Assistant Professor Yarworth, Chair
Associate Professor Seidenstricker, Teacher Certification Officer
Professor Fuchs, Dean of Graduate Studies
Professor Warfield
Assistant Professor Hamwi
Instructors Mislevy, Place
Lecturers Barnshaw, Deatrich, Endy, Forrer, King, Otis, Richardson, Simyak

• Education Department Web site
  
  
• Overview
• • Admission to the Teacher Certification Program / Teacher Cerification Requirements
  • Certification
  • Pass Rates on PA Praxis Exams
• Art Education Certification Program
• Early Childhood and/or Elementary Education Certification Programs
  • Course Requirements for Certification in Early Childhood
    and/or Elementary Education within and beyond the College
    General Education Program
• Foreign Language Education Certification Programs
• Special Education - Certification Program (N-12) in Cognitive, Behavior, Physical Health Disabilities (CBP/HD)
  • Requirements for the Certification in Special Education
• Secondary Education Certification Programs
• Courses
• Downloadable Brochure
  
• What Can I do with a Major in Education?
• A List of Resources for Education Majors

Within the context of a liberal arts education, the mission of the teacher certification programs at Albright is the development of broadly educated professionals who are knowledgeable in areas of specialization, skilled in pedagogy, technologically proficient, and cognizant of divergent learning processes. Albright aims to develop reflective practitioners who are knowledgeable and thoughtful facilitators of the learning, growth, and development of students in a culturally diverse and technologically complex world.

Pennsylvania Department of Education approved teacher education programs leading to certification are offered in:

• Art Education
• Early Childhood Education in combination with Elementary Education
• Elementary Education
• Foreign Language Education: French, German, Latin and Spanish
• Secondary Education: Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Physics
• Special Education: Cognitive, Behavior, Physical Health Disabilities (CBP/HD)

Students interested in certification programs must contact an Education Department adviser early in their college tenure to insure scheduling of all required courses and experiences.

The objectives of the Education Department are the selection and preparation of teachers for the profession. Programs are developed and revised annually to meet the Pennsylvania requirements for teacher certification.

Candidates for teacher certification are screened throughout the program and, upon recommendation of the Education Department and the Albright Teacher Education Committee, complete a professional semester in the senior year or a ninth semester.

Aggregate pass scores for recent education program completors on PA PRAXIS assessments are available upon request from the admission office, the Education Department or on the online catalog.

Students not expecting to teach may take any basic education course for cultural or practical value with the permission of the chairperson of the department.

Albright offers membership in the student organization of the Pennsylvania Education Association. Outstanding education students are invited to join Kappa Delta Pi, the education honor society.

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Admission to the Teacher Certification Program

In accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Education regulations, students may apply for admission to a teacher certification program at Albright after completing three semesters of study. Requirements for admission include:

• Minimum 2.8 GPA
• ENG 102 Composition with a C or above
• Math (2 units) with a C or above
• Literature (1 unit) with a C or above
• Pass scores on PRAXIS I (reading, writing, math)

Teacher Certification Requirements.

The following are the general requirements for inclusion and retention in all Albright College teacher certification programs culminating in a professional semester that includes student teaching. Specific state requirements (minimum GPA, PRAXIS tests, course requirements) for teacher certification are revised for each entering class. Candidates for Pennsylvania teacher certification must consult with an Education Department adviser for current information regarding specific requirements.

1. Successful admission into an Albright Teacher Certification Program.
2. Passing scores on all Pennsylvania required PRAXIS tests.
3. A grade of C or above in all education, content, and general studies courses required for certification. (A grade of C- does not qualify.)
4. Recommendation of concentration department.
5. Recommendation of Education Department.
6. Successful completion of all requirements of the professional semester.
7. Satisfactory rating in all competencies designated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education
8. Minimum 3.0 GPA
   All certification programs offer opportunities
   for extensive field and classroom experiences.
   

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Certification

Upon completion of all approved certification program and College graduation requirements, the candidate is eligible to apply for the Pennsylvania
teaching certificate.

1. The Early Childhood Education Certification Program certifies teachers to teach nursery through third grade.
2. The Elementary Education Certification Program certifies teachers to teach kindergarten through sixth grade.
3. By combining Early Childhood and Elementary Certification Programs, certification will be granted to teachers for nursery through
   sixth grade.
4. Secondary School Certification Programs certify teachers in grades 7 through 12.
5. Foreign Language and Art Certification Programs certify teachers to teach in kindergarten through grade 12.
6. The Special Education - CBP/HD Program certifies teachers for special education classrooms in nursery through grade 12.

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Pass Rates on Pennsylvania Required Praxis Exams

The Education Department of Albright College is proud of its tradition of preparing quality educators with a rich foundation in liberal arts learning. Albright teacher candidates develop competencies, including but not limited to effective instructional planning and practice, knowledge of child development, use of practical teaching strategies, and skillful classroom management. A partnership with local schools provides numerous practical opportunities for future teachers to develop instructional skills in field experiences throughout the program of study.

The pass rate achieved by recent (1999-2003) Albright College Education Program Completers on PA Praxis assessments of basic skills, academic content areas, and professional knowledge reflects the competency of Albright students entering the teaching profession. Albright students are entering the classroom with the pedagogical knowledge and subject-matter competencies needed to guide young learners. Albright's teacher preparation program compares favorably with other Pennsylvania teacher education institutions. At Albright, small classes, rigorous requirements, and a caring faculty with extensive experience in public education combine to create a positive environment for teacher education.

ALBRIGHT COLLEGE TEACHER CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
PRAXIS PASS-RATE DATA

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