Gwynedd Mercy University 2025-2026 University Catalog 105
Secondary Education Programs Students can obtain Instructional I Provisional certification for teaching in the public schools of Pennsylvania in the following areas: Social Studies. To complete the requirements for certification, the student must major in History and complete the designated education courses. The student may elect to add Special Education( PreK – 12) to the Social Studies certification.
The recommendation for this certificate is contingent upon earning a passing or qualifying score on the required Praxis II tests for the specific discipline. The admission and retention procedures are the same as those described for other education programs. Secondary students are advised within their respective majors and work with the Education program liaison in the College of Arts, Sciences and Professional Studies.
Certification Programs Students who complete certification programs satisfactorily are eligible for Instructional I Provisional certification for teaching in the public schools of Pennsylvania. The recommendation for these certificates is contingent upon passing the initial PA required certification tests in PreK – 4, special education, and secondary content areas.
Recommendation for state certification is predicated upon fulfillment of the academic requirements and upon the following considerations:
• Physical fitness for teaching
• Disposition for the teaching profession
• Professional attitude and performance
Periodically, with special attention at the end of the sophomore and junior years, standings are reviewed with respect to these criteria. Students whose standings are not satisfactory will not be admitted to more advanced professional courses.
Program Learning Outcomes: PLO1 Demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical, philosophical, and ethical perspectives that reflect current educational trends in the United States. PLO2 Demonstrate professional competence in the use of a variety of research-based best practices incorporating technology. PLO3 Actively engage in meaningful, sequential, and developmental field experiences in which learning of content is integrated with the application of pedagogy. PLO4 Demonstrate mastery of PDE professional competencies through course requirements / products, lesson presentations, and field experiences. PLO5 Demonstrate compassion, integrity, moral and social responsibility in all interactions, respecting the uniqueness, dignity, and diversity of the individual. PLO6 Engage in co-curricular / extra-curricular activities and service-learning opportunities that support program curriculum.
For Major Requirements, see Program Handbook and Curriculum Sheets. Academic Criteria for Admission, Progression and Retention
Academic Requirements for Certification Programs: