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What You'll Be Doing

Gannon University believes teaching is a vital and vibrant profession. Whether you are interested in biology, English, mathematics, social studies or Spanish, Gannon’s education program and the program of your content major will prepare you to be an innovative and effective teacher. Our education curriculum focuses on teaching strategies, performance and professionalism. Additional learning experiences are provided through professional development opportunities made possible by community partnerships with 12 public school districts, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie’s parochial schools, area private schools and charter schools. Gannon’s education students also have the opportunity to learn from national educators, such as Ron Clark, a Disney Teacher of the Year.

During the second semester of your freshman year or first semester of your sophomore year, you will be placed in a local school district for the first of three practicum experiences. In this first field experience, you will have the opportunity to view the classroom through the lens of a teacher while working under the direction of a professional local educator who has demonstrated a high degree of competence in teaching. Each subsequent practicum will provide you with an opportunity to add to your teaching skills. The planned sequence of field experiences integrate academic and professional content with actual practice in classrooms and schools. These diverse practicums take place in public, parochial and private schools in rural, suburban and urban settings across multiple grade levels. All practicum placements are arranged by the University and supervised by University staff who provide additional guidance and feedback to our pre-service teachers.

Students enrolled in Gannon’s secondary or K-12 certification programs have the option to add special education, 7-12 to their certification. In order to be considered highly qualified and meet the guidelines in No Child Left Behind, special education teachers must also be certified in the content area in which they teach. Public school districts are aggressively seeking secondary or K-12 certified teachers who are also certified in Special Education.

Admission Requirements

• Completion of 16 academic units at the high school level, four of which must be English; remainder of units are to be comprised of social sciences, foriegn language, mathematics and science.
• Your academic course selection, grades, rank in class, guidance counselor recommendation and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) scores will be carefully reviewed for admission consideration. An SAT score of 970 (out of 1600 Math and Critical Reading) or higher or ACT score of 21 points or higher is expected, along with a rank in the top 50 percent of high school class.
• The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is currently reviewing secondary and K-12 certification requirements. Should the standards and regulations for certification change, Gannon University will comply with the changes. Please refer to the PDE Web site at http://www.pde.state.pa.us for updated information.

Teaching Opportunities

Secondary Education is a dual major. The program requires that the student complete the required courses in the discipline area of Biology, English, Mathematics, Social Studies or Spanish, as well as the secondary professional education courses. Educators certified for a secondary content are eligible to teach in grades 7-12.

Biology
An educator holding a Pennsylvania certificate for Biology has a number of job opportunities. In addition, to providing instruction in biological/ life science, the educator is qualified to teach any general science or environmental science course (7-12) and any science course at the middle level (7-9). Biology Major Fact Sheet

English
English provides extensive learning experiences in English language studies, speaking, writing and literature. A person holding a certificate for English is qualified to teach English courses and programs for students in grades 7-12. Additionally, the English certified educator may teach communication courses and other media when the studies involve speech, dramatics and creative writing. Technical and business writing and applied communication are other examples of courses for which the English certified educator may be hired. English Major Fact Sheet

Mathematics
The PA certified mathematics teacher is qualified to teach courses in areas such as: general mathematics, algebra, trigonometry, geometry and calculus. Also, the qualified math educator may teach applied mathematics, business mathematics and technology courses related to mathematics. Computer software, as well as programming, spread sheets and data bases may be taught by a qualified math instructor. Mathematics Major Fact Sheet

Social Studies
An individual holding a valid PA certificate for Social Studies is qualified to teach courses and programs in areas that include: Pennsylvania, United States or world history; geography; civics and government; economics; political science; and American and world cultures. Courses in sociology, anthropology and philosophy are also taught by teachers with a Social Studies certificate. History Major Fact Sheet

Spanish (K-12)
The program requires that the student complete the required courses in Spanish, as well as the K-12 education courses. Educators certified in Spanish are eligible to teach students in grades K- 12. In addition to teaching students to speak and write in Spanish, educators instruct their students about the cultures of Spanish speaking countries. Foreign Language Major Fact Sheet

 

The Gannon Advantage

• Students at Gannon enjoy internships, co-ops and study abroad opportunities. In addition everyone completes our "Liberal Studies Core" -- 39 credits that will help prepare you for life.
• Gannon's Career Development Services Office reports that 97% of Gannon's recent graduates are employed or are enrolled in graduate studies.
• On our urban campus, students can enjoy all the conveniences of city living while feeling at home in Gannon's caring community.
• An overall 13:1 student to faculty ratio ensures that students receive the genuine commitment and personal attention they are seeking.
• Gannon's Career Service Center helps students search for graduate school or job opportunities, develop interviewing skills and design a professional resume.
• Over 70 clubs and organizations as well as 18 NCAA Division II athletics provide students the chance to be involved.