The University of Saint Francis offers online Transition to Teaching programs at the graduate level in the following subjects:
Transition to Teaching Elementary Education
Transition to Teaching in Middle Level and/or Secondary Education
Transition to Teaching in Special Education with Licensure in Mild Intervention or Intense Intervention
Graduate Transition to Teaching (TTT) programs will lead to a recommendation for a teaching license by the State of Indiana within one to two years of program entry. For those candidates who wish to also earn a Master of Arts Degree, 18-24 credit hours of the TTT in Elementary or the TTT in Middle and/or Secondary Education can be applied to the 30-33 credit hours required for the Master of Arts in Teaching degree.
For those candidates who wish to also earn a Master of Science in Education Degree, 24 credit hours of the TTT in Special Education can be applied to the 30-33 credit hours required for the Master of Science in Education degree.
Transition to Teaching in Middle Level and/or Secondary Education
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Candidates completing the Transition to Teaching in Secondary Education program will demonstrate knowledge and skills in applying the following:
Learner and Learning Environments
Learner Development: The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences. (INTASC Standard 1)
Learning Differences: The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards. (INTASC Standard 2)
Learning Environments: The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation. (INTASC Standard 3)
Planning, Instruction, and Assessment
Instructional Practice: The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making. (INTASC Standard 6
Planning for Instruction: The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context. (INTASC Standard 7)
Instructional Strategies: The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop a deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways. (INTASC Standard 8)
Content and Content Pedagogy Knowledge:
Content Knowledge: The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content. (INTASC Standard 4)
Application of Content: The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues. (INTASC Standard 5)
Professionalism
Professional Learning and Ethical Practice: The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner. (INTASC Standard 9)
Leadership and Collaboration: The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession. (INTASC Standard 10)
LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITY
Upon successful completion of program and licensure requirements, Transition to Teaching graduates seeking an initial teaching license are eligible for licensure by the State of Indiana in the desired content area.
License Requirements
Transition to Teaching in Secondary Education requires 18 credit hours.