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 complete the elementary or secondary program may be recommended by Brandeis for Massachusetts certification.

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 (ED 102a and ED 110e; or ED 101d and 111e; or ED 112e).

Committee

(American Studies)

(English and American Literature)

(Psychology)

(Chemistry)

(History)

(Physics)

(Mathematics)

(Physics)

(Sociology)

(Jewish Communal Service)

Faculty

Teacher education. Education policy.

Reading.

Jewish education.

Public education.

Public education.

Preschool education.

Public education.

Requirements for the Program

Secondary (High School)

PSYC 36b (note that PSYC 1a is a prerequisite for PSYC 36b), and ED 100b (prerequisites to practice teaching); ED 102a concurrently with ED 110e (senior year). Students must consult director of the program for other requirements.

Elementary

PSYC 33a (note that PSYC 1a is a prerequisite for 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. Students must consult the director of the program for other requirements. The Education Program home page lists significant additional course requirements.

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 Office of Child Care Services requirements for teachers in nursery school or day care. For further information, consult the director of the Lemberg Children's Center.

Courses of Instruction

Usually offered every year.

Staff

Usually offered every year.

Staff

[ ss ]

Examines the relationship of teaching and learning, the purposes of elementary schooling and the knowledge requirements for elementary school teaching. Through readings, analysis of videotapes, and guided observations, students investigate classroom culture, student thinking, and curriculum standards. Three hours per week of participant/observation in an elementary classroom are required. Will be offered in the spring of 2002.

Ms. Feiman-Nemser

[ ss ]

Examines the relationship of teaching and learning, the purposes of secondary schooling and the knowledge requirements for middle and high school teaching. Through readings, analysis of videotapes and guided observations, students investigate classroom culture, student thinking, and curriculum standards. Three hours per week of participant/observation in a secondary classroom are required. Will be offered in the fall of 2001.

Ms. Levenson

[ ss ]

Principles and methods of teaching mathematics, social studies, language arts, and science, through workshops and seminars. Other topics include art, music, creative drama, multicultural education, special education, and physical education. Usually offered every year.

Staff

[ ss ]

Principles and methods for secondary school subjects. Separate sections for particular subject areas are created as the need arises. Usually offered every fall semester.

Staff

[ ss ]

Provides classroom experience, principles, 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 Children's Center, 8:00 am-12:00 pm or 2:00-6:00 pm. Usually offered every spring semester.

Ms. Marchant

[ ss ]

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

[ ss ]

Full-time student teaching under supervision of qualified teachers; regular conferences to discuss and evaluate the teaching experience. Includes at least one after-school meeting most weeks, covering such topics as multicultural education, special education, and reading. Usually offered every fall semester.

Staff

[ ss ]

Full-time student teaching under supervision of qualified teachers; regular conferences to discuss and evaluate the teaching experience. Includes at least one after-school meeting per week. Usually offered every spring semester.

Staff

[ ss ]

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

[ ss ]

Explores fundamental questions about public education, considering what is pedagogically sound and politically achievable. Focuses on the design and implementation of a state education policy, drawing on "A New Public Education," a Brandeis-based project that engages educators, politicians, and the public in a debate about the future of public education. Will be offered in the fall of 2001.

Ms. Holden, Mr. Kaufman, and Mr. Sizer

Examines the various functions schools perform in a community, with special attention to the intended and unintended consequences of contemporary policies such as special education, desegregation, charter schools, and the standards/accountability movement. Will be offered in the spring of 2002.

Ms. Levenson

Electives

The following courses are approved for the program. Not all are given in any one year. Please consult the Course Schedule each semester.

Teaching and Learning in Jewish Classrooms

The Science in Science Teaching and Learning I

The Science in Science Teaching and Learning II

Sociology of Education