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Mission Statement
Conceptual
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Programs
Undergraduate
MST
MSEd
Post Masters
Faculty
Transfers
St.
Thomas Aquinas College is accredited by the National
council for Accreditations for Teacher Education
(NCATE).
St.
Thomas Aquinas College's Division of Teacher Education
invites you to explore the pages of our web site
and become knowledgeable about the process of
becoming a teacher.
The
programs and requirements described on these pages
are for the current programs registered with the
New York State Education Department and applies
to those individuals who will apply for certification
in February 2004 or later.
St.Thomas
Aquinas College offers three undergraduate programs
leading to New York State initial certification
in:
| Inclusive
Childhood Education (grades 1-6) |
| Inclusive
Childhood and Special Education (grades
1-6) |
|
Inclusive
Adolescence Education (grades 7-12) with
certification in the following |
Our
motto, "Educators are informed decision-makers
who create effective learning opportunities for
all students" guides our philosophy and underlines
our mission statement. Candidates in our undergraduate
program follow a comprehensive study in liberal
arts and pedagogy while experiencing hands-on
learning in authentic education environments in
neighborhood schools. Candidates in our post-baccalaureate
masters program bring their strong liberal arts
undergraduate study with them and follow an intense
study in pedagogy while obtaining their certification
and master's degree. They also take courses while
experiencing practical applications in the local
schools.
Courses
are taught in modern classrooms with enhanced
technology and candidates use these facilities
to practice teaching through in-class presentations,
simulation activities, group work and reflection.
In addition to our newly renovated library, a
separate Marie Enda Kennedy Education Resource
Center (ERC), located in the lower level of Spellman
Hall, provides candidates with books, tests, networked
computers, software and other equipment to assist
them in lesson creations during coursework, field
experiences and student teaching. Many teacher
education students gather in the ERC for study,
research and socializes with colleagues and professors.
In
addition to course work, teacher education candidates
can become involved in a variety of worthwhile
activities related to the field of education.
These include participation in the Council for
Exceptional Children (CEC), Kappa Delta Phi (KDP),
an international honor society, America Reads,
International Reading Association (IRA), the National
Science Teachers Association (NSTA), tutoring
and mentoring programs. Active involvement in
these organizations enhances candidates' professional
development.
New
York State requires teacher education candidates
to apply their knowledge in field experiences
in authentic settings. Our teacher education program
maintains an excellent reputation in the New York
metropolitan area and local school districts welcome
our candidates into their schools to gain additional
knowledge and to practice their newly developed
skills. Students sign up on a computer in the
ERC and request a school of their choice for their
visitations. Candidates are required to observe
and participate for 100-150 hours in urban and
suburban setting to assure extensive and diverse
experiences prior to student teaching.
During
the last semester, candidates will engage in a
full day, 16-week student teaching program. Again,
St. Thomas will assist candidates in their search
for the appropriate cooperating teacher and classroom
based on their program of study. Supervisors from
the college consistently visit and monitor student
teachers during the semester and act as mentors,
liaisons and ambassadors for the college. Candidates
leave their student teaching experience with confidence
and enthusiasm and are assisted with job placements
when they graduate.
Upon
successful completion of our program, the college
will recommend the teacher education candidates
for New York State Certification and will assist
them in obtaining employment. Our placement success
rate is high because of the tremendous reputation
of our college in the area and the huge amount
of support they received from Rachel Jackowitz
in our Career and Counseling Placement Office.
Rachel can be reached at 845-398-4067 or at rjackowi@stac.edu.
The
Division of Teacher Education is proud of the
teachers that come through our programs. We welcome
you to explore our web pages and learn more about
our programs, faculty and facility. If you would
like further information or would like to speak
to an admission counselor, please contact Ms.
Nina Capitelli, Associate Director of Admissions
at 845-398-4101 or email Nina at ncapitel@stac.edu
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