Gannon University

Secondary Education certification is offered as a dual major for students in:

Biology Business, Computer, and Information Technology Chemistry Communications Earth Science			English Foreign Languages (Spanish, German, French) General Science History/Citizenship Mathematics

The School of Education offers a two-year Associate Degree in Early Childhood/Early Intervention.

The Graduate School of Education offers degree programs in:

Curriculum and Instruction Educational Leadership Educational Computing Technology			Environmental Science Education Early Childhood Intervention Reading

The Graduate School of Education offers degree programs in:

Early Childhood Intervention Instructional Technology Specialist Instructional Technology Supervisor

Letter of Eligibility for Superintendent and Intermediate Unit Director Reading Specialist

Teacher Certification

In compliance with Pennsylvania Law, Act 354, all students entering the teacher certification program in 2003 must have and maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. All students seeking teacher certification in Pennsylvania must fulfill the requirements of the University for the baccalaureate degree as well as the professional education requirements of the School of Education. Students must also achieve passing scores, as determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, on the required Praxis National Teacher Examinations. The process and requirements for teacher certification are described in the School of Education Teacher Certification Handbook as well as this catalog.

To obtain specific information about certification in other states, students should confer with the Chairperson of Education.

The Process of Teacher Certification Policy

Acceptance and enrollment at Gannon University does not automatically make one a candidate in the Teacher Education Certification Program in the School of Education. Each student must apply for official admission to the Teacher Education Certification Program. In addition, students must maintain certain standards to remain in the Teacher Education Program.

The Education Review Committee reviews applications for admissions to the Teacher Education Program each semester. Students who meet the admission criteria are recommended to the Chairperson of the School of Education for approval as a teacher education candidate. The standards for admission/retention have been developed by the School of Education and require that a student accomplish the following:

Admission to Teacher Education and Retention in Teacher Education

Admission to Teacher Education

A. Academic Requirements

• Students must officially apply for admission to the Teacher Education Certification Program when 48 credit hours have been earned. Students may make application in the semester in which the 48th credit hour will be earned; however, the admission decision may be deferred until completion of the concurrent semester.
  
• Within the 48 credit hour total, students must have completed LENG 111, LENG 112, LENG 240 series, MATH 105, MATH 106, PSYC 111, EDCR 100, EDCR 101, EDCR 102, EDCR 103, and EDFL 110 with a C or better. Students in the dual-certification program must also have completed EDCR 200, EDCR 201, EDCR 202, and EDFL 210.
  
• Within the 48 credit hour total, students must have completed a minimum of 9 additional credit hours required in at least one area of teaching specializations (i.e., elementary education, early childhood education, special education, or secondary education concentration).
  
• Students must have obtained an overall grade point average of 3.0 or better for the 2003-2004 school year. Computation of the overall grade point average considers all coursework completed at the point of application to the program, including all coursework from other institutions.
  
• Students must have obtained a grade point average of 3.0 or better for the 2003-2004 school year. Computation of the professional education grade point average considers all education coursework required for admission to teacher education.
  
• Students must have obtained a grade point average of 3.0 or better for the 2003-2004 school year. Computation of the teaching specialization grade point average considers all coursework required for the chosen teaching specialization(s) completed at the point of application.
  
• For students who apply beyond the completion of 48 credit hours (including transfers, change of majors, and postgraduates), all credit hours will be considered when computing the grade point average requirements.
  

• Students must have received satisfactory evaluations from all completed field practicum experiences.
  

C. Standardized Test Requirements

• Students must submit performance scores at or above the passing level on the Praxis Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) in the areas of reading, writing and mathematics upon completion of 72 credits. The School of Education has no control or responsibility for the timely receipt of test scores. Applications for the Teacher Education Program are assessed upon the most recent test scores on file in the School of Education. Students who are learning disabled may make request for adapted testing conditions as specified by Praxis.
  
• Specialty Praxis examinations must be completed prior to application for state certification.
  

• Students who do not meet the required criteria are denied admission and advised to pursue other program options. When circumstances warrant, students may be granted one provisional semester of admittance to correct deficiencies (as deemed necessary by the Education Review Committee).
  

Retention in Teacher Education
Once admitted to the Teacher Education Program, candidates must abide by the following retention policies to remain in the program:

• Candidates must maintain a C or better in all required coursework in professional education and the chosen teaching specialization(s).
• Candidates must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or better for the 2003-2004 school year, in professional education and in the chosen teaching specialization(s).
• Candidates must successfully complete field practicum requirements prescribed in the chosen teaching specialization(s).
  
• Candidates must demonstrate consistent behaviors that are perceived to be suitable and appropriate for teaching and managing instruction in diverse learning environments.
• Students recognize that the Teacher Education Program may recommend re-evaluation of status for any candidate previously admitted to the program when evidence exists that the individual may be unsuitable for the teaching profession.
  
  

  Academic Programs

Early Childhood Education Elementary Education Special Education

Early Childhood Education/ Early Intervention

Secondary Education/ Certificate

Course Descriptions