Education

The Education Department offers two programs of graduate study: (1) Teacher Certification for those seeking initial certification in the areas of elementary and secondary education in social studies, language arts (English), mathematics, science (biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, or general science), business, world languages, and music; (2) Professional Education for currently certified teachers seeking professional advancement. Both programs lead to the master of science in education degree. Many courses are offered at three locations: West Haven, Newington, and Mitchell College (Southeastern) in New London. These programs represent the university’s commitment to the preparation of future educators for meaningful roles in teaching the youth of the 21st century.

The Bachelor’s Plus program for UNH undergraduates interested in a teaching career enables candidates to begin their teacher preparation program as undergraduates. Candidates can earn a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and Connecticut teaching certification in five years. Contact the Education Department for information.

Teacher Certification Program

Chair: Nancy Niemi, Associate Professor, Ph.D., University of Rochester

Certification Officer: Phyllis S. Gwatkin, M.S., Fordham University; C.A.G.S., St. Joseph College

Director of Student Teaching: Susanne Murphy, M.A., Yale University; M.S. and C.A.G.S., Southern Connecticut State University

Internship and Recruitment Coordinator: Nicholas Maiorino, M.A., Sixth Year Certificate, Southern Connecticut State University

Capstone and Mathematics Coordinator: John Ciochine, B.S., Southern Connecticut State University, M.S., Sixth Year Certificate, Fairfield University

Professional Education Coordinator for Southeastern Campus: Lawrence Roberts, B.A., M.A.T., Sixth Year Certificate, Sacred Heart University

The Teacher Certification program prepares educators to teach today’s diverse student population. Candidates are required to enter the program with a strong academic major from their undergraduate institution. The Teacher Certification program builds on previous content knowledge while blending educational theory and practice within the context of effective pedagogical practices. Particular emphasis is placed on linking field experiences to coursework. Because teacher candidates are expected to teach diverse student populations, it is recommended that candidates participate in both urban and suburban field experiences.

Admission Policy

Candidates must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education. Candidates must have a broad range of general core academic courses as well as courses specific to the subject area and/or level of certification sought. In addition, candidates must meet the requirement for one 3-credit course in United States history, which may be credited from undergraduate course work or fulfilled in the university’s graduate program by taking an elective (HIST 6610 - Survey of United States History ). All official undergraduate transcripts must be submitted for review to determine whether candidates have successfully met background requirements.

A minimum grade point average of 2.7 (equivalent to a B-) is required for admission, and only grades of C or higher are accepted. Courses with a C- are not accepted. In addition to course work and grade requirements, applicants must pass PRAXIS I or obtain an approved waiver from the Connecticut Department of Education prior to admission. Candidates must submit two letters of recommendation and an essay describing experience relevant to teaching as well as reasons for applying to the program. All prospective candidates are interviewed. Information outlining admission criteria is available from the Education Department website, www.newhaven.edu/education. Information sessions are held periodically; dates and times are posted on our website.

Applying for State Certification

In the certification process, the university must recommend the candidate to the Connecticut State Department of Education. After candidates have successfully completed the professional courses in their program, including Student Teaching (EDUC 6600 ), the certification officer verifies that candidates have met all requirements and then recommends, with department approval, candidates for certification. The courses taken for a particular certification must be consistent with the statutory requirements of laws current at the time of application for certification rather than the regulations operating at the time of admission to the university.

U.S. Department of Education Title II Report

Section 207 of Title II of the Higher Education Act mandates that the Education Department collect data on assessments, requirements, and standards for teacher certification and licensure as well as performance of teacher preparation programs. The law requires that these data be used to submit an annual report on the quality of teacher preparation to the U.S. Congress. The full report of annual data for the University of New Haven’s performance is available from the Education Department.

Professional Education

Chair: Nancy Niemi, Associate Professor, Ph.D., University of Rochester

The Professional Education program, leading to a master of science in education degree, provides a curriculum for continuing professional growth. Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education and teaching certification in Connecticut or elsewhere. This program does not lead to the university’s recommendation for teacher certification, but candidates holding a current Connecticut teacher certification may wish to consider designing their Professional Education program to include courses that will enable them to apply directly to the Connecticut Department of Education to add a cross-endorsement on their current teaching certificate.

Admission requirements include two letters of recommendation, official transcript(s), a valid certification license in Connecticut or elsewhere, an essay setting forth the candidate’s reasons for enrolling in the program, and an interview with the coordinator of the program.