Offered by the Department of Education and Special Education
Professors: Benjamin, Cleland, Straub
Associate Professors: Carico, Floyd, Hammann, Lucero (chairperson), Smith, Werner-Burke
Assistant Professors: Moore
Certification Requirements: Mansfield University teacher education programs are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and nationally accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Candidates for teaching certification in Pennsylvania must meet state requirements described in Chapter 354 regulations. A description of requirements, policies, and procedures for teacher certification can be found in the catalog section entitled, “University Policies.”
The Early Childhood and Elementary Education program leads to recommendation to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for Early Childhood teaching certification Pre-K-4 beginning with candidates who earn Pennsylvania teaching certification in 2013 and beyond. Until 2013, the Pennsylvania certifications that can be earned include Elementary Education K-6 and Early Childhood Education N-3. The curriculum is based on the early childhood standards of the professional organization National Association for Education of Young Children (NAETC) and early childhood competencies PreK-4 developed by PDE.
The Early Childhood and Elementary Education program features a foundation in child development and learning, extensive preparation in content subject matter and teaching methodology, and uses of observation and student assessment to guide instructional decision-making. Additional program emphases include establishing cooperative relationships with families and community resources and developing the important knowledge, skills, and dispositions that are requried of early childhood and elementary education professionals. The curriculum prepares graduates to meet the learning needs of all students and to be successful in diverse modern classrooms. Program students also learn to adapt and plan instruction that is based on developmentally appropriate practices and to make effective uses of technology to aid teaching and learning.
The Early Childhood and Elementary Education program features school experiences throughout all four years and in a wide variety of classroom settings, culminating in student teaching. Students also complete an exended pre-student teaching school experience. Graduates of the program may pursue teaching or director positions in early childhood preschools and teaching positions in elementary schools from preschool through grade four.
The special education program prepares students to work with exceptional individuals through a variety of teaching methods and practicum experiences. Students who complete the requirements for certification in special education receive a Bachelor of Science in Education degree and a Pennsylvania Instructional I teaching certificate. This certificate allows students to teach children in grades PreK - 8 or 7 - 12 with exceptionalities in the areas of mental retardation, emotional disturbance, autism, physical disability and brain injury. This is a second certification which will be in addition to their primary certification in Early Childhood / Elementary Education (PreK - 4) or Secondary Education (7 - 12). Many graduates of the certification program also pursue graduate studies after obtaining their undergraduate degree. See Early Childhood / Elementary Education.
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