Education Program
S = Objectives
The Education Program is designed to prepare undergraduates for teaching at the preschool, elementary, and secondary levels, and is taken in addition to the student's field of concentration. It is also valuable for those planning careers in related fields such as special education, counseling, clinical psychology, and social work. In addition, some take the program simply as a worthwhile supplement to their liberal arts education at Brandeis. Students who have completed one of the programs listed below will be recommended by Brandeis for Massachusetts certification.
S = How to Become a Program Member
Any undergraduate at Brandeis can begin fulfilling requirements of the program at any time, without formal admission. A grade of at least B- is required in ED 100a and ED 107a for those pursuing elementary certification; and in ED 100b for those seeking secondary certification. Permission of the director is required for the final stage of the process, student teaching (ED 110e, ED 111e, ED 112e).
S = Committee
Joyce Antler
(American Studies)
John Burt
(English and American Literature)
Joseph Cunningham
(Psychology)
Emily Dudek
(Chemistry)
Jacqueline Jones
(History)
Robert Lange
(Physics)
Michael Macy
(Sociology)
Paul Monsky
(Mathematics)
Hugh Pendleton
(Physics)
Susan Shevitz
(Jewish Communal Service)
S = Faculty
Peter Witt, Director
Teacher education.
Catherine Marchant
Preschool education.
Beth Davis
Reading.
Lores Gilfix
Field supervisor, elementary education.
S = Requirements for the Program
All students in the elementary
and high school teacher preparation programs must take one of
the options under the Program in Non-Western and Comparative Studies.
T = Secondary (High School)
PSYC 1a, PSYC 33a, and ED 100b
(prerequisites to practice teaching); ED 102a concurrently with
ED 110e (senior year). Consult director of the program for other
requirements.
T = Elementary
PSYC 1a; PSYC 33a; ED 100a
followed by ED 107a (sophomores who have taken ED 100a
are advised to take ED 107a as juniors); ED 101d, always begun
the semester before practice teaching; and ED 111e. Also a mathematics
course at the 5a level or above or a satisfactory score on a special
test given by the mathematics department.
T = Preschool
Practice teaching at the Lemberg Children's Center is possible (ED 112e). Prerequisites are PSYC 33a and ED 103a. These courses, plus one other, will fulfill the Massachusetts requirements for teachers in nursery school or day care. For further information, consult the director of the Children's Center.
S = Courses of Instruction
ED 98a Individual Readings and Research in Education
Signature of the instructor required.
Usually offered every year.
Mr. Witt
ED 98b Individual Readings and Research in Education
Signature of the instructor required.
Usually offered every year.
Mr. Witt
ED 100a Introduction to Teaching in the Elementary School
[ ss ]
Not open to first year students.
Includes approximately three hours per week in an elementary classroom. Course meetings will consider philosophical and sociological aspects of education, as well as practical problems of teaching, such as planning, organizing, and controlling; also the problems of children with special needs. Usually offered every fall semester.
Mr. Witt
ED 100b Introduction to Teaching in the Secondary School
[ ss ]
Not open to first year students.
Includes approximately three hours per week in a high school classroom. Course meetings will consider philosophical and sociological aspects of education, as well as practical problems of teaching, such as planning, organizing, and controlling; also the problems of children with special needs. Usually offered every spring semester.
Mr. Witt
ED 101d Elementary School Curriculum and Methods
[ ss ]
Limited to students enrolling in ED 111e spring semester. Signature of the education program director required.
Methods and principles of teaching mathematics, social studies, language arts, and science, through workshops and seminars. Other topics include art, creative drama, physical education, and audiovisual aids. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Witt and Staff
ED 102a Secondary School Curriculum and Methods
[ ss ]
Limited to students concurrently enrolled in ED 110e.
Principles and methods for secondary school subjects. Separate sections for particular subject areas are created as the need arises. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Witt and Staff
ED 103a Teaching Strategies for Early Childhood
[ ss ]
Enrollment limited to 20.
Provides classroom experience and methods for teaching young children. Students plan and analyze early childhood learning experiences, based on current theory and best practices, as well as study positive approaches to classroom management and developmentally appropriate curricula. Related field placement required, once a week at Lemberg Childrenís Center, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm or 2:00 - 6:00 pm. Usually offered every spring semester.
Ms. Marchant
ED 107a Teaching of Elementary Reading
[ ss ]
Signature of the education program director required.
An introductory methods course in the teaching of reading, covering current theory and practice. In order to fulfill the field work requirement, students must have one morning a week free of classes until 11:00 am. Usually offered every semester.
Ms. Davis
ED 110e Practice Teaching: Secondary School
[ ss ]
Enrollment limited to students in the Education Program. Signature of the education program director required.
Full-time student teaching under supervision of qualified teachers; regular conferences to discuss and evaluate the teaching experience. Usually offered every fall semester.
Mr. Witt and Staff
ED 111e Practice Teaching: Elementary School
[ ss ]
Enrollment limited to students in the Education Program. Signature of the education program director required.
Full-time student teaching under supervision of qualified teachers; regular conferences to discuss and evaluate the teaching experience. Usually offered every spring semester.
Mr. Witt and Staff
ED 112e Practice Teaching: Preschool
[ ss ]
Prerequisites: PSYC 33a and ED 103a. Signature of the education program director required. Enrollment limited to students in the Education Program.
Teaching under supervision of qualified head teachers at the Lemberg Children's Center with toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners. Thirty-five hours per week includes 30 hours teaching, five hours planning and meeting time. Regular conferences to discuss and evaluate the teaching experience. Usually offered every year.
Staff