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Education Learning Goals

Students pursuing teacher certification can expect to achieve competency in the following areas:

Planning and Preparation: Demonstrate knowledge of content and pedagogical skills in planning and preparation, including knowledge of content, pedagogy, and PA Academic Standards; knowledge of students and how to use this knowledge to impart instruction; use of resources, materials, or technology available through the school or district; instructional goals that show a recognizable sequence with adaptations for individual student needs; assessments of student learning aligned to the instructional goals and adapted as required for student needs; and use of educational psychological principles/theories in the construction of lesson plans and setting instructional goals..

Classroom Environment: Establish and maintain a purposeful and equitable environment for learning, in which students feel safe, valued, and respected, by instituting routines and setting clear expectations for student behavior.

Instructional Delivery: Demonstrate thorough knowledge of content and pedagogical theory through: instructional goals reflecting Pennsylvania K-12 standards; communication of procedures and clear explanations of content; use of instructional goals that show a recognizable sequence, clear student expectations, and adaptations for individual student needs; use of questioning and discussion strategies that encourage many students to participate; engagement of students in learning and adequate pacing of instruction; feedback to students on their learning; use of informal and formal assessments to meet learning goals and to monitor student learning; and flexibility and responsiveness in meeting the learning needs of students.

Professionalism: Demonstrate qualities that characterize a professional person in aspects that occur in and beyond the classroom/building, including knowledge of school and district procedures and regulations related to attendance, punctuality, etc.; knowledge of school or district requirements for maintaining accurate records and communicating with families; knowledge of school and/or district events; knowledge of district or college’s professional growth and development opportunities; integrity and ethical behavior, professional conduct as stated in Pennsylvania Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for Educators; and local, state, and federal, laws and regulations; effective communication, both oral and written with students, colleagues, paraprofessionals, related service personnel, and administrators; ability to cultivate professional relationships with school colleagues; knowledge of Pennsylvania requirements for continuing professional development and licensure.