Secondary Teacher Certification
Kristin Rainville, EdD
Director of Teacher Preparation
Office Phone: 203 365-7517
E-mail: rainvillek@sacredheart.edu
Students who wish to teach in middle school or high school can begin pursuing secondary teaching certification during their undergraduate study and complete their teacher certification and MAT in the 5+ program. These students major in the subject they wish to teach. The Farrington College of Education offers certificate programs in Biology, Chemistry, English, General Science, Mathematics, Social Studies (History), and Spanish. These students complete the major in their respective subject and also complete part of their study for teaching preparation as undergraduates.
Scholarships
The Farrington College of Education awards three endowed and one termed scholarships to undergraduates. For further information, contact the Dean’s Office at 203-365-4791.
Endowed Scholarships
Isabelle T. Farrington Award—Available to students in the junior or senior class who demonstrate superior academic performance and potential and have a sincere interest in and practice of the principles of citizenship and religion for which Sacred Heart University has been established.
Sandra Lynn Nobili Award—Given to a Catholic student entering senior year and planning a career in elementary education. The recipient must have a cumulative average of 3.0 or better.
Robert M. Paul Award—Available to full-time undergraduate students. Preference is given to a Bridgeport Catholic high school graduate who has demonstrated financial need.
Termed Scholarship
Noyce Scholarship Award - Available to students in the junior or senior class who seek certification in Secondary Biology or Mathematics and agree to teach in a high-needs school upon completion of the five-year program. Scholarship extends to the graduate year (3 years).
Certification Requirements
Students admitted to the secondary teacher certification programs must complete the courses listed below for Connecticut state certification. For students following the 5+ MAT/Certification program, an additional 24 credits of graduate study in education is required to complete the MAT degree. The terms of study of the certification courses are indicated here. The additional course schedule is provided on the plan of study developed with your Education faculty advisor on admission to the college and program. Candidates must complete all 10 prerequisite certification courses before entering student teaching. Candidates must complete the courses with an average grade of B or better. For students accepted into the secondary teacher certification program, the sequence of those courses required for certification is as follows:
Fall Junior Year
| ED 300 | Educational Psychology | 3.00 Credit(s) |
| ED 302 | Education in the U.S. | 3.00 Credit(s) |
Spring Junior Year
| ED 301 | Introduction to Exceptionalities | 3.00 Credit(s) |
| ED 304 | Multicultural Education | 3.00 Credit(s) |
Fall Senior Year
| ED 405 | Classroom Management: Secondary | 3.00 Credit(s) |
Spring Senior Year
| ED 401 | Educational Technologies | 3.00 Credit(s) |
| ED 402 | Societal Issues in Adolescence | 3.00 Credit(s) |
Summer 1 Fifth Year
One of the following:
| ED 511 | Secondary Curriculum: Biology | 3.00 Credit(s) |
| ED 512 | Secondary Curriculum;Chemistry | 3.00 Credit(s) |
| ED 513 | Secondary Curriculum: English | 3.00 Credit(s) |
| ED 514 | Secondary Curriculum: General Science | 3.00 Credit(s) |
| ED 515 | Secondary Curriculum: Mathematics | 3.00 Credit(s) |
| ED 516 | Secondary Curriculum: Social Studies | 3.00 Credit(s) |
| ED 517 | Secondary Curriculum: Spanish | 3.00 Credit(s) |
Summer 2 Fifth Year
| EDR 510 | Content Area Reading Instruction (Grades 7-12) | 3.00 Credit(s) |
Fall Fifth Year
One of the following:
| ED 531 | Secondary Methods: Biology | 3.00 Credit(s) |
| ED 532 | Secondary Methods: Chemistry | 3.00 Credit(s) |
| ED 533 | Secondary Methods: English | 3.00 Credit(s) |
| ED 534 | Secondary Methods: General Science | 3.00 Credit(s) |
| ED 535 | Secondary Methods: Mathematics | 3.00 Credit(s) |
| ED 536 | Secondary Methods: Social Studies | 3.00 Credit(s) |
| ED 537 | Secondary Methods: Spanish | 3.00 Credit(s) |
Spring Fifth Year
One of the following:
| ED 581 | Student Teaching Seminar: Biology | 6.00 Credit(s) |
| ED 582 | Student Teaching Seminar: Chemistry | 6.00 Credit(s) |
| ED 583 | Student Teaching Seminar: English | 6.00 Credit(s) |
| ED 584 | Student Teaching Seminar: General Science | 6.00 Credit(s) |
| ED 585 | Student Teaching Seminar: Mathematics | 6.00 Credit(s) |
| ED 586 | Student Teaching Seminar: Social Studies | 6.00 Credit(s) |
| ED 587 | Student Teaching Seminar: Spanish | 6.00 Credit(s) |
During the fifth year, candidates are expected to complete 24 additional credits of graduate education courses to complete the MAT degree.
For further specifics about the Teacher Education programs or about advanced teaching degrees and certification programs for those who have already earned a bachelor’s degree, contact the faculty of the Director of Teacher Preparation at (203) 365-7517.