Teacher Certification Process
I want to become a certified teacher. What do I do?
First, you need to decide whether you are interested in teaching elementary education (grades K-6), or secondary education (grades 7-12). Special education is a program that can be completed along with either the elementary or secondary education program.
How many classes are required for each program?
For elementary education, there are twelve graduate courses required (36 credits). This program leads to a Master’s degree in Education and Level I teacher certification. There are five undergraduate pre-requisite courses for this program: English composition, English literature, two math courses, and one U.S. History course.
For secondary education, there are 10 graduate courses required for certification, and 12 graduate courses required for the Master’s degree. Depending on your undergraduate major, you may need to complete additional undergraduate coursework in your content area (art, biology, chemistry, English, French, math, social studies, Spanish). The undergraduate course requirements for all secondary education majors are: English composition, English literature, two math courses, and one child/adolescent psychology course.
How long will it take me to complete this program?
The program is self-paced. Classes meet one night a week during the Fall and Spring semesters. The courses meet twice a week during the summer semesters.
What other requirements are necessary to become a teacher?
All candidates for teacher certification must pass the Praxis I tests within completion of four graduate education courses. Praxis I consists of three one-hour tests in Reading, Writing, and Math skills. Depending on your program, Praxis II testing will be required in order to become a certified teacher. Information about Praxis testing can be found at www.ets.org/praxis.
Also, the final step in the teacher certification process is to complete one semester of student teaching. This is a full-time, daytime commitment for one semester at the end of your program.
What if I don’t have all of the pre-requisite courses? Can I still apply to graduate school?
Yes. You can start taking graduate courses while you are completing your undergraduate pre-requisite courses.
What are the admission requirements?
Please follow the link http://my.holyfamily.edu/grad/home/process.asp to learn about the application process.
The Graduate Admissions Office is still accepting applications for the Fall 2008 semester. Classes begin on August 27, 2008.
