The Elementary Education major is a State of Maine approved program that is comprised of liberal studies, education methodology, and a continuum of field experiences.  One semester of student teaching is required for teacher certification, but not for graduation.    Students are required to provide their own transportation to all education placements.  Carpooling can be arranged.  Elementary Education students must maintain a “C” (73) in all courses required for the major.  All methods courses must be completed prior to student teaching.

The primary goal of the Education Department is the preparation of competent teachers.  The program operates on the premise that theory becomes internalized when learned in context and applied.  This objective is possible because of early, sequential, and extensive field experiences.  Sophomores complete a semester practicum.  As juniors, students complete a full year of internship followed by student teaching in their senior year.

Students complete a “concentration” in English, math, science, history, or special education.  This 24 hour concentration leads to “highly qualified”  status for certification in a subject area in addition to being “highly qualified” in Elementary Education.

Students need to pass the Praxis series (I and II), which is required for state certification in elementary and secondary education.  All students in education programs must pass Praxis I prior to senior student teaching.

The purpose of the Education Program at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is to provide quality teacher preparation programs to qualified students while upholding the mission set forth by the college. Graduates of the Saint Joseph’s College Teacher Education Programs will be able to demonstrate their abilities in three areas:

KNOWLEDGE

Content Literacy related to appropriate general and professional     knowledge specific to individual disciplines.
Technological Literacy related to state-of-the-art technologies employed to strengthen performance in all personal and professional areas.
Cultural Literacy related to today’s diverse learners. This encompasses the behavioral knowledge, skills and abilities needed to effectively enable all learners to achieve. 

PEDAGOGY

Instructional Strategies related to teaching effectiveness, learning outcomes and assessments. This includes skillful and varied methodology with diverse learners incorporating problem solving, critical thinking, and reflection.
Management Strategies related to the curriculum and the orchestration of the learning environment. This includes facilitating classroom dynamics that model fairness and respect. 

        DISPOSITIONS

 Leadership Strategies related to personal and professional conduct. This includes professional development and a demonstrated commitment to continuous personal advancement.
 Effective Strategies related to modeling acceptance and collaboration.  This includes recognition of self and student worth, and the importance of fostering social, emotional, moral, and spiritual growth.

 

The outcomes adhere to the InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards.