Catholic Teacher Certificate Requirements

The purpose of this course is to increase the student’s awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the many complex factors that shape education in Catholic schools. While reading and reflecting upon relevant primary and secondary sources and engaging in thoughtful, collegial discussion, the student will explore the history, mission, identity, and value of Catholic schools.

Students will review relevant Church documents, scholarly texts, and research to evaluate the health of Catholic schools, the effects of Catholic education, and the values (both promises and perils) of Catholic education in 21st century America. Special attention will be given to examining trends related to teaching and learning in Catholic environments, infusing Catholic identity into educational practice, and constructing a thoughtful, personal philosophy of education. At the end of the course, students will be expected to submit a Catholic Education Portfolio. Fall.

An examination of assessment through reflective practice offers insight into the selection, construction and implementation of assessments. Offers preservice and in-service teachers a responsive/interactive environment in which to explore what it means to assess in the context of teaching. Fall and Spring.

Exploration of the physical, mental, social, and moral growth across the lifespan. Students examine significant theories of development with emphasis on the work of Piaget, Erikson, Kohlberg, and Vygotsky. Students discuss and questions significant topics of development that reflect on the issue of “nature v. nurture.” A research project requires students to examine areas of human growth and development in light of developmental theories. Fall, even years.

Introduction to the history, theology and practice of catechesis. Including the methods, content and curriculum of contemporary catechesis, with particular focus on age-appropriateness and faith and its maturation in people.

Can also be substituted with another approved RPS elective.

The theoretical and historical foundations of literacy instruction are discussed as well as the interrelated components of literacy across all developmental stages of oral and written language. Current, research-based literacy development knowledge and strategies are explored, commensurate with state requirements for students and teachers.

Students will analyze best practices in various key areas of literacy instruction such as phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, writing, literature integration, and other components of a comprehensive literacy program from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Fall, odd years.

This course includes clinical practice in a Catholic school classroom. If you are currently teaching in a Catholic school, you may complete your clinical practice on the job.

EDU 6324 Teaching Elementary Mathematics 

OR

EDU 6325 Teaching Elementary Science

Each of these courses include clinical practice in a Catholic school classroom. If you are currently teaching in a Catholic school, you may complete your clinical practice on the job.

The purpose of this course is to increase the student’s awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the many complex factors that shape education in Catholic schools. While reading and reflecting upon relevant primary and secondary sources and engaging in thoughtful, collegial discussion, the student will explore the history, mission, identity, and value of Catholic schools. Students will review relevant Church documents, scholarly texts, and research to evaluate the health of Catholic schools, the effects of Catholic education, and the values (both promises and perils) of Catholic education in 21st century America. Special attention will be given to examining trends related to teaching and learning in Catholic environments, infusing Catholic identity into educational practice, and constructing a thoughtful, personal philosophy of education. At the end of the course, students will be expected to submit a Catholic Education Portfolio. Fall.

An examination of assessment through reflective practice offers insight into the selection, construction and implementation of assessments. Offers preservice and in-service teachers a responsive/interactive environment in which to explore what it means to assess in the context of teaching. Fall and Spring.

This course extends the students' knowledge and skill in order to provide literacy instruction that improves learning in secondary school content areas. Within a collaborative environment, students explore relevant research and theory and engage in teaching and applying proven principles and strategies related to literacy instruction. Topics include, but are not limited to, TEKS, ELPs, reading and writing as processes, linguistics, text structure, fluency, comprehension, Dyslexia, vocabulary development and assessments. Spring.

This course requires clinical practice in a Catholic school classroom. If you currently teaching in a Catholic school, your clinical practice can be completed on the job.

Application of technology tools in K-12 learning environments. Topics include software and hardware selection, technology integration into curricula and ISTE standards.