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Education Certification Requirements

If you aspire to teach a specific subject, such as English, social studies, science, or art, you must plan to major in that area of study and complete a pre-determined selection of Education courses that will prepare you for certification. For instance, an aspiring social studies teacher would major in History.

Once you are enrolled at Rosemont, you should arrange your course schedule with your major advisor and the Director of Education, who serves as a second advisor, to ensure that all required coursework is completed prior to student teaching.

Students are required to complete a minimum of 120 credits to graduate. Requirements for individual majors will vary, so consult the requirements for your major in our academic catalog.

The Education requirements for our secondary (7-12) and PK-12 certification programs are outlined below.

Secondary (7-12) Certification Programs

Education Requirements (34.5 credits)

The following courses are required for certification at the Grade 7-12 span level in the Undergraduate College. The course requirements detailed below have been developed so that they meet the certification standards which the Pennsylvania Department of Education has promulgated. Students will be eligible for certification upon completion of this program and the fulfillment of the testing and GPA requirements stipulated by PDE.

Development, Cognition, and Learning (6 credits)

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. Prerequisite: Limited to Education majors. (3 credits)

A study of the development of the individual from infancy to old age with special emphasis on childhood. Prerequisite: PSY-0100. Offered fall and spring semesters. (3 credits)

Subject Matter Pedagogy Content (7.5 credits)

Students must only complete the Methods Clinic course that corresponds to their major.

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. Offered fall and spring semesters. IDEA/ADA/504 legal aspects will be addressed. (3 credits)

This course is intended to prepare pre-service secondary science students in the development of instructional strategies based upon an understanding of adolescent behavior and PA Academic Standards. Students will be placed in a secondary classroom where they will study issues related to teaching pedagogy, classroom managements and safety. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (3 credits)
This course is designed to introduce pre-service secondary English students to instructional processes, strategies, assessment practices, and classroom management. Students will be placed in two settings to plan units and lessons to meet the needs of all types of learners. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (3 credits)
This course is designed to assist pre-service secondary mathematic students in the development of instructional strategies. Emphasis will be placed on current research and best practices that impact student learning and classroom instruction. Students will develop unit and lesson plan highlighting NCTM Standards and PA Academic Standards. Students will be place in a secondary math classroom where they will study issues related to instruction and management. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (3 credits)
This course introduces pre-service secondary social studies and/or citizenship students to instructional strategies based upon an understanding of adolescent behavior and PA Academic Standards. Students will be placed in a secondary classroom where they will create lesson plans related to the PA Academic Standard. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (3 credits)
A lecture and hands-on approach to understanding the computer and its application in the classroom. No prior computer knowledge or skill is necessary. Prerequisites: limited to Education majors; EDU0201 (1.5 credits)

Assessment (6 credits)

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. Prerequisite: EDU 0201 (3 credits)

PSY 0330: Adolescent Psychology: A study of psychological theories of adolescence, together with an overview of adolescent development. The contemporary problems of adolescence are considered. Prerequisite: PSY- 0200 or permission of the instructor (POI). Offered spring semester. (3 credits)

PSY 0361: Educational Psychology: A study of the principles of human learning and cognition as applied to the educational context. Consideration of effective instructional techniques and current research. Prerequisite: PSY-0200. Offered spring semester. (3 credits)

Family and Community Collaborative Partnerships (3 credits)

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. Prerequisites: None (3 credits)

fProfessionalism (3 credits)

This is a study of the history of secondary education and an assessment of current practices, classroom management, academic diversity, and adolescent behavior, both typical and atypical. Emphasis will be placed on development of the skills necessary to teach Culturally Diverse Students, Regular Education Students, Special Needs Students, and Gifted Students. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed. Prerequisites: limited to Education majors; EDU-0201

Additional Requirements (9 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 ESL students (3 credits).

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. Prerequisites: limited to Education majors; EDU-0201 (3 credits)
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 Prerequisites: limited to Education majors; EDU-0201." (3 credits)
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. Prerequisites: limited to Education majors; EDU-0201 and EDU-0280. (3 credits)

Other Requirements

Students wishing to be certified in the Grades 7-12 span must also meet the requirements for formal entry into the Teacher Certification Program as detailed earlier in this section. Additionally, 12 credits (14 weeks) of student teaching are mandated.


PK-12 Certification Programs

Students may major in the following and obtain a teaching certification in the designated teaching span. 

  • Art:  Students may major in Studio Art and Design and take the designated education courses to obtain an ART PK12 teaching Certification. Students must also fulfill all testing and GPA requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
  • Spanish: Students may major in Spanish and take the additional education credits required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to obtain the PK-12 teaching Certification in Spanish. Students must also fulfill all testing and GPA requirements promulgated by PDE.

PK-12 Art Certification Requirements

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. Offered fall and spring semesters. IDEA/ADA/504 legal aspects will be addressed. (3 credits)
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. Prerequisite: Limited to Education majors. (3 credits)
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. (3 credits)
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. Prerequisites: limited to Education majors; EDU-0201 and EDU-0280. (3 credits)
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. Prerequisites: limited to Education majors. (3 credits)
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. Prerequisites: limited to Education majors; EDU-0201 (3 credits)
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 Prerequisites: limited to Education majors; EDU-0201." (3 credits)
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 and ethical standards are emphasized as well. This course may only be taken during one of a student’s final two semesters in the Undergraduate College. Students taking this course in their final semester, must have completed all but two required courses. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed. (12 credits)

PK-12 Spanish Certification Requirements

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. Offered fall and spring semesters. IDEA/ADA/504 legal aspects will be addressed. (3 credits)
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. Prerequisite: Limited to Education majors. (3 credits)
A study of the development of the individual from infancy to old age with special emphasis on childhood. Prerequisite: PSY-0100. Offered fall and spring semesters. (3 credits)
A lecture and hands-on approach to understanding the computer and its application in the classroom. No prior computer knowledge or skill is necessary. Prerequisites: limited to Education majors; EDU0201 (1.5 credits)
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. Prerequisite: EDU 0201 (3 credits)

PSY 0330: Adolescent Psychology: A study of psychological theories of adolescence, together with an overview of adolescent development. The contemporary problems of adolescence are considered. Prerequisite: PSY- 0200 or permission of the instructor (POI). Offered spring semester. (3 credits)

PSY 0361: Educational Psychology: A study of the principles of human learning and cognition as applied to the educational context. Consideration of effective instructional techniques and current research. Prerequisite: PSY-0200. Offered spring semester. (3 credits)

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. Prerequisites: None (3 credits)
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. Prerequisites: Limited to Education majors; EDU 0201. (3 credits)

Additional Requirements (9 credits)

Students must demonstrate that the students have competencies related to adaptations and accommodations for diverse students, that is students with disabilities, gifted students, and ELL learners.

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. Prerequisites: limited to Education majors; EDU-0201 (3 credits)
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 Prerequisites: limited to Education majors; EDU-0201." (3 credits)
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. Prerequisites: limited to Education majors; EDU-0201 and EDU-0280. (3 credits)

Student Teaching

Students in both the Art and Spanish certification programs will complete 12 credits of student teaching.