The Bachelor of Art major in History/Political Science combined with a minor in Secondary Education is the basis for a career as a middle school or high school social studies teacher. This course of study has been approved by the State of Maine Department of Education and allows students to apply for certification as middle school or high school teachers. Students from other states should work with their secondary education advisor to secure current certification requirements for those states.

The approved program leading to certification in Secondary Education consists of the completion of History/Political Science major (History or Political Science concentration), completion of required education courses; and a semester of student teaching.  Students need to plan their schedules carefully each year to meet the requirements for the program.  Field experiences are required as part of the minor.

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.

A grade of “C” or above is required for all education courses. A student receiving a grade below “C” will be required to retake the course.

The Bachelor of Arts major in History/Political Science combined with a minor in Secondary Education requires two semesters of the same foreign language.

 

Completing this History/Political Science degree program will provide students with:

Historical Literacy: Fostering an appreciation and broad understanding of the past by examining relevant historical information from primary and secondary sources.

Civic Literacy: Fostering informed citizenship through the study of international relations, American politics, comparative politics, and political theory.

Analytical Reasoning: Effectively applying methods of analysis, synthesis, and selection to diverse bodies of historical and political information.

Theoretical and Methodological Competency: Constructively employing historiographical models, paradigms, quantitative and qualitative theories, and techniques.

Professional Formation and Communication: Developing professional readiness, including the effective oral and written communication of knowledge and analyses.

 

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.