
education program has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to recommend candidates for Level I Certification in order to teach in Pennsylvania's public schools.
The Secondary Education major requires 30 credits in Education courses and from 36-56 credits in teaching area Liberal Arts & Sciences courses which the Department requires to satisfy the Pennsylvania Academic Standards in each teaching area. Education majors take the same classes as other Liberal Arts majors, and may qualify to graduate with a double major (see above check sheets). To complete the certification program, candidates must maintain a 3.0 GPA, pass required Praxis tests, and demonstrate their abilities in the classroom in a series of field experiences (complete details follow). Pennsylvania is one of 46 states party to an interstate agreement that enables certified candidates to teach in other states.
Mission of the Teacher Certification Program
Villanovas goal is not only to meet state requirements, but to graduate fully confident, inspired educators who will lead professional lives exemplifying the intellectual and moral ideals embodied in the University's mission.
Admission Requirements
Secondary Education candidates may apply for an education major in their first year. However, upon completing 47 credits, the student needs to apply to the Pennsylvania certification program within the Education Deparment. Application requirements include a minimal 2.8 GPA, six credits in English and mathematics respectively, two letters of recommendation from professors, and an essay. For a complete listing of requirements, see the Undergraduate Student Handbook.
Program Requirements
Secondary Education majors begin their observations in area schools with their first Education course, and continue these field experiences as a requirement for subsequent courses throughout the program. Observations encompass a variety of school settings, including urban, suburban, private and parochial schools. A Field Placement Coordinator helps candidates with placements and maintains ongoing relationships with cooperating school districts. As candidates advance in the program, they assume greater responsibility in the cooperating classrooms, from observation to small group instruction, to large group instruction and lesson planning. The culmination of these experiences is in the final semester of senior year, when candidates teach a full-time schedule under the guidance of their cooperating teacher and their Villanova supervisor. Villanova recommends graduates of the Secondary Education program to the Pennsylvania State Department of Education for their Level I Professional Certification when they have met the requirements. Some of these include graduating with a minimal 3.0 GPA, passing the required PRAXIS exams, satisfactory performance in their field experiences including a minimal B- in student teaching, and successful creation of a presentation electronic portfolio
