Advice to students new to the program
Students who are
certain about becoming certified as teachers or who wish to explore education
as a career should select EDUC 121, Foundations of Education, during their
first year at Dickinson, preferably in the fall semester.
Students who wish to become biology teachers
should select BIOL 120, 123, 124, or 129 in the fall semester and BIOL 122, 125,
126, or 127 in the spring semester. CHEM
131 and 132 should be taken as early in
a student’s preparation as possible.
Students who
wish to become foreign language teachers should begin language studies during the first
year. Students wishing to become
certified in more than one language, must first seek certification in Spanish,
German, French, or Latin as a primary certification area through Dickinson’s
program and then add the second language through PRAXIS testing.
How to complete the program
Option
I.
For students seeking
public school teacher certification. Students seeking public school certification in
the areas for which Dickinson College is accredited by the Pennsylvania
Department of Education will complete the coursework as listed under Teacher Certification Program, along
with the student teaching experience (EDUC 461-462), earning a total of 9
credits in the Education Department.
Option II.
For students seeking private school certification without completing the
minor in Education. Students seeking private school certification only will
complete EDUC 121 and EDUC 221 earning a total of two credits in Education.
While this option provides limited preparation for the job market, it enables
students to earn Private School Certification from the Pennsylvania Department
of Education. Students must major in any of the disciplines in which the
Pennsylvania Department of Education offers certification. If students major in
one of the disciplines in which Dickinson offers certification, it is
recommended that they also complete EDUC 350 and EDUC 352 or 353 or 354 or 355
or 356 and 458.
Students should take
EDUC 121 Social Foundation of Education in their first year and EDUC 221:
Educational Psychology in either the second semester of their first year or in
the first semester of their second year. Most students are able to complete the
program if they begin in their first or second year at Dickinson. Some students stay an extra semester to
complete the program.
Dickinson College offers certification in
secondary education for the State of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania has reciprocal agreements with 46 states. If students
anticipate seeking certification outside Pennsylvania, they need to plan early
so the department can help expedite the process. Certification
can be obtained in the following areas: biology, chemistry, earth and space
science (major in earth science), English, French, German, Latin (Classical
Studies), Spanish, mathematics, physics and social studies (major in history,
political science, economics, or American Studies). Students are able to study abroad in any area of certification. Advance planning is essential.
Required courses are listed and described on the Teacher Certification webpage.
Additional remarks
Kappa Delta Pi: Students completing the minor in Education are
eligible for membership in Kappa Delta Pi during the second semester of their
sophomore year. The organization
provides professional, leadership, and service opportunities. First-Year
students are invited to participate in all events sponsored by KDP. Kappa Delta Pi members can qualify for
scholarship assistance for a ninth semester of study or a stipend during
student teaching.
Careers: Most students receiving certification pursue
secondary school teaching as a career.
Dickinson graduates enjoy a very good record of locating teaching
positions in Pennsylvania and many other states. A full list of states with reciprocal
agreements is available as part of the Education website.
Further information: For
additional information about the program students should contact the Chair,
Professor Pamela Nesselrodt (nesselrp@dickinson.edu) or 717-245-1037. Early planning is
essential.