Undergraduate Initial Teacher Preparation Program

Albertus Magnus College is approved by the Connecticut Office of Higher Education, approved by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), and accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) to offer an undergraduate educator preparation program leading to eligibility for Connecticut initial educator certification.

Planned programs are offered in the following endorsement areas:

• Art, PK-12 (042)
• Biology, 4-12 (030)
• Business, 4-12 (010)
• Chemistry, 4-12 (031)
• English, 4-12 (015)
• General Science, 4-12 (034)
• History & Social Studies, 4-12 (026)
• Mathematics, 4-12 (029)
• Spanish, 4-12 (023)

Note: English endorsement candidates must complete coursework in Young Adult Literature.

Program Outcomes

Graduates will demonstrate:

• Content Knowledge and Pedagogical Skills: Mastery of subject matter and teaching practices through successful completion of coursework and required content assessments (e.g., Praxis II or equivalent assessments as required by the state).
• Readiness for Professional Practice: Successful completion of the state-required performance-based assessment (e.g., portfolio or state-designated equivalent), demonstrating readiness to assume responsibilities as a classroom teacher.
• Professional Dispositions: Dispositions aligned with professional, ethical, and collaborative standards expected of educators, demonstrated through coursework and clinical experiences.
• Reflective Practice: The ability to reflect on teaching and learning, demonstrating growth in understanding and application of state and national teaching standards.
• Standards-Based Practice: Evidence of progression toward meeting the Connecticut Common Core of Teaching and relevant professional standards through performance assessments, portfolios, and student teaching evaluations.

Admissions Requirements

Students must:

• Meet with the Certification Officer or Director of Education Programs
• Submit a written statement and participate in an interview
• Present qualifying scores on a state-approved basic skills assessment (Praxis Core, SAT, or ACT)
• Declare an approved content major
• Successfully complete introductory Education courses including ED 190 and PY 111 with a grade of C or better
• Present a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7

Note: Students must be formally admitted to the Undergraduate Initial Teacher Preparation Program prior to completing more than six credits in education coursework. To remain in good standing, candidates must earn a grade of C or better in all Education courses, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 overall, and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the content major.

Assessment

The CSDE requires candidates to meet state testing and assessment requirements, which may include:

• A state-approved basic skills assessment (e.g., Praxis Core, SAT, or ACT)
• Content-specific assessments (e.g., Praxis II or approved equivalents) aligned with the endorsement area
• For world language candidates (e.g., Spanish), required assessments such as ACTFL proficiency tests

During the program, candidates complete a range of assessments, including performance-based evaluations and portfolio components, to demonstrate growth in content knowledge, pedagogical skills, and professional dispositions.

Accreditation

The Initial Undergraduate Teacher Preparation Program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Accreditation is effective Fall 2022 - Fall 2029.

CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through standards addressing content and pedagogy, clinical partnerships and practice, candidate quality, program impact, and continuous improvement. The College reports annually on program impact and outcomes in accordance with CAEP requirements.

Inquiries regarding accreditation may be directed to the Director of Education Programs or to:

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
1140 19^th Street NW, Suite 400
Washington, D.C. 20036
202-223-0077
Website: caepnet.org

PLAN OF STUDY

REQUIRED CORE (39 credits)

ED 170 - Health Education for Teachers
ED 190 - Orientation to the Schools
ED 212 - History and Philosophy of Education
ED 227 - Special Education for the Classroom Teacher I
ED 228 - Special Education for the Classroom Teacher II
ED 242 - Educational Psychology
ED 320 - Teaching Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum
ED 321 - Curriculum and Methods of Teaching
ED 322 - Technological Applications in Classroom
ED 341 - Adolescent Psychology
ED 391 - Teaching Practicum
ED 392 - Student Teaching
ED 393 - Student Teaching Seminar

General Education: Includes state-required courses; Fine Arts requirement must be satisfied (AR, AH, DR, or MU).

Field Experiences: Integrated throughout in urban and suburban schools, culminating in student teaching. Fingerprinting, background checks, and any others required by the district, must be completed prior to placement.

Additional Information: Candidates must meet all current state regulations for Connecticut educator certification in effect at the time of application. Fees may be associated with required assessments, background checks, and performance evaluations.

Education Minor (18 credits)

The Education Minor is distinct from the educator preparation program and does not lead to certification. It provides foundational knowledge for teaching careers or graduate studies in education.

Certification Pathways (Post-Baccalaureate Options)

Albertus Magnus College maintains agreements with Southern Connecticut State University and Quinnipiac University that provide pathways for graduates to pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs in Early Childhood, Elementary, Bilingual Elementary, and Special Education. Each institution offers Albertus students distinct MAT pathways. Students should consult wit the Certification Officer for additional information regarding these programs, requirements, and pathway options.