PA PREK-4 TEACHER CERTIFICATION WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION PREK-12 CERTIFICATION

MASTER OF EDUCATION PROGRAM (51 CREDITS)

This post baccalaureate teacher certification program will prepare candidates for Pennsylvania public school teaching from grades prekindergarten through four, pending passing of the PA PreK-4 competency exam (PA basic skills exams are not required for certification at the masters level). The PA Special Education PK-12 certification may be added with the completion of four 15 week online classes and passing of Pennsylvania’s Special Education PreK-12 competency exam.

The Master of Education leading to PreK-4 teacher certification with Special Education PreK 12 certification will be offered in online format in seven or 15 week semesters in the fall, spring and summer. All courses and field experiences will be taught and supervised by UVF education faculty who are highly qualified in their area of instruction. The teacher certification program culminates in 14 weeks of student teaching that will take place over two seven week semesters. Teacher candidates presently working as paraprofessionals in public school settings may complete some or all field experiences in that setting. Up to nine undergraduate credits that meet PA teaching competencies may be applied to this degree program if applicable. The Teacher Certification program is designed to be completed in two to three years. Based on student’s undergraduate transcript evaluation, undergraduate coursework or the equivalent in literature, fine arts, history, and science may be required.

 

PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, for a diverse audience within educational settings.

2. Access, evaluate, and utilize current educational research and literature based on knowledge of best practices and academic standards.

3. Establish and maintain professional demeanor and relationships with students, colleagues, parents, and supervisors in educational settings.

4. Articulate a philosophy of education that is consistent with a Christian worldview and integrate Christian principles into professional practice.

5. Design, implement, and reflect upon instruction that is aligned with best practices and academic standards and that meets the educational needs of diverse learners.

 

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

EDU

501

Multicultural Education & Culturally Responsive Pedagogy

3 cr

EDU

502

Assessment: Issues, Trends, & Best Practice

3 cr

EDU

503

Curriculum Theory & Design

3 cr

EDU

513

Foundational Theories of Education & Human Development

3 cr

EDU

543

Professional Practice in & out of the Classroom

3 cr

EDU

602

Language Development & Literacy Foundations

3 cr

EDU

603

Literacy Methods & Differentiated Reading Interventions

3 cr

EDU

633

Methods of Teaching Math

3 cr

EDU

640

Methods of Teaching English Learners

3 cr

EDU

663

Inquiry Methods for Science & Social Studies

3 cr

EDU

671

Student Teaching

3 cr

EDU

672

Student Teaching

3 cr

SPE

613

Teaching Students with Exceptionalities in Inclusive Settings

3 cr

SPE

614

Behavioral Interventions for Students with Disabilities

3 cr

SPE

615

Language & Literacy for Students with Disabilities

3 cr

SPE

616

Strategies and Early Intervention for Students with High Incidence Disabilities

3 cr

SPE

617

Strategies and Early Intervention for Students with Low Incidence Disabilities

3 cr

TOTAL

 

 

51 cr

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

EDU 501 – Multicultural Education & Culturally Responsive Pedagogy: 3 credits

This course consists of an in-depth study of the educational implications of race, gender, language, and social class in American schools. Based on the biblical mandate to minister to people from all backgrounds, this course will encourage teacher candidates and in-service teachers to consider the experience of diverse groups of students with understanding and compassion, and to develop skills in practicing culturally responsive pedagogy in diverse educational settings.

 

EDU 502 – Assessment: Issues, Trends, & Best Practice: 3 credits

This course explores major concepts, principles, and methodologies related to assessment. Students will analyze the political and social atmosphere that produced legal actions such as No Child Left Behind, Race to the Top, Common Core Standards and Every Student Succeeds Act and their effect on students, educators, and administrators. Then, students will investigate formal and informal assessments and learn how to use the data generated from them to improve learning for students of all backgrounds and ability levels.

 

EDU 503 – Curriculum Theory & Design: 3 credits 

Through this course, in-service teachers and teacher candidates will examine theoretical perspectives in curriculum theory and design and will plan instruction that utilizes best practices, with emphasis on the Understanding by Design model of unit and lesson planning as well as methods of differentiation. Candidates will consider how technology in the classroom both aids and hinders instruction, and will apply the Danielson Framework domains of planning, preparation, and instruction to curriculum construction.

 

EDU 513 – Foundational Theories of Education & Human Development: 3 credits 

This course examines the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children and adolescents through consideration of the major concepts, principles, theories, and research related to children and youth. Teacher candidates will explore multiple influences on development such as family, culture, gender, media, and the importance of play. In addition, candidates will investigate historical foundations of education and the resulting educational approaches as they exist today.

 

EDU 543 – Professional Practice in & out of the Classroom: 3 credits 

This course focuses on teaching essential skills and strategies for designing and maintaining productive learning environments that are supportive, respectful, and challenging for all students in the public school setting. Teacher candidates will apply Danielson’s Framework, Pennsylvania’s Code of Conduct, and NAEYC’s Code of Ethical Conduct to management strategies with emphasis on the classroom environment and professionalism outside the classroom. Candidates will explore strategies to foster communication and collaboration with families.

This course includes a 10 hour field experience.

 

EDU 602 – Language Development & Literacy Foundations: 3 credits

This course explores the theories of language development with particular emphasis on the cognitive, linguistic, and socio-cultural factors that influence language and literacy learning. Students will demonstrate knowledge of key concepts with assignments designed to provide practical application of course content on a variety of topics such as the benefits and impact of literacy, how literacy serves as a tool of social equity, and strategies to support family literacy and literacy programs. Students will develop pedagogical skills in assessing, modifying, and implementing curriculum in the areas of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with emphasis on language and reading comprehension, expressive skills, phonological development, word level instruction, and reading-writing connections.

This course includes a 10 hour field experience.

 

EDU 603 – Literacy Methods & Differentiated Reading Interventions: 3 credits

This course includes an in-depth examination of literacy assessment and instruction in reading and writing. Focused on balanced and comprehensive literacy, students will study topics related to how children learn to read and write such as reading processes, miscue analysis, reading fluency, comprehension, literary response and writing. Both directed and guided reading instruction, as well as the role of phonics in reading and spelling, will be addressed to design effective instruction for the diverse needs in today’s classroom.

This course includes a 10 hour field experience.

 

SPE 613 – Teaching Students with Exceptionalities in Inclusive Settings: 3 credits

This course provides an overview of the basic characteristics and unique educational needs of individuals who have been determined to be exceptional in the areas of, but not limited to, learning disabilities, mental impairment, emotional and/or behavioral disorders, mental health disorders and multiple and severe disabilities. Students will explore the theoretical basis and practice of inclusion of students who are eligible to receive special education services under IDEA guidelines in the general education classroom. Students will identify the role and legal rights of families of individuals with exceptionalities, and will examine best practices for inclusion, assessment, and collaboration within the educational setting.

This course includes a 10 hour field experience.

 

EDU 633 – Methods of Teaching Math: 3 credits

Through this course, teacher candidates will study the “teaching for, about, and through” problem-solving model of mathematics instruction. Candidates will gain experience in designing and delivering equitable learning for all students (including special needs and linguistically diverse students) and in helping students build both conceptual and procedural knowledge of mathematics. The course will also address arts, technology and children’s literature integration in the math classroom.

This course includes a 10 hour field experience.

Prerequisite: EDU 503

 

EDU 640 – Methods of Teaching English Learners: 3 credits

This course will provide teacher candidates with knowledge of language systems, language development and the stages of language acquisition. Candidates will demonstrate understanding of teachers’ professional obligations, cultural competency, and assessment of English Learners. Through course assignments, candidates will show proficiency in planning and implementing instruction that is aligned with Pennsylvania Language Proficiency Standards for English Learner Pre-K-12 and Pennsylvania academic standards.

This course includes a 10 hour field experience.

 

EDU 663 – Inquiry Methods for Science & Social Studies: 3 credits

This course is designed to provide teacher candidates with the tools and strategies to plan, implement, and assess instruction in the content areas of social studies and science. Candidates will utilize constructivist learning theory and the inquiry-based approach in designing and delivering effective classroom experiences for students, and will design integrated curriculum based on Pennsylvania’s Standards Aligned System that will be differentiated for English Learners and other special populations.

This course includes a 10 hour field experience.

Prerequisite: EDU 503

 

EDU 671/672 – Student Teaching: 6 credits 

Candidates will apply theory to practice in this culminating 14-week (two semester) student teaching experience. Through placement with an experienced mentor teacher and under the supervision of a university supervisor, candidates will plan and implement instruction with appropriate accommodations and adaptations, assess and analyze learning, and maintain a positive and productive learning environment for students. Candidates will demonstrate ethical and professional behaviors toward students, cooperating teachers and other school personnel, and families. A student teaching fee will be applied to each student teaching semester. Students in SPE dual certification program must be placed in an inclusive classroom and mentored by both the classroom teacher and a special education specialist.

 

SPE 613 – Teaching Students with Exceptionalities in Inclusive Settings: 3 credits 

This course provides an overview of the basic characteristics and unique educational needs of individuals who have been determined to be exceptional in the areas of, but not limited to, learning disabilities, mental impairment, emotional and/or behavioral disorders, mental health disorders and multiple and severe disabilities. Students will explore the theoretical basis and practice of inclusion of students who are eligible to receive special education services under IDEA guidelines in the general education classroom. Students will identify the role and legal rights of families of individuals with exceptionalities, and will examine best practices for inclusion, assessment, and collaboration within the educational setting.

This course includes a 10 hour field experience.

 

SPE 614 – Behavioral Interventions for Students with Disabilities: 3 credits 

This online course will provide information and training in the implementation of classroom management theories as it pertains to working with students with disabilities. Students will learn about implementing the Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) model as well as practical strategies for working with students in the classroom with behavior challenges. The course will examine the current mandates and legislation related to behavior management of students with disabilities in school. There will be a strong emphasis on understanding, assessing, and managing behavior using data informed decision-making. The course will introduce students to the use and development of functional behavior assessments to develop behavior intervention plans.

This course includes a 10-hour field experience working with students with special needs.

 

SPE 615 – Language & Literacy for Students with Disabilities: 3 credits 

This online course will provide information and training in the literacy and language instruction of students with disabilities. Students will learn about the development and prevalence of reading disabilities. Students will also learn about implementing best practice strategies to ensure high quality literacy instruction as well as how to implement a Response to Intervention model in order to provide evidence based interventions for struggling students. There will be a strong emphasis on understanding, assessing, and managing literacy instruction using data informed decision-making. The course will also review the procedure for developing IEP goal in the area of literacy.

This course includes a 10-hour field experience working with students with special needs.

 

SPE 616 – Strategies & Early Intervention for Students with High Incidence Disabilities: 3 credits

This online course will provide information and training in the teaching of students with high incidence disabilities. Students will learn to implement general teaching strategies that are effective in working with students with disabilities as well as specific strategies for teaching literacy, math, science, and social studies. The course will also examine the successful implementation of early and middle level education intervention services, the creation of standards based IEP goals, and effective transition techniques for students with disabilities. There will be an emphasis on the characteristics and development of students with specific high-incidence disabilities.

This course includes a 10-hour field experience working with students with special needs.

 

SPE 617 – Strategies & Early Intervention for Students with Low Incidence Disabilities: 3 credits

This online course will provide information and training in the teaching of students with low incidence disabilities. Students will learn to implement general teaching strategies that are effective in working with students with disabilities as well as specific strategies for teaching daily living skills, encouraging motor development and encouraging social development. The course will also examine the successful implementation of early and middle level education intervention services and effective transition techniques for students with low incidence disabilities. There will be an emphasis on the characteristics, development and teaching of students with specific low- incidence disabilities.

This course includes a 10-hour field experience working with students with special needs.

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