Geneva's Department of Education
Grounded by a Christian worldview, the mission of the Education Department is to prepare professional teachers committed to excellence and integrity in:
- content knowledge and pedagogy
- responsive differentiated instruction
- respectful collaboration
- continued professional growth
Geneva has a strong interest in preparing well-qualified Christian teachers for careers in both public and Christian schools. The minor in Christian school teaching provides courses in Biblical studies, philosophy, and Christian education to complement the professional education program for students planning to teach in Christian elementary or secondary schools. The option of student teaching overseas in a mission related or international school allows students to experience Christian or international service as well as have a significant cross-cultural experience.
Programs lead to certification in Pennsylvania through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Through inter-state certification agreements, certification is readily achieved in many other states. Geneva graduates are assured of general acceptance as teachers of the subject areas for which the college has approved programs.
The department offers the Bachelor of Science in Education with majors in PK-4 Early Childhood and PK-12 Special Education as well as Secondary Education majors in Biology, Chemistry, English, Math, Physics, and Social Studies. We also offer Music Education K-12 and Middle Level Education 4-8 with concentrations in English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
The Bachelor of Science in Education is designed to prepare students for professional teaching careers at various levels. Our program seeks to develop in our students a Christian perspective and practice that promotes and affirms the calling that God places on their life. The curriculum assures the graduate of having the skills and knowledge required for initial employment in the public and private schools of this state and around the world. Practical experiences begin with the freshman and sophomore years and peak with the senior year. The experiences provide opportunities for students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired at Geneva. The practical experiences culminate in the senior year with two semesters of field-based training under the mentorship of both local school and college supervisors.
Teacher Candidacy
In Pennsylvania, teacher candidacy is a gate to higher level education coursework and is defined by the requirements of Chapter 49, Title 22 in the Pennsylvania Code. These regulations outline the requirements and necessary competencies for future educators. Completion of these requirements ensures that the knowledge, skills, and dispositions required for future educators are within the skill set of the teacher candidate. Candidates are assessed on their mastery of professional dispositions and ethics, pedagogical skills, teaching methods, and mastery of the subject content as mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
Attaining the status of teacher candidate authorizes individuals to progress in their teacher preparation programs, through 300 and 400 level EDU coursework, participate in more intensive field experiences, and to progress to student teaching. The steps set forth in compliance with Chapter 49 standards, establishes a framework designed to make sure that teacher candidates are prepared to deliver encouraging, inclusive, and effective learning environments that deliver quality education to Pennsylvania students from varied backgrounds and abilities. To help students reach candidacy, Geneva College’s Education Department has established the following procedures to ensure compliance and effective preparation.
Admission to Candidacy in Professional Education Program
Students must gain admission into the professional education program in order to take 300 and 400 level EDU courses.
This candidacy is initiated through the student’s advisor during the sophomore year. The criteria as mandated by state regulation Chapter 354 are:
- Display evidence of competence in the Basic Skills of Reading, Math, and Writing. Contact the Education Department for the details.
- Complete 48 credit hours or more.
- Undergraduate students must apply for candidacy between 48-60 credits
- Transfer students or students changing their major with 60 or more credits already completed must also pass the basic skills examination
- Achieve and maintain an overall GPA of 3.00 (career GPA which includes transfer course work)
- Complete six credit hours of college level math (MAT 101 or higher-level math).
- Complete three credit hours of English composition (ENG 101).
- Complete three credit hours of English literature, which can be fulfilled with HUM 103, 203, and 303 sequence.
- Obtain two letters of recommendation from education faculty.
- Approval of candidacy by the chair of the education department.
- A rating of at least “Developing” on the Professional Dispositions Continuum.
Additional information about formal entry to a teacher preparation program in Pennsylvania can be found on the PDE website here.
Teacher Certification Requirements
In order to be certified, pre-service teachers must demonstrate knowledge competence in the following areas:
- Basic skills: writing, reading, and mathematics are skills that students should have when they enter college.
- General knowledge: curriculum areas such as English, humanities, social science, mathematics, and natural science provide content preparation which teachers need to be prepared to teach.
- Content area knowledge: knowledge about the specific subject area or areas in which certification is sought is a must.
- Have a minimum of 3.0 college career GPA.
- Professional skills: strategies, methods, and dispositions required of a teacher.
Those applying for a teaching certificate only must have a college degree and be recommended for certification by a Geneva College department of education certification officer. In addition, the applicant must supply to the Pennsylvania Department of Education passing scores on the PRAXIS or PECT exams appropriate for their certification areas.
The requirements for the Education majors (BSEd), certification and for secondary content area majors are detailed in this catalog. The requirements for the procedures to be followed by those who already have a college degree and who are seeking certification alone in one of the content areas for which Geneva College has approved programs are described in this portion of the catalog also. Upon successful completion of requirements for certification at the elementary or secondary levels, students will be recommended to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for Certification.
Requirements for certification may change in response to changes required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. While there is usually a phase-in period for new requirements, students enrolling under this catalog could be affected by such changes. While students would be able to graduate from the college under the program criteria described in this catalog, they might not be able to be certified if they do not meet the new requirements for certification. Students will be advised of any such changes and of the impact of those changes on their certification programs.
Chapter 354, Preparation of Professional Educators, was enacted in 2000 in Pennsylvania. This law mandates certain regulations in the preparation of professional educators in the state. Students are responsible to be certain they are meeting regularly with their advisor regarding this legislation. Geneva College is not responsible for students who will not be certified because of failure to meet certification requirements at the time of graduation.
Approved Certification Programs
Geneva College certification programs approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education are as follows:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- English
- Mathematics
- Middle Level (4-8)
- Music Education (K-12)
- PK-4 and PK-12 Special Education Dual Certificate
- Physics
- Social Studies
General Education Requirements
All teacher candidates must complete core requirements (for Geneva College) as described in the catalog. (Core science and social science requirements are very specific for education students. Candidates MUST visit with their advisor each semester to determine which courses address both education program and core curricular requirements.) In addition, all candidates must complete six credits of college level math (MAT 101 or higher-level math course).
Chapter 354, Preparation of Professional Educators, was enacted in 2000 in Pennsylvania. This law mandates certain regulations in the preparation of professional educators in the state. Students are responsible to be certain they are meeting regularly with their advisor regarding this legislation.
Geneva College is not responsible for students who will not be certified because of failure to meet certification requirements at the time of graduation.
Average Pass Rates
Geneva College Pass Rates for Certification Exams
| 2020-21 |
|---|
| 89% |
Yearly average percentage of students passing the Certification Exam on the first try
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