Requirements

Students planning to teach must complete a major in an academic department of their choice and fulfill all the requirements for the bachelor of arts degree or the bachelor of science degree. Upon completing a program in teacher education, students are eligible for a Pennsylvania Certificate, Instructional I, enabling them to teach in the public schools of the Commonwealth and other states with similar requirements. Students who pursue teacher certification are required to demonstrate competence in oral and written communication skills and computer literacy prior to certification. A minimum of sixty hours of observation and participation in schools is required prior to acceptance into the Education Semester. Students who are seeking an Instructional I Certificate must have successfully completed the Praxis Series of the National Teachers' Exams (NTE) PPST reading, writing, mathematics, and specialty area (elementary education or the subject area for which candidates are seeking certification).

Students interested in preparing to teach academic subjects in the secondary schools must complete one of the following approved programs for secondary certification: biology, chemistry, physics, general science, mathematics, English, German, Latin, French, Spanish, citizenship or social sciences, or music (K-12). Early planning beginning in the first year is essential for all of these programs. For secondary education, the Education Semester consists of Education  304 (worth one course unit) and 476 (Student Teaching, worth 3 course units). Only these courses may be taken during the Secondary Education Semester.

The elementary education program is distinctive in giving students the opportunity to concentrate on liberal arts studies and complete an academic major, thus qualifying for the bachelor of arts degree. Students interested in this program should consult with the education department early. For elementary education, the Education Semester consists of Education 334 (worth one course unit),  and 476 (Student Teaching, worth 3 course units).  Only these courses may be taken during the Elementary Education Semester.

Students, in consultation with the department, will select either the fall or spring semester of the senior year as the Education Semester. A Ninth Semester Option offers the Education Semester the fall semester following graduation. This option, which includes only the Education Semester, is provided at cost to these recent Gettysburg College graduates who have been accepted into the program. (Cost for 2007: $3,000, plus room, board, telecommunication and certification fees.) Student teaching experiences are completed at a school district in proximity to the College, or the student may elect to apply to student teach abroad, in an urban setting, or in other alternative sites in close proximity to campus.