Teacher Education Department

Each of the teacher education curriculums at Shippensburg is a four year program requiring at least 120 credit hours leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education for either Early Childhood/Elementary Education: PK-4 or Elementary/Middle Level Education: Grades 4-8. There is also the option to enroll in a Special Education PK-4 Dual option which leads to certification in both ECH Elementary PK-4 Education and Special Education. Successful completion of one of these programs of study qualifies the graduate for a variety of professional employment possibilities. The basic program qualifies the student to apply for a teaching certificate, making the graduate eligible for employment at either the Early Childhood/Elementary Education: PK-4 or Elementary/Middle Level Education: Grades 4-8 levels. Students who choose the Elementary/Middle Level Education: Grades 4-8 program will choose either a single or double area in which they will be certified to teach. A certification to teach environmental education (K-12) is given to those students completing the environmental education concentration. Some certification options may require more than 120 credits as well as have prerequisite courses that may need to be completed.

Students experience a standards-based curriculum that provides them with the knowledge, skills and dispositions to become reflective educators. Underlying all of their course work is a common theme that centers upon applying research, best practice, the integration of technology, and ongoing assessment to make informed decisions about the ways to best meet the individualized needs of their students. Effective communication skills, the ability to collaborate with others, active learning, a respect for diversity, and professionalism are the hallmarks of their classwork and field experiences.

Students share in the broad programs of general education provided for all students at the university, including courses in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences.

Admission Requirements

Students admitted to either the Early Childhood/Elementary Education: PK-4 or Elementary/Middle Level Education: Grades 4-8 education programs are expected to maintain an adjusted quality point average of at least a 3.0. In conjunction with the approved QPA, the department requires that a grade of C or higher must be obtained in each course listed on the approved planning sheet.

Faculty periodically review students’ social and academic progress and make recommendations for appropriate supportive actions if needed.

To be admitted into Professional Standing, a student must have attained or exceeded the cut scores on the approved basic skills test (PAPA - Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment). The cost of the testing program is paid by the individual student. In addition, the student must have met the approved writing competencies, achieved a minimum of a C grade in all courses required by the department, and achieved an overall quality point average of at least 3.0. All courses listed on the program planning sheet are the courses required by the department.

A student transferring into the program from another program on campus must have a 3.0 quality point average. A student transferring into the program from another institution of higher education must have a 3.0 quality point average. Please note that some programs have limited availability due to course offerings. Student applications will be evaluated and ranked for consideration. It is possible that even if a student meets the requirements, they may not be able to enter a desired program due to limited space.

Programs

Major

Minor

Reading Minor

Courses

Early Childhood

Early Childhood Special Education

Education Foundation

Reading

Teacher Education

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