Teacher Education Department

Janet Bufalino, Ed.D., Chair (717) 477-1688
Julie Q. Bao, Ph.D.
Lynn Baynum, Ph.D
Rebecca Blahus, Ph. D
Gwendolyn Durham, Ed.D.
Christopher Keyes, Ph.D.
Han Liu, Ph.D.
Andrea Malmont, Ed.D.
Eucabeth Odhiambo, Ed.D.
Donald Philpot, Ph.D.
Jennifer Pyles, Ph.D.
Christine Royce, Ed. D
Konnie Serr, M.Ed.
Steven Smith, M.Ed.
Cheryl Slattery, Ed.D.
Rebecca Ward, Ph.D.
Robert Ziegenfuss, Ph.D.

Programs Offered

The Department of Teacher Education offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Education degree in two areas: Curriculum and Instruction, and Literacy/Technology/Reading.

The Curriculum and Instruction degree includes the following cluster choices: early childhood education, elementary education, middle level education as well as biology, English, geography/earth science, history, mathematics, and modern languages secondary education.

The Early Childhood cluster includes three options: M.Ed. only; M.Ed. with state certification and M.Ed. with ESL program specialist certification.

The M.Ed. in Literacy/Technology/Reading has two tracks: Reading Specialist and Literacy Specialist tracks.

Admission to Teacher Education Programs

All applications for admission to our Teacher Education programs must begin with application to the School of Graduate Studies. The Teacher Education department will supply the applicant with required program application forms after notification the individual has met the requirements for the graduate school.

Important admission information follows:

1. Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.

2. Applicants must present an official transcript showing at least a 2.75 cumulative quality point average for undergraduate studies. Those who do not qualify will be required to take either the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) prior to admission. Applicants for certification programs must have a 3.0 cumulative quality point average for undergraduate students.

3. Applicants to the Reading Specialist program are expected to have prior certification in either elementary or secondary education.

4. It is strongly recommended applicants possess relevant experience prior to admission to graduate study.

5. With the application to the graduate school, the applicant will receive a packet of materials containing reference forms, a personal data form, and a request for a resume.

6. Submit all the above materials to the Graduate Admissions Office as requested. When all documents have been returned, program faculty will invite the applicant to the next scheduled interview session.

7. Appear for an interview with one of the faculty.

8. Following the interview each applicant will be assessed by the program with regard to relevant life/work/academic experiences as well as overall impression from the on-campus interview and applicant’s references.

Program Requirements

In order to be approved for graduation, each student is required to have a planning sheet on file in the graduate office, approved by the assigned academic advisor. The courses for a student who enrolls in a certification program along with a Master’s degree may include undergraduate coursework. There may be from two to four semesters of these courses that will be identified on an individual basis. Candidates for initial certification must demonstrate competency in student teaching.