DeSales University offers an Early Childhood and Elementary Education (ECEE) major for students interested in working with children, birth through age ten. In addition, DeSales offers a minor program in secondary teacher education (STEP) for students who wish to work with early to late adolescent students and young adults.
Within the programs, DeSales University offers two tracks in education: (1) the professional educator program (PEP) track, leading to teacher certification in Pennsylvania, and (2) the careers in education (CEP) track, preparing students for careers related to education, but not requiring teacher certification. Further, students studying within the Department of Education will progress through two phases during their degree program: the pre-professional phase and the professional phase. The entrance into the professional phase occurs, in general, between the earning of 48 credits but before the 60th earned credit.
For the professional phase of the program, students will enter either the PEP track or the CEP track.
Pennsylvania Teacher Certification Programs
The education department offers Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) teacher certification programs in:
- Early childhood and elementary education, pre-kindergarten-4 grade
- Secondary education 7-12 (biology, chemistry, communications, English, mathematics, social studies, Spanish)
- Special education, pre-K-8 and grades 7-12
- Instructional technology specialist
- English as a Second Language Program Specialist certification
- STEM Endorsement (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
Pennsylvania teacher certification is well-regarded by surrounding states, and we encourage students to pursue multi-state certification at the completion of their programs.
Dual Teacher Certification Tracks
Students in either early childhood and elementary education or secondary education may pursue an additional Pennsylvania certification including English as a Second Language (ESL) program specialist K-12, special education Pre-K - 8, special education 7 - 12, online instruction, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), or instructional technology. The ESL program specialist, STEM endorsement, and online instruction endorsement may be completed during the undergraduate four-year program. The other Pennsylvania Department of Education certifications may be earned in a fifth year (one year post-baccalaureate.)
All undergraduate students who maintain a 3.0 GPA will be permitted to begin graduate studies in second semester junior year upon acceptance to the dual-certification Track (see below). These graduate courses may lead to initial or additional certification.
Graduate Education Programs: Special Education, TESOL, Online Instruction, Instructional Technology, and Academic Standards and Reform
The education department offers advanced teacher education programs for those seeking program specialist certificates, endorsements, or a graduate degree. In general, graduate degrees will consist of 30 or more credits at the graduate level.
Internships
The education department offers internships in area educational agencies, museums, social agencies, or companies for education majors and minors for positions related to the field of educational innovation or leadership. Students enroll in ED - 495 Internship in Education Credits: 3 and undertake 140 hours or more of internship under the guidance of a faculty member.
Education Program and Department Learning Outcomes
Our teacher candidates demonstrate:
- Content mastery across disciplines
- Effective, creative, reflective, technology-enhanced, and data-driven pedagogy
- Professionalism in personal, collegial, and institutional settings
- Respect for the uniqueness and diverse perspectives of all learners, families, and communities
- Leadership in advocating for students and supporting their highest achievement in local and global contexts.
