Certification Requirements: PK-4
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with
PK-4 Certification Requirements
The Undergraduate College: Traditional, On Campus
The Undergraduate College BS Elementary Education with PK-4Â Certification requires 120 credits (38 courses) including:
Major & Certification Courses: 66 credits (23 courses). BS Elementary Education with PK-4 Certification students can earn a minor in Ethics and Leadership (Applied Ethics Track), Philosophy or Psychology faster due to overlapping course requirements. See minors for details and discuss with your advisor.
Student Teaching: 12 credits (1 course). Student teaching practicum of 14 weeks is required.
Core Curriculum Experience Course: 0 credits (0 course). There is no experience course requirement for this degree. This Core Curriculum course requirement is offered within a student’s major.
Core Curriculum Senior Capstone: 0 credits (0 course). There is no capstone course requirement for this degree. This Core Curriculum course requirement is offered within a student’s major.
Core Curriculum Courses: 42 credits (14 courses). Students will be able to count three (3) classes in their major toward Core Curriculum.
Undergraduate Pennsylvania Certification Requirements
Please see below the requirements and steps to become certified in Pennsylvania on both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Rosemont College reserves the right to change any requirements, at any time, to comply with Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements.
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- Complete all program coursework with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA.
- All undergraduate students are required to take 2 math courses and 1 literature course as part of the certification requirements.
- Prior to 60 credits, undergraduate students must complete and pass all basic skills tests.
- Complete a minimum of 125 hours of field experience and 14 weeks of student teaching.
- Complete and pass relevant Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests (PECT) and Praxis tests.
- Meet with the Certification Officer (see below) to complete the certification request form and receive information and directions to submit your application to the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) site.
The Certification Officer will then affirm and recommend you for certification on the TIMS site.
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- You will be sent notification from the Certification Officer that this recommendation has been completed and will then wait for the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to evaluate.
- Official contact from PDE varies during the time of the year, but is typically 4-6 weeks.
- Once contacted via email that you have been approved for certification, you will print your certificate from the TIMS site.
Please contact the Certification Officer Dr. Falconi with any questions: [email protected]
BS Elementary Education with PK-4 Certification Courses (66 Credits)
The BS in Elementary Education provides the student with the ability to teach in preschool through Grade 4. The successful completion of this program, in addition to meeting all testing and GPA requirements set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, will lead to acquiring an Instructional I Certification in the PK-4 span.
Development, Cognition, and Learning (12 Credits)
*Course can be applied toward more than one requirement.
EDU 0201: Observation and Analysis
Core Course: A study of models, techniques, and skills of teaching and learning through observation and analysis of the inclusive, regular, and diverse classroom and related settings. Topics include management, motivation, and instruction and The Danielson Model. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
EDU 0240: Topics in Learning
An examination of current educational research as it applies to all learners in the K-12 classroom. Topics include; learning styles, formative and summative assessment, inclusion, motivation, and strategies of effective instruction. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
PSY 0100: Basic Concepts in Psychology*
Prerequisite: None
An introductory course designed to make students aware of the diversity of the field of Psychology and the ways in which human behavior can be studied. Goals, methods, and applications of the science of psychology in learning, language, thinking, perception, and the emotions are investigated. Prerequisite for all psychology courses.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
*Easily add a minor: This course can be applied toward more than one requirement.
PSY 0200: Developmental Psychology*
Prerequisite: PSY 0100
A study of the development of the individual from infancy to old age with special emphasis on childhood.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
*Easily add a minor: This course can be applied toward more than one requirement.
Subject Matter Pedagogy Content (27 Credits)
EDU 0200: Development of Education in the US
Prerequisite: None
Core Course: A study of the historical and sociological development of the American system of education and an exploration of current issues in educational theory and practice. IDEA/ADA/504 legal aspects will be addressed.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
EDU 0250: Early Childhood
An overview of current program models and learning theories in early childhood education, with emphasis given to how social, cultural, and political issues impact practice. A key component of this course is developing in students and understanding of how child development relates to effective early childhood education. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
EDU 0260: Children’s Literature
A consideration of literature for children and adolescents as a communication between authors, adult readers, and child readers.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
EDU 0395: Teaching Physical Education in Elementary Schools
Prerequisite: Limited to Education majors; EDU 0201.
Study of methods of teaching elementary school health, safety, and physical education and their relationship to the classroom and to the development of the whole child in accordance with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards.
Offered fall/spring semester. (1.5 Credits)
EDU 0403: Teaching Science in Elementary Schools
Prerequisite: EDU 0201
An introduction to the materials, activities, and experiences of teaching science to elementary children with or without disabilities in accordance with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards including accommodation for children with physical disabilities. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
EDU 0404: Teaching Social Studies in Elementary Schools
Prerequisite: EDU-0201
Emphasizes methods and materials appropriate for teaching social studies and citizenship to elementary school children in accordance with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
EDU 0405: Teaching the Arts in Elementary Schools
Prerequisite: Limited to Education majors; EDU-0201; lab
fee.
A study of methods of teaching the arts in elementary school in accordance with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards. This course integrates fine art, music, dance, and drama. Inclusionary topics are addressed.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
EDU 0420: Teaching Reading and Language Arts in the PK-4 Classroom
Prerequisite: Limited to Education majors; EDU 0201
An exploration of methods used to promote early literacy, reading, and writing to children in accordance with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards. Emphasis is also placed on the various ways in which children actually learn to read. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
EDU 0425: Teaching Mathematics in the PK-4 Classroom
Prerequisite: EDU 0201
A field-based approach to applying mathematical principles and content, methods, and theories of instruction and authentic assessment to students with or without disabilities in the N-4 classroom. This course covers the Pennsylvania Academic Standards as well as the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
EDU 0427: Technology in the Curriculum
Prerequisite: Limited to Education majors; EDU 0201.
A lecture and hands-on approach to understanding the computer and its application in the classroom. No prior computer knowledge or skill is necessary.
Offered fall/spring semester. (1.5 Credits)
Assessment (6 Credits)
*Course can be applied toward more than one requirement.
EDU 0385: Educational Assessment and Statistics
This course will include an examination of the various forms of group testing, both standardized and classroom. Students will also learn how to read and interpret test results and how to apply that knowledge to classroom and individual instruction. Basic statistical concepts such as median, mode, standard deviation, etc. will be covered, as will the ways in which statistics may be used appropriately and ethically in the educational setting. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
PSY 0361: Educational Psychology*
Prerequisite: PSY-0200
A study of the principles of human learning and cognition as applied to the educational context. Consideration of effective instructional techniques and current research.
Offered spring semester. (3 Credits)
*Easily add a minor: This course can be applied toward more than one requirement.
Family and Community Collaborative Partnerships (3 Credits)
EDU 0230: The School, the Family, and the Community
There are three primary foci: students will learn about the role, both educational and social, of the school in modern society, the fundamentals and diversity of family structure in America today, and the dynamics of family/school interaction. In addition, they will learn about the myriad social service resources available to support schools and children in America. Emphasis will be placed on ways in which teachers and schools can foster community partnerships which benefit students and their families.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
Professionalism (6 Credits)
EDU 0220: Effective Teaching Strategies in K-12 Classrooms
Prerequisite: Limited to Education majors; EDU 0201.
A course designed to acquaint the student with the basic concepts and principles of elementary and middle grades curriculum. Emphasis is on methods, planning for diversity, inclusion, and differentiation of instruction. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
PHI 0272: Ethics and Social Values*
Prerequisite: None
An introductory survey of philosophical approaches to contemporary moral and social problems. Emphasis will be on theories about how we ought to act and about goals, rights and responsibilities appropriate to human beings. Topics may include capital punishment, equality and discrimination, economic justice, globalization, and terrorism, among others.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
*This course can fulfill General Education requirements.
*Easily add a minor: This course can be applied toward more than one requirement.
Additional Requirements (12 Credits)
Students must demonstrate that they have competencies related to adaptations and accommodations for diverse students, that is, students with disabilities, gifted students (9 credits) and ELL students (3 credits).
EDU 0270: Classroom and Behavior Management
This course will provide students with a foundation in the organization and management of an effective classroom. Students will learn how to create and maintain a positive learning environment at every level, as well as specific techniques for managing a variety of student behavioral issues. Issues of respect, cultural diversity, and appropriate behavioral expectations will also be covered. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
EDU 0280: Fundamentals of Special Education
This is an introductory survey course. Students will learn about the development of special education in the United States. Key laws (e.g. 94-142 and ADA/504) as well as major litigation will be covered in detail. In addition, students will be introduced to the various categories of disability. Students will learn introductory material about educational accommodation for these disabilities and will learn how to write an IEP.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
EDU 0355: Principles and Practices of Working with English Language Learners
This is a basic course intended to provide students with the fundamentals of providing effective classroom instruction to students who are not native English speakers. It will examine the controversy over bilingual education vs., English for Speakers of other Languages (ESL). Students will acquire an understanding of immersion instruction, the various levels of resource room instruction, and how the classroom teacher can support such programs. Significant time will also be devoted to exploring cultural diversity and ways for the classroom teacher to foster a classroom environment which is both respectful and inclusive.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
EDU 0380: Working with Disabled and Gifted Students in an Inclusion Program
This course will build on the learnings acquired in the Special Education foundation course described above. The various disabilities will be covered in greater detail with heavy emphasis on accommodating instruction and the classroom environment to the needs of disabled students. A significant portion of the course will also be devoted to strategies for providing appropriate enrichment in the regular classroom to students identified as gifted and talented.
Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)
Comprehensive Examination Process
Candidates must take and pass the PECT (Pennsylvania Educators Certification Test) and the Praxis PK-12 Special Education Certification Test to be eligible for certification. See Pennsylvania Certification Requirements for details.
Student Teaching (12 Credits)
EDU 0455: Student Teaching Seminar
Prerequisite: 120 hours of Stage 1, 2, and 3 practicum hours are required prior to student teaching. Limited to Education majors or Permission Of Instructor (POI). This course may only be taken during one of a student’s final two semesters in Undergraduate College. Students taking this course in their final semester must have completed all but two required courses.
Directed classroom participation. Teaching completed in suburban or urban schools; conferences and/or seminars with supervising teacher and college faculty member. The seminar also includes exploration of current issues in American education and their relevance for the classroom teacher. Professional conduct an ethical standards are emphasized as well. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed.
Offered fall/spring semester. (12 Credits)
Take Your Education Further
Strengthen Your Degree with a Minor
Choose from a wide variety of minors to complement your undergraduate degree. If you wish to learn about a completely different subject, would like to determine your career path or wish to complement your degree, Rosemont College has a diverse array of minor studies to choose from.
When considering a minor, students can consult with their academic advisors to ensure that the courses required for the minor fit into their overall academic plan and personal goals.
Go Further Faster
BS Elementary Education with PK-4 Certification students can earn a minor in Ethics and Leadership (Applied Ethics Track), Philosophy or Psychology faster due to overlapping course requirements. See minors for details and discuss with your advisor.
Choose Your Path to Success
At Rosemont, we understand the complex world of education. In fact, all graduate education programs are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. While an MA in Education is the perfect steppingstone for many, we understand that depending on your desired career trajectory, you may require unique training and certifications. This is why Rosemont offers many opportunities for educators to enhance their credentials through graduate Education programs and certifications. In some cases, students may choose to pursue graduate certification without obtaining a master’s degree. Contact Program Director Denise Falconi for details.Â