Education Programs

The College offers a undergraduate major in early childhood (Pre-K-4/elementary) education; early childhood and special education (Pre-K-8); middle-level (4-8) education in math, science, English and Social Studies; health and physical education (Pre-K-12); certification in Spanish (Pre-K-12); secondary (7-12) education certification programs in biology, chemistry, English, mathematics and social studies; and secondary and special education (7-12). A major in education leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree. Secondary and Spanish education certification is awarded in addition to the bachelor’s degree in the appropriate subject area.

The Teacher Certification Pathways (TCP), for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree, leads to early childhood, dual early childhood and special education, middle level, dual middle level and special education, secondary, dual secondary and special education or Pre-K-12 certification. See TCP requirements .

Successful completion of state-approved teacher education programs qualifies students to apply to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for Instructional Level I certification. Graduates holding Pre-K-4 (elementary) certification are eligible for employment in Pennsylvania schools at all levels from Pre-K through grade 4. Graduates holding middle-level certification are eligible for employment in state-approved schools, grades 4-8. Graduates holding secondary certification are eligible for employment in the area of certification in state-approved schools, grades 7-12. Graduates holding Pre-K-12 certification are eligible for employment in the area of certification in state-approved schools, grades Pre-K-12. Graduates holding a PK-4 or middle-level dual certification are eligible for special education employment in state-approved schools, grades PK-8. Graduates holding a secondary dual certification are eligible for special education employment in state-approved schools, grades 7-12.

The programs are designed to develop professional competence through integration of theory, observation, practice and clinical experience. Undergraduate majors choose courses across a wide range of disciplines that provide the broad knowledge base required for classroom teaching. A minor is recommended in one of the required disciplines (i.e., biology, chemistry, English, history, fine arts, mathematics, psychology, sociology, Spanish, or Special Education). A minor in Spanish or Special Education is recommended for any teacher certification program.

For certification in secondary education or Pre-K-12 Spanish, students fulfill:

• Course requirements for the major in the chosen content area of secondary or Pre-K-12 Spanish certification.
• Any additional required courses in the subject area that is required for certification.
• The required professional education courses.

Policies and Procedures

Policies, procedures, requirements and other information about the education programs (four-year degree, TCP and associate degree) listed in this catalog are contained in the academic regulations. Also, education program handbooks are available in the education department office. These are updated annually and amended as needed to reflect state requirements and other changes.

Admission to the Education Program

Students considering a major in education or one of the secondary or Spanish education certification programs must apply for admission to the education program before the end of the spring semester of their sophomore year.

Admission Procedures

1. Students seeking admission to the education program must make an appointment with the College’s Department of Education division head to discuss the application process.
2. Students must achieve and submit the following for admission:
   • A student may apply for admission into education any time after he/she has earned at least 48 semester hours of credits.
   • A cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0.
   • A GPA of 3.0 in education courses (a minimum grade of B in each course).
   • Completion of the following courses: One English composition course, one literature course, two college-level math courses (MAT 101 or above) and EDU 204 or EDU 207 and EDU 206.
   • Achieve a minimum required score on the entrance exams (PAPA, CORE or SAT/ACT).
   • Completion of Application to the Education Program form.
   • One letter of recommendation, at least one from a faculty member at Wilson College.
   • Three dispositions forms.
   • Code of Conduct and Ethics Workshop.
3. If a student’s cumulative GPA is at least 2.90, he or she may petition the Wilson education department if he/she has met all other requirements for admission to the education program except for GPA.
4. Transfer students must achieve the minimum required score on the entrance exams (PAPA, CORE or SAT/ACT) prior to program entry/transfer if he/she has earned more than 60 semester hours of credits and/or has taken professional core courses.
5. Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA for certification.
6. Education restrictions
   • Grades of B or above are required in all education courses.
   • Students in the education programs may repeat education courses only one time (i.e., a course may be taken for credit a maximum of two times). This includes the pre-practicum and student teaching practicum.
   • A student who has earned 60 semester hours of credits will not be permitted to enter into the education program unless he/she passes the entrance exams. The student must schedule an appointment with his/her education adviser to discuss alternative options.

Certification

Candidates for certification must pass all required Pennsylvania PRAXIS/PECT tests. The Pennsylvania certificate is also valid in the 46 states with interstate agreements. Students will need to check with other state Departments of Education concerning certification transfer.

A PA Instructional Level I certificate is valid for six years of service, during which time the following requirements must be completed: an approved induction program; 24 credit hours of post-baccalaureate coursework from a state-approved, four-year, degree-granting institution; and three years of satisfactory full-time service under contract in Pennsylvania. Completing these requirements leads to qualification for PA Level II certification. Once a student has attained initial certification, she/he must adhere to Pennsylvania’s Act 48, which requires all teachers to complete six credit hours or 180 clock hours of professional development every five years in order to retain a valid certificate. This applies to both Instructional I and Instructional II certificates.

Required Pre-Service Field Experiences

On enrolling in the teacher education curriculum, a student begins a program of field experiences designed to integrate theory and practice. The first component, executed through education course requirements, is a sequence of structured classroom observations in local schools.

The second component is a supervised, full-time, 150-hour pre-practicum in a local school. Typically, the pre-practicum is completed one day per week over 15 weeks during the spring semester of the junior year or the fall semester of the senior year. Students must plan for transportation to and from the practicum site. The culminating component is a full-time, off-campus, semester-long student teaching practicum, which occurs in the senior year. This clinical experience approximates an actual teaching position and provides a thorough test of professional readiness for classroom teaching. All education courses must be completed prior to the student teaching practicum. The practicum and attendant special needs seminar constitute a full load. Students may not schedule additional courses during this semester. Placements are made within the Wilson College service area (within 80 miles) and are supervised by Wilson faculty.