Preparing educators with the tools to teach diverse classrooms.

• Initial Teaching Certification

  Teacher candidates can earn initial teaching certification for grades 7-12 in the following content areas:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Sciences:
    • General Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Earth & Space Science
  • Social Studies
  • German (grades PK-12)
  • Spanish (grades PK-12)
• Danielson Framework for Teaching

  The program is guided by and employs the Danielson Framework for Teaching:

  • Planning & Preparation - Demonstrating knowledge of content & pedagogy
  • Classroom Environment – Demonstrating knowledge of students
  • Instruction – Designing curriculum and planning instruction
  • Professional Responsibilities – Reflection on teaching, maintaining records, communicating with families, participating in professional communities, growing & showing professionalism
• Course Descriptions
  • EDU 526 - Data Driven Decision Making
    • With the current emphasis on accountability and data-driven instruction, this course will provide in-service teachers the opportunity to study an area of personal relevance to their classroom and school/institution. It will emphasize the critical role of assessment in the instructional process and the importance of using valid assessments to guide and influence instruction.
  • EDU 527 - Foundations of Urban Education
    • A course discussing urban schools in complex social, historical, and political constructs, especially how attempts to create, reform, eliminate, restructure and reassess urban schools reflect broader efforts to shape American society, in general.
  • EDU 532 - Education Exploration
    • This course will provide teacher candidates with an introduction to the complexities of today’s classrooms and education environment. Knowledge will be gained through observation and attendance at various education-related events and direct participation in classroom activities.
  • EDU 533 - Social Interpretations of Education
    • This course examines basic social concepts and institutions. Their development is traced and their effects upon educational policies and practices are investigated.
  • EDU 568 - Middle Level Curriculum & Instruction
    • This course explores the unique sociological and psychological aspects of the middle level learner and the implications of these aspects for teachers, counselors, and administrators in the organization of the middle school and in development of a responsive curriculum for middle level learners.
  • EDU 592 - Intensive Clinical Experience
    • A field assignment in a middle or high school setting will provide the clinical student teaching experience. Teacher candidates will teach under a mentor in the schools and meet weekly with their university supervisor in a fieldwork seminar.
  • SEU 410/420/430 - Content Area Methodology Course
    • This course will provide the pre-service middle and high school teachers with theories, methods, techniques, strategies, materials, technology, and assessment procedures in their respective concentrations.
  • SEU 535 - Classroom Management for the Inclusive Classroom
    • This course will prepare teachers to be educational leaders who effectively manage their classrooms. It will focus on taking a pro-active approach to create a positive learning environment for all students.
  • SEU 540 - Reading, Writing and Critical Thinking in a Standards Aligned System
    • This course will focus on the literacy needs of adolescent and young adult learners. Formal and informal techniques and strategies which promote information acquisition, expression, and critical thinking in content areas will be at the essence of this course. Students will learn reading and writing activities suitable to all content area course offerings.
  • SPU 500 - Cognitive Development of Diverse Learners in a Standards Aligned System
    • This course surveys the development and provision of special education services to individuals with disabilities in an inclusive environment. Additionally, the identification and characteristics of different types of disabilities will be discussed along with effective collaboration procedures and current classroom management procedures for pre-kindergarten to eighth grade students.
• Clinical Experience

  Clinical experience takes place in the final spring semester of the program. Our teacher candidates will be assigned full-time placement in an urban secondary school within the Reading or Allentown school districts.

• Requirements:
  • Apply online
    • Watch a walkthrough for applying here.
  • Official transcripts sent from previous institutions
  • Clearances: Act 34, Act 126, Act 114, Act 151 & TB test
    • Upload clearances to the application portal.
    • Find instructions for obtaining clearances here
  • Demonstrate evidence of content-area knowledge:
    • Required: passing Praxis II Subject Assessment score(s) in content area
    • Required: undergraduate/graduate content area courses (see content area course requirements below)
    • Optional: professional work experience related to content area
  • Participation in an interview after applying
• Content Area Course Requirements

  Admission to the program requires candidates to demonstrate competency in their content area. We have provided worksheets below to detail the expectations of each content area. Applicants can use these forms to get a sense of where they stand and may attach a completed form with their application (optional). Faculty will evaluate applications to determine an admissions decision based on the criteria in the worksheets, in addition to other admissions requirements. It is possible that a candidate may be admitted conditionally pending the completion of additional courses.

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Earth & Space Science
  • English
  • General Science
  • German
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Social Studies
  • Spanish
• Deadlines:

  The second round of applications are due February 1st for admission into the Summer 2022 cohort.