The Science of Learning Translated into the Art of Teaching
In order to develop into a great first-year teacher, pre-service teachers must become ignited by the idea of teaching and learning, be involved in a deep practice of the craft and science of teaching, and be carefully coached and mentored in that practice. Arcadia University’s School of Education programs are guided by this belief and the research that supports it. Our professors are dedicated to designing meaningful and rich courses that are connected to essential fieldwork which is mentored by classroom teachers, professors, and supervisors.
Arcadia University Education students will:
- Hone their teaching skills through mentored guided practice , starting in your first Education course.
- Enjoy camaraderie, idea sharing, and collaboration with other students and faculty in Arcadia’s close-knit undergraduate programs.
- Have an opportunity to explore global learning and teaching experiences through Arcadia’s accessible and acclaimed study abroad program
Leadership and Recognition
Arcadia University has been awarded state grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Division of Special Education to train teachers statewide in inclusive practices at the Arcadia Annual Inclusion Institute and in Positive Behavior Supports for schools. The Pennsylvania Department of Education and the National Science Foundation awarded Arcadia major funding to train special educators and secondary English, social studies, science, and mathematics educators. Arcadia has been recognized and funded for its work in developing Professional Development Schools through the Lawrence J. and Anne Rubenstein Foundation and the Philadelphia Education Fund. The Autism Certificate Program is Endorsed by the Commonwealth of PA, and the Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate leads to National Board certification with successful completion of an internship and passing the national Board exam. The School of Education was also awarded a state grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to develop an undergraduate dual certification program in Secondary Education and Special Education.
Our graduates have received regional and statewide recognition for the work they do after graduation. Graduates of Arcadia’s Education program are currently employed locally or have been employed across the nation and in international locations.
Teacher Certification Interstate Agreements Information
Pennsylvania has signed the Interstate Agreement (NASDTEC) with most other states/jurisdictions based upon mutually agreed-upon conditions. The contract provides for acceptance of state-approved educator preparation programs between certain states to facilitate educator mobility. All jurisdictions that participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement may choose to have additional requirements for educators who are coming from another jurisdiction.
IMPORTANT NOTE TO PROSPECTIVE TEACHER CANDIDATES: Each state is responsible for its own certification/licensure requirements, which may change without notice to NASDTEC or your university's certification officers or your state's office of certification. You must contact the office of certification in any state to which you may be relocating to get the most accurate information on certification requirements.
The NASDTEC Interstate Agreement facilitates the mobility of educators among the states and other jurisdictions that are members of NASDTEC and have signed the Agreement. Although there may be conditions applicable to individual jurisdictions, the Agreement makes it possible for an educator who completed an approved program and/or who holds a certificate or license in one jurisdiction to earn a certificate or license in another state or jurisdiction. For a full explanation of the agreement, participating states, and a review of specific state-by-state requirements visit the webpage for the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC).
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE INTERSTATE AGREEMENT
Requirements for the B.A. in Pre K-4 with Certification
This major is designed to provide certification from birth to grade 4. The program embeds interdisciplinary and experiential learning through a variety of service-learning projects and the flexibility to study abroad. This program also offers the opportunity to explore a range of electives and earn a comprehensive education. Students develop a broad-based understanding across disciplines through the other elements of Arcadia’s Undergraduate Curriculum.
VIEW REQUIREMENTS
Study Abroad Opportunities for Education Majors
Study Abroad Strengthens Education Majors’ Teaching Skills
Education majors and certification students are urged to consider spending a semester abroad. Students who study abroad enhance their knowledge of the field of education through the courses they take while abroad.
Depending on the program, sophomore year is the most convenient times for Education majors and certification students to plan to study abroad. Students are encouraged to make these decisions early in their program in order to adequately plan for appropriate course selection.
Since it is important that students plan ahead for study abroad, they should consult with their advisers as soon as possible and make their intentions known to the Chair of the Department of Teaching and Learning and the Office of Study Away.
Connect and Care Beyond the Classroom
Meet our award-winning faculty, who make students central to their work. What does this mean for you?
- Advising that bears in mind your personal circumstances and challenges.
- Frequent opportunities to talk to faculty about your courses, professional growth, and life.
- Faculty who get to know each student on a personal level.
Faculty Who Model Best Practices in Teaching
Our faculty model best practices in teaching. This will allow you to:
- Learn the material while also cultivating meaningful teaching practices from your experience as a student in your courses, and
- Observe the example set forth by your professors.
