Program Overview
La Salle University's Secondary Education (Grades 9-12) B.A. program prepares students to teach in regular education classrooms, addressing the need for qualified educators in inclusive and special education settings. The program emphasizes student-centered learning, technology integration, and real-world application of educational theory, equipping graduates with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to successfully navigate the challenges and rewards of a teaching career.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Secondary Education (Grades 9-12) B.A. program at La Salle University is a dual major requiring completion of coursework in both Secondary Education and a chosen academic content discipline. This prepares students to teach in regular education classrooms, addressing the critical need for qualified educators in inclusive and special education settings.
Objectives:
The program aims to produce highly qualified educators with a strong foundation in their chosen content area and the essential skills and knowledge to effectively teach adolescents in diverse settings.
Description:
The program emphasizes student-centered learning, technology integration, and real-world application of educational theory. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized attention from experienced faculty, and field experiences in local schools. Graduates are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and dispositions to successfully navigate the challenges and rewards of a teaching career.
Outline:
Program Content:
- Secondary Education: This core component delves into adolescent development, diverse learning styles, effective classroom management strategies, curriculum design, assessment techniques, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of educators.
- Chosen Academic Content Discipline: Students choose to specialize in a specific subject area such as Biology, Chemistry, Communications, English, Foreign Languages (Spanish, French, German, Italian, Latin), General Science, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics, or History. This ensures deep subject-matter knowledge and pedagogical expertise within the chosen field.
Structure:
The program follows a four-year curriculum with a mix of theoretical and practical learning experiences. It includes:
- Coursework: Students complete a prescribed set of courses covering both education and their chosen subject area.
- Field Experiences: Regular classroom observations and hands-on teaching experiences in partner schools allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
- The Professional Semester: This culminating experience involves a full-time student-teaching placement in a grade 7-12 classroom for 12 weeks, providing invaluable practical experience under the guidance of a certified cooperating teacher and university supervisor.
Course Schedule:
Specific course schedules and descriptions can be found in the La Salle University Course Catalog.
Individual Modules:
The program comprises various modules, each with specific objectives and content focus:
- EDC 224 – Adolescent Development: Explores the unique universe of the adolescent, examining cognitive, moral, social, and physical development through an educational technology lens.
- EDC 304 – Reading for Secondary Educators: Equips students with a comprehensive understanding of reading as a strategic process impacting all academic areas.
- EDC 470 – Special Methods of Teaching (The Professional Semester): Provides full-time student-teaching experience with a certified cooperating teacher and university supervisor, supplemented by seminars on professional issues and practices.
Assessment:
- Ongoing Assessments: Regular quizzes, assignments, and projects assess students' understanding and application of course concepts.
- Field Experience Assessments: Supervisors and cooperating teachers provide feedback on students' performance in classroom settings.
- Student Teaching Evaluation: Comprehensive evaluation by the cooperating teacher and university supervisor during the Professional Semester.
- Comprehensive Exams: Students may need to pass comprehensive exams in their chosen content area.
Teaching:
- Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, group activities, simulations, technology-aided instruction, and field experiences.
- Faculty: Experienced and dedicated faculty with expertise in their respective content areas and a passion for teaching guide students throughout the program.
- Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes hands-on learning, collaborative projects, and real-world application of theories and concepts. It also incorporates technology integration and inclusive practices to prepare future educators for diverse classroom environments.
Careers:
- Teaching: Graduates are qualified to teach in secondary schools (grades 9-12) in their chosen subject area.
- Leadership Roles: With further education and experience, graduates can pursue leadership positions such as school administrator, curriculum specialist, or instructional coach.
- Other Education-Related Jobs: The program opens doors to a wide range of careers in education, including:
- Outreach specialist
- Non-profit program coordinator
- Student support specialist
- Community liaison
Other:
- The program prepares graduates to meet the requirements for Pennsylvania Instructional I Certification in their chosen subject area.
- The program emphasizes ethical and professional conduct, fostering responsible educators dedicated to student success and lifelong learning.
- La Salle University offers comprehensive academic and career support services to assist students throughout their journey.
- Admission requirements and application process are not included in the provided context.
Conclusion: The Secondary Education (Grades 9-12) B.A. program at La Salle University provides a comprehensive and rigorous preparation for a rewarding career in teaching. The program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experience to effectively teach adolescents in diverse settings, fostering their intellectual and personal growth while contributing to a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape.
