Teacher Formation
Christendom College offers a pre-certification training that provides undergraduate students the opportunity to explore a career in education and to develop teaching skills through the Teacher Formation Practicum. Upon the successful completion of the Practicum, the student will receive six (6) elective credits toward the B.A. degree. The College does not offer teacher certification.
Students in the Teacher Formation Practicum must have second-semester junior or senior class rank, a minimum of 2.50 cumulative GPA, and be in good standing with the College. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the teaching site.
No more than seven (7) semester hours of Education (EDUC) course credits may be used to fulfill the B.A. requirements for graduation.
EDUC 521—The Teacher Formation Practicum: This course provides students with an opportunity to study the theoretical aspects of education while also observing and practicing the art of teaching.
Apprentice Teachers (ATs) will observe and analyze Master Teachers’ (MTs) verbal and non-verbal behaviors and techniques in the K-12 classroom and the effect on the students. ATs will make regular, written observations from their time in the classroom and reflect on how those observations impact their theoretical and practical understanding of education and teaching. As a result, the ATs will grow in their ability to recognize effective teaching and will formulate, through the Practicum course materials, a guide to study their own teaching effectiveness.
Each AT will spend approximately 5-6 hours per week under the mentorship of a Master Teacher (MT) at a local school. These hours will be spent observing, participating, and assisting the MT, as well as teaching. Time in the classroom with the MT must add up to no less than 65 observation hours. Additionally, the ATs will spend an additional 15 hours of in-class time with the Director of the Teacher Formation Practicum learning and discussing educational theory, practice, and their observations. 80 total hours of teaching-site observation and in-class participation are required by the end of the semester.
Politics Practica
Requires 3 credit hours of Practica, a 3 credit hour Internship and two courses (6 credits) in electives.
1) Practica
A series of lectures, seminars and workshops by those directly involved in politics. Students travel to nearby Washington, D.C. to learn first-hand about topics such as campaign management, political journalism and legislative research.
2) Internship
Students intern with congressional staffs, political action committees, public policy organizations, or selected political campaigns in Washington, D.C. The six-week summer internships may include a stipend to cover living expenses. An invaluable opportunity to learn about the inner workings of the Washington scene and prepare for a position of influence and responsibility in our nation’s capital.
Communications Practica
COMM 521: Media & Communications
This course provides students with hands-on media and communications experiences and the opportunity to learn from people involved in all aspects of communications. Industries covered include audio and video production, photography, journalism, graphic design, marketing, and institutional communications. Besides networking opportunities, the guest presenters will provide students with techniques and insights from their professional experiences. The course will also introduce students to the guiding principles of effective messaging as well as the Church documents on communications. The goal of the course is to give practical experience in various communications media and inspire students to assist the Church, nonprofits, and other organizations in effectively communicating their messages.
