Department Contact Information:
Name of Chair: Dr. Stephanie Ivory
Name of Director: Dr. Melissa Peppetti
Accreditation Statement:
SFU programs that lead to teaching certification have been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education
Program Description:
The PK-12 Special Education program provides candidates with the skills, knowledge, and competencies necessary to meet the needs of students with disabilities in multiple settings. A person holding a valid Pennsylvania certificate for Special Education PK-12 (age 3-21) is qualified to teach all special education students from PreK through grade 12. Post-Baccalaureate Special Education PK-12 students may apply for a PDE Instructional Certificate in Special Education PK-12.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Content and Pedagogical Knowledge: Pre-service teachers will acquire knowledge of teaching content and pedagogy including understanding and knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice, teaching standards, varying forms of assessment, differentiated instruction, technology integration, state and federal mandates, behavior management, and implementation of best practices.
Clinical Competence: Pre-service teachers will possess the ability to provide effective instruction to a diverse population of students. Students within the professional program will utilize assessment and observation to guide instructional practices. Graduates will possess the necessary content knowledge as well as clinical reasoning and problem solving abilities to provide appropriate instruction for all learners in an educational environment conducive of learning.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Pre-service teachers will possess interpersonal and communication skills including verbal, nonverbal, and written forms that result in effective information exchange with students, parents, administration, and colleagues.
Professionalism: Graduates will demonstrate effective academic and professional skills, attributes, attitudes, and behaviors necessary to function as a practicing educator. Program completers will demonstrate qualities and characteristics as defined by the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) for recommendation for Level I teaching certification.
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must:
- hold a BA or BS degree from an accredited college or university;
- have a minimum 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA (conditional admission may be granted upon maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher after 12 credits of post-baccalaureate coursework;
- have completed 6 undergraduate credits in mathematics, 6 undergraduate credits in English composition (3 credits) and English Literature (3 credits);
- have Pennsylvania required clearances.
Technical Standards or Essential Functions:
Saint Francis University is committed to the principle that no qualified individual, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation in or denied the benefits or services, programs or activities of the University, or be subjected to discrimination by the University as required by the Americans with Disability Act. The Education Department adheres to the policies for academic accommodations as determined by the Center for Academic Success. The Center’s Office of Disability Services assists eligible students in receiving basic services as determined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disability Act. Every effort is made to arrange appropriate academic accommodations for students who experience physical or mental disabilities. Students are required to provide appropriate documentation to the accessibility coordinator upon request of the accommodation.
Progression and/or Retention Criteria:
- Students must complete their degrees within five (5) years of their initial enrollment.
- A minimum average of 3.0 must be maintained throughout the program. If a student falls below the 3.0 requirement he or she will be placed on academic probation for the next semester. Student’s continued eligibility in the program will depend on the GPA in the semester following the low GPA. If the student’s GPA does not go above the 3.0, after being placed on probation, the student is subject to dismissal from the program.
Licensure and/or Certification:
An applicant for teaching certificate must complete, in addition to all legal requirements, a program of teacher preparation approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Certification programs offered by Saint Francis University are in compliance with requirements of the PDE.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, the candidate will be recommended by Saint Francis University through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) for Level I teaching certification.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires that individuals seeking an Instructional I certificate pass a series of licensing exams known as Praxis and/or PECT. Students are responsible for all examination costs.
Graduation Requirements :
- A candidate for graduation must satisfy the following requirements.
- Complete all requirements for an approved program of study.
- Complete the minimum number of credits as specified in this publication.
- Achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better.
- Submit a completed Application for Degree form at least one semester prior to graduation date.
- Satisfy financial obligations to the University.
- Must participate in an exit interview.
Other information to include, related to this program:
Field experiences are off-campus activities that provide opportunities to apply theories and concepts studied in the classroom. These mandatory experiences are directed by University faculty, facilitated by teacher mentors, and are an integral part of all education courses leading up to student teaching. Activities include, but are not limited to, observing, tutoring, lesson planning, and developing instructional materials. Field experiences may take place in public or non-public schools, or in community agencies approved by University faculty.
Total Number of Credits Required:
33-48 Total Credits