Welcome to the Department of Education at Saint Vincent College, where we prepare future secondary educators (grades 7-12) to excel in their teaching fields by combining academic rigor with extensive hands-on experience. Secondary education students major in their chosen content area while receiving specialized training in pedagogy that leads to a degree and a Pennsylvania teacher education certification. Learn more about earning a degree in education at Saint Vincent College, including information about our unique field experiences.
Students enrolled in the secondary education program will complete coursework to earn a degree and teaching certification in any of the following content areas:
Biology
Chemistry
English
Mathematics
Physics
Social Studies
Related minors:
Disability Studies with PK-12 Special Education Certification
Children’s Studies
Starting freshman year, students engage in field experiences that build essential skills in diverse settings. Integrated with coursework, these experiences allow immediate application of educational theories. Opportunities include the Bearcat B.E.S.T. program, environmental education at the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve, lesson planning for homeschooling students in our STEP-Up program, and immersive co-teaching. By their 14-week student teaching internship, students are fully prepared to lead. Learn more details about our educational field experiences.
The education department prioritizes service, encouraging students to engage meaningfully with the community. Through various opportunities, students develop empathy, leadership, and practical skills. They can earn a service medal for commencement. A notable initiative is SVC Wraps for Kids, where students shop and wrap presents for disadvantaged children.
Our education instructors at Saint Vincent College bring a wealth of real-world experience to the classroom, combining practical knowledge with a supportive, student-centered approach. Having worked as teachers, administrators, and specialists, they understand the challenges and rewards of education firsthand. This experience allows them to provide relevant insights and personalized guidance, making them approachable mentors who are dedicated to preparing future educators for success in diverse and dynamic teaching environments.
During seminars, students learn about education topics from current administrators in the field who help to make the connection between theory and practice. Most recently, Dr. Christopher Sefcheck, the Superintendent from the New Kensington Arnold School District, spoke about the importance of forming connections, and Dr. Autum Turk, principal from the Burrell School District, shared information about how her district personalizes learning for students.
The partnership promotes joint research, community outreach, and initiatives that emphasize emotional intelligence, inclusivity, and creativity in the classroom—core principles of Fred Rogers’ legacy. Faculty collaborate on new teaching strategies reflecting Fred Rogers’ compassionate approach. Additionally, students can apply to be a Fred Rogers Scholar in our Honors Community.
A Saint Vincent College education degree equips graduates for diverse careers. Many become high school teachers, while others work in special education. Leadership roles in administration, curriculum development, and instructional coaching are also options. Skills gained—communication, organization, critical thinking, and adaptability—are valuable in educational technology, museum education, corporate training, and nonprofit work. This degree prepares graduates to make a lasting impact in secondary education and beyond.
Our students have earned positions in public school districts, Catholic schools, and independent schools across the commonwealth and US. Alumni will go on to successful careers as:
"My time in the Saint Vincent College Education Department has provided me with exceptional opportunities to develop into the educator I am today and to continue to grow professionally. The boundless opportunities have provided me with practical experience and research that I can seamlessly integrate into my classroom."
Mathematics Teacher
"My education at Saint Vincent College has impacted my own career as an educator through the countless valuable learning experiences and professors who have played a vital role in the person and teacher I am today. An aspect that I pride myself on regarding my instructional methodology is my overall knowledge of my students. For the entirety of the school year, I make a personal and professional choice to get to know each one of my students so that everyone feels seen, valued, and respected in my classroom. Establishing positive and valuable relationships with my students that lead to both personal & academic growth is something that I want them to reflect on after they have left Norwin High School.”
English Teacher
“At Saint Vincent College, I was more than just a number. The professors were nurturing, supportive, and always there to guide me, even when I was far from home. They gave me the confidence to lead a classroom and believe in myself, shaping me into the teacher I am today.”
English Teacher
The secondary education program is part of the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and supported by our core curriculum, where students delve into diverse academic subjects at both foundational and advanced levels to explore how different disciplines connect, fostering deeper self-understanding and proficiency in their chosen field of study.
In addition to the courses listed below, candidates for certification in secondary education must satisfy the requirements for a major in an academic degree program related to their area of certification. Click on the program area links above for major requirements.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education also requires all education certification students to have a minimum of six credits in English (one composition fulfilled by Core 1500 and one literature), and six credits in college mathematics (100-level or above). ED 142 Mathematics for Teachers and ED 155 Geometric and Measurement Theory will meet the six-credit requirement. ED 142 also fulfills core curriculum requirements.
Courses in psychology (3 credits)
Courses in basic pedagogy (24 credits)
Field experiences (16-17 credits)
Strategies and Techniques of Learning: This course equips future educators with essential skills such as lesson planning, classroom management, assessment, and incorporation of technology. In addition, the course addresses key factors like available resources, curriculum standards, teaching styles, and the diverse needs of students.
Reading, Writing, and Differentiation in the Content Areas: This course explores strategies for integrating reading and writing into various content areas to enhance student learning and comprehension. Emphasizing differentiated instruction, participants will learn to tailor lessons to meet the diverse needs of all learners while fostering engagement and academic success.
Promoting Youth Culture Competence and Diversity: This course examines communication challenges across cultures, focusing on second language learning and teaching, and provides training in instructional approaches for non-native speakers and incorporates the Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Education (CRSE) guidelines as outlined by Pennsylvania, ensuring that future educators are equipped to create inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive learning environments.
The Makerspace at Saint Vincent College is a dynamic, hands-on learning environment essential to education programs. Equipped with tools for 3D printing, robotics, coding, and more, it helps students explore creative teaching strategies that integrate STEM and arts. Whether designing interactive science experiments, creating art projects with new technology, or developing games that support mathematical concepts, education majors gain practical experience in designing engaging hands-on activities for 21st-century classrooms.
The Fred Rogers Institute and the Education Department at Saint Vincent College have partnered to enrich education for students and faculty. This collaboration, rooted in fostering child development, early learning, and the values championed by Fred Rogers himself, gives students access to the Institute’s resources, workshops, and expert staff.
The Education Technology Lab is a dynamic hub designed to prepare future educators for the modern classroom. Featuring state-of-the-art tools such as a Promethean Board, telepresence robots, and iPads, the lab enables students to engage with cutting-edge educational technology. The Promethean Board, telepresence robots, and iPads collectively enhance interactive learning, remote collaboration, and digital literacy, equipping education majors with the skills and confidence to effectively incorporate technology into diverse learning settings.
Pennsylvania Department of Education Accreditation
Saint Vincent College’s teacher preparation programs are fully accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), ensuring that our curriculum, faculty, and field experiences meet the highest standards of educational excellence. This accreditation means that our programs have been rigorously evaluated and aligned with state requirements, preparing graduates to be highly qualified, effective educators ready to enter the teaching profession. Through PDE accreditation, students in our education programs are eligible for certification in Pennsylvania upon graduation, enabling them to teach in their specific areas of study. The accreditation process also reflects our commitment to continuous improvement, as we regularly assess and enhance our programs to stay current with educational best practices and evolving standards in the field.
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Through the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, Pennsylvania allows individuals who have completed a teacher preparation program or are already certified teachers in other states to receive Pennsylvania teaching certification through reciprocity. Pennsylvania-certified teachers can also transfer their certification to other states. Each state may have different testing and application requirements, so candidates should check the NASDTEC website for specific information on transferring their certification.
