Secondary Education

Mission Statement

The mission of the Hood College Education Department is to develop exemplary teachers who have a strong foundation in the liberal arts, the sciences, a subject matter content area in one of eight disciplines, and pedagogy.

Hood College teacher candidates are active learners and reflective practitioners who endeavor to incorporate theoretical knowledge in their teaching practice. The Education Department of Hood College prepares academically competent and professional educators who are committed to facilitating learning in a culturally diverse society.

This mission reflects a commitment to providing a technological enhanced environment in which to nurture highly skilled educators, who have a broad base in the liberal arts, are active learns, and are reflective practitioners.

Program Models

The secondary initial teacher certification program is modeled for both undergraduate students and post- baccalaureate candidates. Undergraduate students typically begin the education courses during the fall semester of the sophomore year and complete the teaching internship during the first semester of the senior year.

Post-baccalaureate candidates can complete the program through the same model as an undergraduate student, or through an accelerated three semester model.

Program Highlights

Highly qualified full-time faculty who have earned doctorates and considerable expertise in the field.
Initial teacher certification program in eight disciplines, including art, biology, chemistry, English, French, history, mathematics, and Spanish.
Strong academic preparation in the liberal arts through completion of College core courses.
Strong academic preparation in a content major.
Significant pedagogical experience in a variety of classroom settings with all methods courses having integrated field experiences.
Extensive yearlong internship in a Professional Development School.
Use of contemporary assessment techniques, including Entry and Exit Folios, rubrics, and multiple assessment measures.
Program contents and outcomes are in alignment with standards set by:
-Maryland Content Standards
-Discipline-specific learned societies
-Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC Principles)

Program Requirements

Prerequisites

EDUC 204 Foundations for Effective Teaching
EDUC 223 Child Development (Art Majors Only)
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology
Successful completion of prerequisite course; pass Praxis 1, successful field experience.

Phase I

EDUC 308 Psychology Foundations of Education
EDUC 409 Secondary Reading in the Content Area: Part I
EDUC 413 Analysis of Teaching and Learning
Major Content Courses
Core Courses
2.75 GPA overall and in EDUC and secondary concentration courses; satisfactory completion of Phase I ED courses; emergent or higher on Entry Folio; satisfactory Mentor Teacher Rating; Recommendation from secondary subject matter department; Recommendation from Education Council.

Phase II

EDUC 411 Education Methods in Student’s Teaching Field
EDUC 469 Inclusion and Instruction
Major Content Courses
Core Courses
2.75 GPA overall and in EDUC courses; satisfactory completion of Phase II ED courses; satisfactory Mentor Teacher Rating.

Phase III

EDUC 412 Secondary Reading in the Content Area: Part II
EDUC 419 Teaching Internship
Satisfactory completion of ED courses: Emergent or higher on Exit Folio, pass Praxis II; satisfactory Mentor Teacher Rating.

For detailed information pertaining to the secondary initial teacher certification program, please refer to the Hood College Catalog at www.hood.edu/academics/catalog .

Program Features

In the Classroom
Core courses introduce you to recent issues and trends in education, including the use of technology in the classroom. Specialized courses focus on the needs of students who have learning disabilities, mental retardation or emotional disturbances. In addition to a strong liberal arts core, you will gain significant theoretical knowledge relating to child development and teaching methods. This will prepare you for Maryland certification to teach in grades 7 – 12. Maryland teaching certification entitles you to reciprocal certification initially in many other states.

Real-world Experience
Beginning with the pre-requisite phase of the program, all professional education courses have a significant field component. You will progress from class observations to small group work, and you will complete a yearlong internship as a student teacher.

You can participate in local community service activities that focus on children and youth through Hood's Education Club. You'll discuss new concepts with other members and local educators and meet some of the area's leading education specialists.

Benefits of Hood's Education Programs
Education students are scheduled on a cohort basis, which means you move through the classes and phases of the program with the same set of students. Working together with the same group creates a learning community; students naturally form teams and help one another with course assignments, share their concerns and successes in their classroom teaching experiences and support one another throughout the program.

What our Students Say about the Program
Students provide the best insight into the strengths of Hood's program:

The field experiences, starting with the first class, are one of the best things ...Lets you try out your major and confirm this is your area.

You're prepared and confident to be a teacher.

Very strong program—challenging!

Hood's faculty members are willing to mentor students (review lesson plans, make suggestions, answer questions, help with job applications).

There is a strong support network for students.

Internships
Student-teaching experiences at local schools will further prepare you for a career in the classroom. Hood works carefully with the Professional Development Schools (PDS) that provide placements for education students to ensure they have a high-quality experience.

As former education students have noted:

Knowing the county curriculum is a plus when being hired after the PDS experience.

Placements lead to jobs!

It gives you real-life preparation, you know what to expect and how to do the job. You know the curriculum, and you know how to teach.

Alumnae and Alumni Success Stories
Hood’s secondary education graduates enjoy abundant career opportunities upon graduation. Graduates are employed as teachers, curriculum specialists and administrators in public and private schools throughout the country.

Application Procedures
For additional information please contact Hood College's academic programs or application process, please contact:

Hood College Office of Admissions
401 Rosemont Avenue
Frederick, MD 21701-8575
Toll-free: (800) 922-1599 Phone: (301) 696-3400
E-mail: admissions@hood.edu
Transfer inquiries: transfers@hood.edu

For complete information in our online catalog, click here.