Graduate Programs - Elementary Education | Graduate Certification

Program Highlights In Brief
Alvernia is a Catholic, Franciscan college dedicated to the ideals of service in the helping professions. Our rich heritage of service is rooted in our strong faith which resonates in contemporary ways in campus life and our academic programs. Alvernia's graduate programs are designed for the focused working professional who places equal value on intellectual achievement and professional growth. Our faculty and staff are committed to teaching, guiding, and supporting our students in all aspects of their experience at Alvernia, from course selection and scheduling, to connecting with peers and colleagues.

The Elementary Education Graduate Certification program is dedicated to providing instruction in educational theory balanced with current classroom practices. The program focuses on a value-centered approach toward the preparation of caring, uniquely-qualified candidates to address the needs of diverse populations in today's schools. The Elementary Education curriculum prepares students to teach grades kindergarten through sixth. Elementary certification candidates also have the option to pursue Special Education Certification and increase their professional marketability.

Academic Quality
Students are admitted to the College and are fully accepted into the Elementary Education Graduate Certification Program when the following criteria have been met:

• Successful completion of undergraduate coursework
• Six (6) semester credit hours (or the equivalent) of undergraduate    mathematics
• Six (6) semester credit hours (or the equivalent) of undergraduate English    composition and British or American literature
• Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher
• Successful completion of the PRAXIS I Tests
• Completion of graduate entrance application with supporting    documentation

Education students complete two field placements and a student teaching experience. All coursework must be completed prior to student teaching. Applicants for the student teaching assignment must have the approval of the Education Department and an overall cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

Career Success
At Alvernia we measure our success by our graduates’ personal and professional satisfaction, and by the ways they contribute to the greater good in all areas of society. Our graduates are employed in virtually all schools in Berks County, and in many schools throughout the middle Atlantic region. No matter what your aspirations and dreams, we’ll give you the tools and support to help you thrive.

Career Opportunities
Education Consultant
Education Management Specialist
Educational Researcher
Educational Resource Coordinator
Education and Training Administrator
Elementary School Teacher
Resource Teacher
Textbook Writer


Curriculum Overview

Elementary Teacher Certification Requirements
MED 501 Foundations of Teaching, Curriculum Design and Assessment*
MED 505 Introduction to Special Needs Students*
MED 508 Advanced Educational Psychology*
MED 515 Strategies for the Special Education/Inclusive Classroom
MED 545 Classroom Management for the Inclusive Classroom
MED 555 Teaching the Arts in Cross-cultural Settings
MED 565 Teaching Social Studies in Cross-cultural Settings
MED 575 Teaching Health/Phys. Ed./Safety in Cross-cultural Settings
MED 600 Language & Literacy in Cross-cultural Settings
MED 602 Teaching Children’s Literature in Cross-cultural Settings
MED 620 Teaching Math/Science in Cross-cultural Settings
*These classes are to be taken prior to those listed below them

In addition to demonstrated competency in the core and concentration courses listed, an Instructional I candidate needs to complete:
MED 522 Field Experience (Practicum I)
    - Minimum 30 clock hours of field work to be completed in conjunction with MED 501
MED 523 Field Experience (Practicum II)
    - Minimum 30 clock hours of field to be completed in conjunction with MED 515 or       MED 600
MED 670 Student Teaching
MED 672 Student Teaching Seminar