Isabelle Farrington College of Education and Human Development
Michael P. Alfano, PhD
Vice Provost for Strategic Planning
Dean, Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development
Phone: 203-365-7621
Fax: 203-365-7513
alfanom3@sacredheart.edu
Mel L. Horton, EdD
Associate Dean, Accreditation, & Certification Officer
Phone: 203-365-4876
Fax: 203-365-7513
hortonm3@sacredheart.edu
Sara Connolly, PhD
Assistant Dean for Student Success
Phone: 203-365-7653
Fax: 203-365-7513
connollys2@sacredheart.edu
Mission
The Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development 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 Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development 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 the growth and development of students, and have an awareness to the importance of social and emotional growth as an aspect of students' education. The Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development adheres to and assures that candidates address the national and state standards of professional preparation of each of its programs.
Teacher Education and Initial Certification
The Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development 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 enters the profession with 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 dispositions conducive to teaching effectiveness. The components of the program—coursework, clinical practice, 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. Clinical experiences, including student teaching are specially designed to help candidates develop an understanding of the interrelationship between educational theory and practice.
The Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development 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, Spanish 7–12, and Music Education K-12. The Elementary Education pathway also offers the opportunity to cross endorse in special education. Coursework for the cross endorsement begins in the undergraduate program and continues into the graduate program.
Additional University-approved credits are also required in each of the programs. For example, 3 credits in U.S. History is required.
In order to pursue CT certification, students pursue the Master of Arts in Teaching. Students can pursue their MAT through the dual degree program or the post-baccalaureate path.
Dual Degree Program
Sacred Heart undergraduates who enter as first year students are also admitted to the teacher education program in the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development. In the spring of sophomore year a review is completed to ensure the necessary major courses and GPA have been achieved to continue into the education courses. In addition, candidates complete the requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching degree. During the masters degree program, candidates also may serve as residents in the public schools. This residency includes a benefit equal to the tuition cost of 30 graduate credits.
Students seeking certification as elementary school teachers major in Interdisciplinary Studies. Students seeking certification as secondary school teachers major in the corresponding academic discipline. To be considered for the Master of Arts in Teaching, candidates must achieve and maintain a cumulative 2.8 GPA. If a student has between a 2.67 and a 2.79 GPA, they can apply for a GPA waiver to be considered for admission in the teacher education program. No one under a 2.67 GPA will be eligible for the teacher education program. Refer to the Graduate Catalog for additional requirements.
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 Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development during fall of their senior year and begin education coursework in the summer or fall semester following undergraduate commencement.
Candidates also complete requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching degree. Residency opportunities are available for two semesters of the full program (certification plus MAT). Specific details of the Post-Baccalaureate Program are provided in the Graduate Catalog.
International Opportunity
The Farrington College of Education & Human Development offers an international experience in Dingle, Ireland. The program is open to all teacher education candidates as well as others considering careers in education.
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.
Horizons at SHU
Horizons at Sacred Heart University (HSHU) is an affiliate of Horizons National, an organization that aims to close the opportunity gap by providing consistent and long term academic and social support to children from low socioeconomic areas across the country. HSHU supports students from the City of Bridgeport from kindergarten through 8th grade. The program's mission is to advance educational equity by building long-term partnerships with families, communities, and schools in Bridgeport to create experiences outside of school that inspire the joy in learning. HSHU students spend their time engaged in experiential literacy and math lessons as well as enjoying many different enrichment activities such as swimming, sports, art, music, gardening, STEM, wellness and more. HSHU provides programming both throughout the summer and during the academic school year.
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 education.
Candidates must meet the following entrance requirements:
- Complete the Online Graduate Education Form.
- Show evidence that they have taken the SAT/ACT or the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam.
- Provide evidence of state and national criminal history background check.
- Present an essay (1–2 pages) discussing one or more life experiences influencing the desire to become a teacher.
- Attend a group meeting with faculty and other students.
- Meet with a faculty advisor in the Teacher Education program to develop a preliminary plan of study.
- Maintain a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 2.8 to continue in the Dual Degree Program.