/Institutions/Sacred-Heart-University/json/2018-2019/Undergraduate-Catalog-local.json

/Institutions/Sacred-Heart-University/json/2018-2019/Undergraduate-Catalog.json

Isabelle Farrington College of Education

Michael P. Alfano, PhD

Dean

Phone:  203-365-7621

Fax: 203-365-7513

alfanom3@sacredheart.edu

 

Mel L. Horton, EdD

Associate Dean

Mission

The Isabelle Farrington College of Education prepares and promotes a diverse community of educators, whose work is grounded in professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions in service to their students.  Guided by fundamental principles of social justice, human dignity and equity, we prepare our candidates to help their students navigate a global community that is undergoing profound cultural and technological change.  We use evidence of candidate performance to continuously improve practice and policy.

To accomplish this mission, the College assures that upon completion of the program of study, its graduates and program completers are highly qualified professionals in their respective areas of expertise, are deeply committed to all youngsters' growth and development, and have a sensitivity to the importance of social and emotional growth as an aspect of students' education.  The adheres to and assures that its candidates address the national and state standards of professional preparation of each of its programs.

A key partner in the mission is Horizons at SHU. Located within the College, this summer and weekend program provides academic enrichment and social support to children in the Bridgeport schools.

Teacher Preparation and Initial Certification

The Department of Teacher Education offers a professional curriculum approved by the state of Connecticut for certification as elementary and secondary school teachers. Prospective teachers must major in an academic discipline in addition to completing the teacher certification sequence. Thus, the teacher-graduate not only enters the job market with more than one skill, but also possesses an excellent academic background and a high level of professional competence.

Teacher education programs focus on the personal growth of the teacher, as well as the social and emotional qualities conducive to teaching effectiveness. The components of the program—coursework, fieldwork, and student teaching—assist candidates in broadening their knowledge of the academic content areas along with the pedagogical and developmental practices that support learning and active inquiry. Fieldwork and student teaching are specially designed to help candidates experience the interrelationship between educational theory and practice.

The Teacher Education department offers several teacher certification choices: Elementary Education Grades 1–6, Secondary Biology 7–12, Secondary Chemistry 7–12, Secondary English 7–12, Secondary General Science 7–12, Secondary History and Social Studies 7–12, Secondary Mathematics 7–12, and Spanish 7–12. Additional University-approved credits are also required in each of the programs. For example, 3 credits in U.S. History is required.

There are two routes by which a candidate can achieve recommendation for initial teacher certification: the five-year program and the post-baccalaureate program.

Five+ Program

Sacred Heart undergraduates apply for admission to the College of Education in spring of their sophomore year, complete seven certification courses while also satisfying BA/BS requirements, and complete the initial certification requirements in approximately five years. In addition, candidates complete the requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching degree. During the fifth year, candidates also may serve as interns in the public schools. This internship includes a benefit equal to the tuition cost of 30 graduate credits. See the Department of Teacher Education for details of the graduate internship. Including the seven undergraduate education courses, candidates in the program complete a total of 60 credits of professional education.

Students seeking certification as elementary school teachers major in Interdisciplinary Studies. Students seeking certification as secondary school teachers major in the corresponding academic discipline. 

Post-Baccalaureate Program

Sacred Heart University candidates seeking teacher certification may elect to postpone the planned program leading to initial certification until they have completed the bachelor’s degree. Sacred Heart undergraduates choosing this route apply for admission to the College of Education during fall of their senior year and begin education coursework as early as the late spring semester following undergraduate commencement.

Candidates also complete requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching degree. Internship opportunities are available for two semesters of the full program (certification plus MAT). Teacher certification requires 36 credits; the MAT degree requires an additional 12 credits of graduate work that can be typically completed within two years. Specific details of the post-baccalaureate program are provided in the Graduate Catalog.

International Opportunities

The Farrington College of Education offers international experiences in Dingle, Ireland and Cartago, Costa Rica. These programs are open to all teacher preparation candidates as well as others considering careers in education.

The Irish experience takes place during the winter intensive session. Candidates experience the Irish educational system in an up close and personal way, observing classrooms in action, learning from Irish teachers and administrators, and meeting Irish teacher candidates. The course ED 341 Irish & American Education in Comparative Perspective counts in lieu of ED 152 Education in the United States or ED 229 Multicultural Education. For candidates who have already taken these courses, the Irish course also may serve as an MAT elective.

The Costa Rican experience takes place during the summer. Candidates take classes at the Costa Rica Institute of Technology and stay with host families. They enroll in a Spanish-language course and ED 301 Exploring Teaching in Costa Rica. The education course counts in lieu of ED 229 Multicultural Education course or it serves as an MAT elective.

Horizons at SHU

Horizons at Sacred Heart University is an affiliate of Horizons National, an organization that provides academic and social support to underserved children in urban areas.  Horizons at SHU serves young people from the City of Bridgeport with the purpose of narrowing the academic achievement and opportunity gap between city and suburban students.  The program's mission is to create a dynamic learning environment during the summer and on Saturdays during the school year.  The children spend their time honing their literacy and math skills as well as enjoying cultural and physical enrichment activities such as swimming, music instruction, dance and gymnastics, gardening, science experimentation and more.

Faculty

Associate Professor

 

JAMES CARL, PhD

Professor

Director of Griswold Programs and Clinical Associate Professor

Assistant Professor

Chair, FCE and Clinical Assistant Professor

Associate Professor

Associate Professor

Assistant Professor

Director of Clinical Practice and Assistant Professor

 

JENNIFER PHAIAH, EdD

Clinical Assistant Professor

Assistant Professor

Associate Professor

Program Director of the 093 Superintendent Preparation Program and Assistant Professor

Program Director of Graduate Literacy Programs and Clinical Assistant Professor

Program Director of the Sixth Year Professional Certificate Program and Associate Professor

Application Process

Undergraduate candidates apply for admission to the five-year program in the fall of their sophomore year and begin professional education coursework in their junior year. Applicants who are entering the post-baccalaureate program may apply during fall semester of their senior year. All applications are managed through the Graduate Admissions Office.

Sacred Heart University adheres to all state regulations regarding teacher preparation.

Candidates must meet the following entrance requirements:

• Complete the Online Graduate Education Form.
• Take the Core Academic Skills for Educators exam or qualify for Connecticut Department of Education waiver.
• Provide evidence of state and national criminal history background check.
• Present an essay (1–2 pages) discussing a recent experience interacting with children and/or youth and how this experience relates to expectations for a teaching career.
• Meet with a faculty advisor in the Department of Teacher Education to review transcripts and develop a preliminary plan of study.
• Maintain a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.