• Seton Hill University provides certification programs in the following areas, which are recognized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education: Art; Biology; Business, Computer, and Information Technology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Elementary (Pre-K-4) with Special Education (Pre-K-12); English; French; Elementary/Middle Level; Mathematics; Music; Social Studies; Spanish; Special Education Pre-K-12.
• Seton Hill is committed to preparing teachers with a foundation in inclusionary techniques, providing the preparation in theory and practical application necessary in today’s classrooms.
• Students who seek certification in all areas can increase their opportunities for employment by earning a Special Education Endorsement granted by Seton Hill University. This endorsement is granted to students who complete the following courses:
• SED 205 - Intro to Special Education (Education)  
• SED 208 - Characteristics and Strategies I (Education)  
• SED 209 - Characteristics and Strategies II (Education)  
• SED 335 - Assessment (Education)  
• SED 340 - Classroom Management (Education)  

Teacher certification is regulated and granted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Students who are seeking teacher certification are advised that they are required to meet the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania certification requirements in effect at the time of application for certification, which may not be those in effect at the time of admission to the education program. The education faculty will make every effort to inform students of changes in teacher certification requirements.

Learning Objectives for the Education Program

1. Design appropriate instructional strategies utilizing community resources and integrating related disciplines to meet the needs of all students.
2. Demonstrate creative, effective, and reflective teaching practices which employ varied student-centered pedagogical modes, current technology, and assessment techniques.
3. Conduct management of the classroom in a manner which creates an appropriate atmosphere for learning.
4. Work collaboratively in providing educational programs for all students.
5. Demonstrate awareness of students with disabilities and understand the need for appropriate accommodations.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the laws governing education.
7. Demonstrate effective and professional verbal and written communication skills.
8. Demonstrate a commitment to life-long learning.

Admission to the Education Program

Students may be admitted to the Education Program after they have earned 48 credits of study (60 credits for music education). To be admitted to the Education Program, all students must do the following:

1. Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better.
2. Achieve a grade of B or better in SED 201  or SED 202 .
3. Earn 3 credits in an English composition course and 3 credits in a literature course.
4. Earn 6 credits in two college level math courses: SMA 100  and SMA 102 .
5. Upon completion of the above, students will present evidence of completion of these requirements to their Education advisor to apply for admission to the program.

 

Pennsylvania Post-Baccalaureate Program Expectations Admissions and Intake Process

Though no admissions and intake process is identical, approved post-baccalaureate programs must share some key criteria:

1. Applicants already hold a BA or BS degree from an accredited college or university;
2. Applicants have a minimum 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA; OR receive conditional admissions contingent upon maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher after 12  or more credits of post-baccalaureate coursework
3. Applicants have 6 undergraduate credits in mathematics, and 6 undergraduate credits in English composition (3 credits) and English literature (3 credits);  OR receive notification upon program admission that the course credits must be completed in order to be recommended for certification
4. Applicants have Pennsylvania required clearances; OR receive notification upon program admission that all required clearances must be in place prior to  program field experiences and student teaching.
5. Post baccalaureate music teacher certification applicants must submit a cover letter outlining their goals and a current resume. These items are submitted to the graduate and online studies office. Selected applicants will also be invited for an audition.

 

Guide to Transferring into Teacher Education

1. PreK-4/Special Education
   A student transferring with 48 credits or more must have met the requirements for formal admission to the teacher certification program: that is, a 3.0 GPA, at least a B in SED 202 - Teaching Strategies PreK to Grade 4 (Education) , or an equivalent transfer course. If the student has not met these criteria, he or she must be placed in the Educational Studies major.
2. Secondary Education (7-12)
   A student transferring with 48 credits or more must have met the requirements for formal admission to the teacher certification program: that is, a 3.0 GPA, at least a B in SED 201 - Instr’l Strat for Inclusive Ed (Education) , or an equivalent transfer course.  If the student has not met these criteria, he or she must be placed in his or her content area major: Biology, Business, Chemistry, Compter Science, English, French, Mathematics, Social Studies (History), or Spanish.
3. Music Education (PreK-12)
   A student transferring with 60 credits or more must have met the requirements for formal admission to the teacher certification program: that is, a 3.0 GPA, at least a B in SMU 102 - Foundations of Music Education (Music)  and SMU 220 - Music Methods/Inclusive Classroom (Music) , or equivalent transfer courses.  If the student has not met these criteria, he or she must be placed in his or her content area major: Music.
4. Art Education (PreK-12)
   A student transferring with 48 credits or more must have met the requirements for formal admission to the teacher certification program: that is, a 3.0 GPA, at least a B in SED 201 - Instr’l Strat for Inclusive Ed (Education), or an equivalent transfer course.  If the student has not met these criteria, he or she must be placed in his or her content area major: Art

Transfer students who meet the above requirements are permitted to enroll in the teacher certification program; however, they will not be formally admitted until they have also earned at least 6 credits from two college-level mathematics courses, 3 credits from a college-level literature course, 3 credits from a college-level composition course, and passed the Professional Rubric.

Retention in the Education Program

All students pursuing teacher certification will be reviewed by the education faculty at the end of each semester. To maintain standing in the program, students must:

1. Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. 
2. Pass the program’s Professional Rubric. Two failing grades on this rubric may result in dismissal from the program.
3. Required Clearances.

Admission to Student Teaching

All students pursuing teacher certification will apply for student teaching in SED 432 . (Students in music apply in the semester prior to that in which they intend to student teach.) In order to be approved for student teaching, all students must have:

1. Been formally admitted to the Education Program.
2. Maintained a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
3. Passed the program’s Professional Rubric.
4. Achieved a grade of B or better in SED 432 . (Students in music must achieve a grade of B- or better in SMU 331 .)
5. Received the recommendation of both the education and content area faculty.

NOTICE: Teacher certification is regulated and granted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Students are advised that they are required to meet the certification requirements in effect at the time of application, not necessarily the same as those in effect at the time of admission into the Education Program.