Advising Center - See Us - Stay on Track

Study Skills Modules

2007-04-12T13:57:00.000-04:00

Penn State has several web learning modules relating to different kinds of study skills.

Summer 2007 Edthp Course Offerings

2007-04-02T09:09:00.001-04:00

Due to scheduling conflicts, it has been difficult for some students to schedule EDTHP courses, so the following courses will be offered at UP in SU'07:

Early Short Summer Session (05/21/2007 - 06/05/2007)
EDTHP 440 -- Philosophy of Education, Dr. Madhu Prakash
MT RF from 9:35 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in 365 Willard Building

First Summer Session (05/21/2007-06/29/2007)
EDTHP 401 -- Comparative Education, Dr. Gerald LeTendre
MTWRF from 12:45 - 2:00 p.m. in 115 Music Building

EDTHP 416 -- Sociology of Education, Jacob Hibel
MTWRF from 12:45 to 2:00 p.m. in 120 Thomas Building

Second Summer Session (07/03/2007-08/15/2007)
EDTHP 115 -- Education in American Society, Dr. Gerald LeTendre
MTWRF from 12:45 to 2:00 p.m. in 105 Rackley Building

EDTHP 420-- Education and Public Policy, Dr. Dana Mitra
M R from 7:05 - 9:35 p.m. in 208 Chambers

It is possible to register for these courses by using eLion, but please call 865-1488 if you have any specific questions regarding these course offerings in SU'07.

Clearances for Education Field Experiences - FBI Fingerprint

2007-04-02T09:02:00.000-04:00

In addition to the previously required clearances such as Act 34 & Act 151 (see http://www.teaching.state.pa.us/teaching/cwp/view.asp?a=13&Q=32413),
Penn State students must obtain the new FBI clearance prior to all early field experiences and student teaching.

Since the fingerprinting locations closest to University Park currently used for the FBI clearances are at the Central Intermediate Unit in West Decatur and Pleasant Gap, I've been trying to establish a site on campus.

In checking with public school administrators, we've learned that effective FA'07, the FBI clearances will be required for early field experiences, as well as student teaching and other internships.

Questions regarding this new requirement should be directed to Denise Wolfgang at PDE: (717) 783-3750 or dwolfgang@state.pa.us

Information on the process, policy, and fingerprinting locations is available at: www.pa.cogentid.com

Summer SPLED Minor Coursework

2007-03-28T15:25:00.000-04:00

As you may know, the Penn State Special Education program is offering summer course-work in special education for those students interested in completing a minor in special education. Detailed information on the summer course-work is available at http://espse.ed.psu.edu/sped/156

Because of scheduling challenges, students who wish to complete their EL ED course-work in 2 years, will probably need to schedule some summer coursework in order to complete the SPLED minor. For more information on the SPLED minor see http://espse.ed.psu.edu/sped/142

Verification of Completion Letter - Spring 2007

2007-03-21T15:32:00.000-04:00

As we approach the end of another semester, many students have been contacting our office to ask if it would be possible to obtain their teacher certification prior to graduation and/or if it would be possible to receive a letter verifying that they have "completed" all of the teacher certification requirements.

The staff in our Advising Center and our colleagues in Career Services are committed to offering students the best possible service to assist them in pursuing full time employment, and we definitely want to accommodate their requests for such letters.

However, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) will not accept applications with our recommendation for certification until students have officially graduated. As you know, we've been able to make arrangements with PDE to send the applications directly to Harrisburg via overnight express mail as soon as we receive the official grades and PDE 430 forms in our office (228 Chambers), so we've been able to expedite the process in recent years.

At our Education Career Day next week, I'll check again with more than 130 school employers in Pennsylvania and many states throughout the country, but we continue to be told by them that general "To Whom It May Concern" letters from us will not be acceptable if we can verify only that candidates "expect" to graduate pending successful completion of student teaching, and occasionally other remaining course requirements, PRAXIS tests, etc. In fact, PA-REAP and PA-Educator.net, which are two very well-known on-line teacher placement services for Pennsylvania and many other states, have been accepting transcripts and/or computerized degree audits with cover letters directly from students confirming their own tentative certification status, because employers realize that institutional letters cannot carry any guarantees of successfully completing programs.

We certainly want to accommodate students who have been asked by a specific employer for a letter verifying that they have "completed" all of the teacher certification requirements. When students ask specific employers to contact us, and the student has provided Tammy Thal (txt1@psu.edu) with a written release (email from a PSU account would be acceptable), we will immediately FAX and/or mail a personal letter directly to the prospective employer. This has been working very well during the past few years, so please ask students to contact Tammy with their release, and ask their prospective employer(s) to contact her directly regarding their pending status.

Spring 2007 Career Fair WebSite

2007-02-22T12:48:00.000-05:00

Earlier we had given the dates for upcoming education career fairs at Penn State. We now have available the website for the spring 2007 fair.

SUMMER 2007 LLED (SECED/English) Block

2007-02-16T13:45:00.000-05:00

We will offer the first 9 credit block of LLED 411, LLED 420, and LLED 480 this summer from May 21 to June 16, from 8:00 AM to 2:55 PM, Monday-Thursday with computer lab work sessions on Fridays. For many students, this intensive block provides an opportunity to complete the first block in time to take the second 412 block in the 07 Fall semester and student teaching in Spring 08. However, students who hope to follow this schedule should apply for a spot in student teaching for the Spring 08 semester by going to 170 Chambers and filing a late application for Spring 08. Taking the block in the summer also provides more scheduling space for English and Media courses in the regular Fall or Spring semesters when most of those courses are offered.

If you have any questions about the summer block, please email Jamie Myers at: jmm12@psu.edu

College of Education Scholarships

2007-01-31T10:54:00.000-05:00

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 2007 - 2008

Attention all undergraduate and graduate students who will be enrolled in the College of Education at the University Park campus for 2007 - 2008. We are now accepting completed scholarship applications for the upcoming year. The application form is available at: http://www.ed.psu.edu/images/Application_final.pdf. Any student wishing to be considered for scholarship support must complete and submit this brief application form. Even if you applied last year (2006-07) you must apply again for 2007-08.

The submission deadline is no later than February 15, 2007, and we cannot guarantee consideration of applications filed after the deadline.

NOTE: You do not need to submit proof of the completed 2007 - 2008 FAFSA. We receive this information electronically from Student Aid.

Applications should be submitted to:

Jenn Moore
247 Chambers Bldg.

University Park, PA 16802

Extensive links to additional scholarship resources and aid programs are available through Penn State's Office of Student Aid at http://www.psu.edu/studentaid, and the University Fellowships Office at http://www.ufo.psu.edu.

Spring 2007 Tutoring Opportunity

2007-01-30T09:33:00.000-05:00

K-12 Tutors Needed for Spring 2007

The Volunteers in Public Schools organization is looking for tutors/mentors for grade K-12 students in the State College Area School District for spring semester. Volunteers can work at our after-school tutoring center on Wednesdays and/or Thursdays (3:30-6:00 each day, one-hour minimum per week), in a classroom environment during the school day, or in various other capacities. Math, science, social studies, foreign language, English, English as a Second Language, and K-6 tutors/mentors are needed. This is a perfect way to fulfill service hours for your major or to become active in the community. For those without transportation, bus tokens are available to those sites in the district where busses run on a regular schedule.

Applications for spring semester available now, please contact:
Catherine Thatcher-Lehman
814-235-4915
cdt13@scasd.org

Summer Job - Secondary Ed. Majors

2007-01-30T09:29:00.001-05:00

Dear Penn State Students,

Do you want to share your love of science and science education with children?

Are you looking for a full or part-time job at University Park that is related to your major?

Do you need a position that will enable you the flexibility to take classes this summer?

As members of the Penn State Education community, we are writing you about a public scholarship and summer employment opportunity offered each year through the Action Potential Science Experience. If you answered YES to any of the questions above,you might want to join us in one of the following positions:

*Mentor (camp counselor day or evening)

*Lab coordinator

*Photographer/Videographer

*Activity leader

*Program facilitator

How do I find out more?

To learn more about the positions open to undergraduate students this summer, visit the "Join Our Team" section of our Web site: http://www.ScienceCamps.psu.edu/team/index.html

OR....join us for an information session at the following time:

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

101 Thomas Building

6:00-7:30 p.m.

How do I apply?

Email the following materials to us (apseapplications@psu.edu) by February 12, 2007:

* A cover letter or email outlining why you are interested in this position

* A brief résumé detailing your experience and background

* Your class schedule for the spring semester

* Transcript details (an email or print-out from eLion is acceptable)

We hope you will take advantage of this exciting public scholarship opportunity.

Rebecca Peterson

Director, Action Potential Science Experience

http://www.ScienceCamps.psu.edu

FBI Clearances Update

2007-01-22T11:38:00.000-05:00

PDE has announced that despite the April 1, 2007 implementation date requiring FBI Clearances, current student teachers in SP'07 will not be required to process this clearance.

The FBI clearances will be required for employment effective April 1, 2007, and beginning in FA'07, all student teachers will be required to have this clearance.

Stay Tuned.

Spring Education Career Day

2007-01-18T10:29:00.000-05:00

The following announcement recently was sent to undergrad and graduate students enrolled in the College of Education.
Please share this announcement with your students interested in public school teaching, counseling or administrative positions.

As usual, I would like to encourage you to visit this event (preferably in the morning) at the Penn Stater Conference Center on March 26, 2007.
Feedback from faculty who have attended this event has been very positive and enlightening.
Next year the Fall Teacher Job Fair will be held on October 30, 2007, and the SP'08 Education Career Day will be held on April 7, 2008.

Hope to see you there!

Commencement Spring 2007

2007-01-10T14:52:00.000-05:00

Spring 2007 Baccalaureate Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, May 19, 2007
6:00 p.m. – Eisenhower Auditorium
-----------------------------------------------------
Spring 2007 Graduate School Commencement Ceremony
Sunday, May 20, 2007
5:00 p.m. – Bryce Jordan Center
-----------------------------------------------------
Graduates and their guests are cordially invited to attend a reception
for graduates and faculty of the College of Education with Dean David H. Monk on
Saturday, May 19 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. in the Chambers Gallery.)

Entrance to Major - Spring 2007

2006-12-15T10:29:00.000-05:00

For those in the 'entrance to major' (ETM) process for the spring of 2007, you should be receiving a letter detailing the steps you should take to apply for your desired major, and campus.

I've read over the letter and would like to clarify one of the steps under the 'Here-is-how-it-works' paragraph. The second bulleted point suggests that you must choose 3 preferences for a major/campus. I'm frequently asked "Do I really have to put down 3 choices?". The answer is no. You can put in only one choice if you are certain you have met all the requirements for you intended major/campus.

Special Education Minor - For Ek Ed Majors

2006-12-06T15:43:00.000-05:00

Today we learned more about the new minor in Special Education (SPLED) and how one can fit the coursework into an Ek Ed Teaching Option. In addition to Spled 400 which is part of the Ek Ed program there are two, two course blocks of Spled course required to complete the minor in SPLED. These blocks can be taken beginning in a student's 5th semester, the first semester one can apply for the minor.

In the past it has not been possible to fit the two SPLED blocks into the normal progression of Ek Ed blocks (LL ED 497A, DI Block, and Student Teaching) that can begin as early as the 5th semester. This has meant that to complete the minor a student has had to either take the 15 credit LL ED 497A block in summer following their junior year (thus being able to graduate in 4 years), or, delay LL ED 497A until the fall of the senior year (which has meant taking 4 1/2 years to graduate).

The current (tentative) plan is to offer one of the SPLED blocks in the summer. This would mean taking 6 credits in the summer of a student's junior year and still graduating in 4 years, assuming everything else progressed normally.

For up to date information of the progress of the format for the SPLED minor, check out their web site: http://espse.ed.psu.edu/sped/142

World Language Ed 295A & 300 - Spring 2007

2006-12-06T09:29:00.000-05:00

For students taking, or interested in taking, WL ED 295A & 300 in the spring of 2007 a good contact person for questions is Carmen Huerta-Bapat (cxh501@psu.edu). I believe Carmen will instruct one of the courses. Her office is 168 Chambers Bldg. and phone is 865-7318.

Special Education Minor

2006-12-05T16:21:00.000-05:00

As you may know, updated info on the knew SPLED Minor is available at the following website: http://espse.ed.psu.edu/sped/142

There also is a direct link to this site (and the other "MINORS" offered by the College of Education) from our Advising Index: www.ed.psu.edu/edservices

Dr. David McNaughton, the Professor in Charge of this minor, would like to meet with each candidate to discuss the requirements with them before they submit the formal "Entrance To Minor" form. Students can schedule appointments by contacting Dr. McNaughton at: dbm2@psu.edu

"Completion" Verification Letters

2006-12-05T16:16:00.000-05:00

As we approach the end of another semester, many students have been contacting our office to ask if it would be possible to receive a letter verifying that they have "completed" all of the teacher certification requirements.

We certainly want to accommodate students who have been asked by a specific employer for a letter verifying that they have "completed" all of the teacher certification requirements.

When students ask specific employers to contact us, and the student has provided Tammy Thal (txt1@psu.edu) with a written release (email from a PSU account would be acceptable), we will immediately FAX and/or mail a personal letter directly to the prospective employer. This has been working fairly well during the past few years, so if you hear from any of your students, please ask them to contact Tammy with their release, and ask their prospective employer(s) to contact her regarding their status.

SECED Block - The One Nearest Student Teaching

2006-05-01T15:08:00.000-04:00

As of spring 2006 the SECED Block has been retooled. The changes affect all the secondary education majors and the WL ED majors. Look at the schematic to see how it will affect your schedule. If you have questions about the changes contact Teri Watson in the C&I Field Experiences Office (814-865-1734, tlw14@psu.edu)

Elementary Education - Kines 126 & 380 Changes

2006-04-28T10:28:00.000-04:00

Starting fall 2006 Kines 126 will change from a 3 credit course to a 1.5 credit course.

Also beginning fall 2006 Kines 380 will become Kines 127 and be a 1.5 credit course.

Although not official as yet, we expect that both Kines 126 and 127, in addition to counting as requirements for the Elementary Eduction major, will count as GHA courses in the general education part of the check sheet. Therefore, students in the Elementary Education major will not need to take additional GHA courses.

Study Abroad Tools at Penn State

2006-04-17T10:41:00.000-04:00

To help you with your decision to study abroad the Office of International Programs has all the information to get you started.

In particular their section on New & Events is a great way to get connected to the happenings at International Programs which is located on the 4th floor of Boucke Building. Check out their news letter and the times when you can talk with students who have returned from a study abroad.

Proctors for World Campus/Distance Education Courses

2006-04-12T16:16:00.000-04:00

If you need a proctor for exams from World Campus courses or some other distance education provider you may arrange for a proctor near your home or it also is possible to schedule exams at University Park by calling 865-5403.

The testing dates and times offered at 128 Outreach Building in the Innovation Park are:

Tuesday 8:30 AM
Wednesday 8:30 AM and 1:00 PM
Thursday 1:00 PM

If you are unable to be accommodated during these times, the World Campus staff will assist you with alternate proctoring options.

New INSYS Course (GS & IL)

2006-04-12T16:07:00.000-04:00

This looks interesting.

INSYS 100 (GS & IL)
World Technologies and Learning

Satisfies General Education- Social Behavioral Sciences (GS) & International Cultures (IL)

Professor: Dr. Alison Carr-Chellman (865-0624 or aac3@psu.edu)

This course will examine the ways in which different learning technologies like email, online learning and wireless computing have an impact on different cultures across the world; it will also examine the future of such technologies. This is a blended course and includes an online discussion component.

Summer 2006:
INSYS 100:101
Schedule #: 700120
Mon -Fri 11:10a - 12: 15p (5/15/2006 to 6/23/2006)
Room: 103 Rackley

Fall 2006:
INSYS 100:01
Schedule #: 708994
M/W/F 11:15a - 12:15p (9/11/2006 to 12/13/2006)
Room: 102 Chambers

Scied Courses - 2006-2007 School Year

2006-04-12T16:00:00.000-04:00

From: Carla Zembal-Saul -- Associate Professor, Science Education (czem@psu.edu)

The following courses are specifically designed to meet the needs of Elementary Education majors, and can be petitioned to fulfill the General Education (GN) Natural Science requirements:

FALL 2006
SCIED/ENGR 497F Fundamentals of Science, Engineering & Technology (TR 10-11:30 AM)

SPRING 2007
SCIED/PHYS 297D Investigating Light & Sound (TR 10:00-11:45 AM)

SCIED/ENT 497D Insect Connections for Educators (TR 12:30-2:00 PM)

SCIED/ENGR 497F Fundamentals of Science, Engineering and Technology (TR 2:30-4 PM)

For more information about exciting programs, projects, and opportunities in Science Education at Penn State, visit us at: http://www.ed.psu.edu/scied

Summer Campus Tour Guide

2006-04-12T15:07:00.000-04:00

If you'll be living in State College this summer and want a part-time job you might want to consider being a campus tour guide. The Undergraduate Admissions Office is looking for University Park campus tour guides this summer. The pay is $14.00 a tour. Details and contact information

WL ED Courses

2006-04-11T09:54:00.000-04:00

Alternatives for ART ED and MUSIC

(1) Music is offering next fall a special course for WLED students " Music 297 D -- World Music for the Classroom Teacher"

(2) There are not enough sections of ART ED 303 – WLED students who are interested to center their teaching at the elementary grades should take ART ED 303. All other WLED students could take either A ED 225—Diversity, Pedagogy and Visual Culture; OR A ED 211—Interpreting Art Experience

Thanks for collaborating with these adjustments.

Miryam Espinosa-Dulanto, Ph.D.
Professor in Charge
World Languages Education

DI Block - Fall 2006

2006-04-11T09:11:00.000-04:00

FYI -- ELEMENTARY EDUCATION STUDENTS INTERESTED IN TAKING THE DI BLOCK FOR FALL 2006:

Although the DI Block (CI 497B sections 001 & 002) initially was filled, 25 more spaces have been added to section 002 (afternoon section).
The schedule number for section 002 is 675397.

If section 002 of the DI block fills up, students should contact Jeanette Miller ( qjm7@psu.edu ) with their names, PSU ID numbers, and email addresses to be placed on a waiting list.