Graduate Teacher Programs
Rene Roselle, PhD
Chair, Department of Teacher Education
Phone: (203) 365-7655
E-mail: roseller@sacredheart.edu
Robin E. Hands, EdD
Director of Clinical Practice
Phone: (203) 396-8313
Email: handsr@sacredheart.edu
The Graduate Teacher Programs enable candidates to meet requirements to become certified as public school teachers and earn an advanced degree (42 credits). The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree is completed in conjunction with the graduate teacher certification program. Candidates who have completed bachelors’ degrees in fields other than teacher education may enter the graduate program to obtain a teaching certificate. The Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development offers approved programs for the preparation of teachers for the elementary grades (1–6) and for the secondary grades (7–12) in the academic areas of English, History and Social Studies, Mathematics, General Science, Biology, Chemistry, Spanish, and Music Education (PK-12). Course offerings in the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development may also provide certified teachers with the opportunity to obtain additional teaching endorsements.
Initial Certification
Candidates admitted to the elementary or secondary-school, special education, or music certification program must complete the courses listed in each of the specified programs. Candidates progress sequentially through the program, completing the required courses and clinical practice. Candidates must complete prerequisite courses before entering student teaching. Candidates must complete the courses in their program with an average grade of B or better. Candidates for initial certification may need to fulfill additional course requirements in the appropriate academic content area.
Clinical Practice
Clinical practice placements will be made by the Teacher Education Department in conjunction with the school districts and community organizations with whom FCEHD partners. Candidates will be placed within their respective certification and grade level areas. Supervision will be offered by the school-based teacher educators at the various partnerships and by an appointed university supervisor. Evaluation rubrics will be filled out at the mid-term and final both by the clinic teacher, university supervisor, and the teacher candidate. The rubrics will be used to monitor growth and progress in the candidate's ability to operationalize the theory they are learning in their education classes, and will also assist the candidate in identifying goals to support growth.