EDU

Experimental course.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

The class provides pre -service teachers with opportunities to explore ways to understand and appreciate their own culture and elementary students’ diverse cultures. Since learning occurs in a multicultural world with many ways of knowing, opportunities are needed to critically examine beliefs and classroom practices that value each student’s unique cultural background. Literacy experiences with multicultural children’s literature between pre-service teachers and elementary students build a foundation for future interactions with students.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

This course will explore educational technologies needed by professionals to lead within the learning environments of today and tomorrow. Students will be ready to use technology purposefully to deepen learning, adapt to using a wide variety of technology for various classroom situations and environments, and examine PA Common Core and ISTE standards regarding best practices for integrating technology. Topics covered include interactive display devices, online technologies, collaboration and productivity tools, media technologies, augmented technologies, and distance learning tools and applications.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

This course provides aspiring goal-setters and game designers, especially in education and human behavior professions, with an introduction to using game design in the classroom and other fields. Participants will gather the knowledge and skills of gamification as an important teaching and learning tool and strategy to motivate audiences, engage them in core content, and enhance their socialization and group problem-solving skills. Course participants will learn how to incorporate gamification elements into their professional fields.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

A course in teaching secondary literature and grammar for senior English majors/ secondary education minors. Students wishing to teach at the secondary school level survey required course texts and develop strategies for teaching literature, grammar, and writing. In the process, students share research into secondary sources in these areas. They also design group projects and present them to their peers. This course allows future secondary English teachers to combine their experience studying texts, grammar and writing as English majors with their assignments in education courses, preparing them more completely for classroom experience.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

Prerequisite

Declared English major/secondary education minor and senior standing.

This course studies the teaching and learning process for students preparing to teach children and adolescents. The course is also open to non-majors. The course units include learning, instruction, human development, motivation, classroom management, and assessment of learning and the learner. A practicum with children and adolescents is included in which candidates are observers in various education and education-related settings so that students have a broad experience and learn as much as possible about the learner and educational philosophy. Current PDE Clearances: PA Criminal History, Child Abuse History, FBI Criminal History, and PPD Testing are required for education students.PDE Stage 1 - Observation: 05-10 hours.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

Prerequisite

Current PDE Clearances: PA Criminal History, Child Abuse History, FBI Criminal History, and PPD Testing for education majors & minors.

This course provides a broad understanding of the many genres in literature for children and young adults and a contemporary view of strategies and techniques for involving classroom students with the literature. Students review the current research on issues related to literature in the learning environment. The course will emphasize children’s literature appropriate for the PK-4 grades. A practicum with children or adolescents is included. PDE Stage 1 - Observation: 05-10 hours.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

Experimental course.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

This course is the introduction to the content and methods of science in PreK-8 schools. Careful attention is given to the organization and implementation of meaningful science learning experiences at the various age levels. The roles of inquiry and discovery teaching, hands-on learning activities, and current research are studied related to children’s acquisition of science concepts. Special attention is given to the treatment of values in science.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

Prerequisite

life science and physical science or permission of instructor. Course required for Early Childhood PreK-4/ Special Education PreK-12 majors. PDE Stage 2 - Exploration: 05-10 hours.

This course is an overview of the reading and writing process with an emphasis on assessment and the application of the strategies used to teach reading and writing in the content area. Students will participate in content area reading and writing strategy demonstrations and create mini-lessons and educational resources to practice learner-centered content area reading and writing strategies. This course is part of the Secondary Education Teaching and Learning Laboratory. Students will collaborate with a mentor teacher to create an assessment portfolio and attend a local school district for practicum work. Personal transportation is required. This course will account for 60 hours of PDE Stage 3 - Pre-Student Teaching.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

Prerequisite

Cumulative GPA: 3.0, including major GPA: 3.0, education courses GPA: 3.0. Successful approval of Teacher Candidacy and completion of a pre-candidacy teaching portfolio. Current PDE Clearances: PA Criminal History, Child Abuse History, FBI Criminal History, and PPD Testing.

Experimental course.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

This course addresses the ethnic identity, cultural, and economic needs of school districts trying to narrow the achievement gap. The students will analyze the historical, political, and socioeconomic factors that high-need school districts confront, identify effective instructional and organizational practices, examine school and home connections, and discover disparities in available resources for urban and rural schools. Students will participate in an in-depth practicum in a high-need Local Education Agency under the mentorship of qualified educators. Personal transportation is required. PDE Stage 2 - Exploration: 20-40 hours. Fall-only course.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

Prerequisite

Current PDE Clearances: PA Criminal History, Child Abuse History, FBI Criminal History, and PPD Testing for education majors & minors.

This course prepares students to earn their secondary education certification and teach effectively in the secondary classroom. Students will learn and engage with the Framework for Teaching (FFT): Domain 1: Planning and Preparation, Domain 2: Learning Environments, Domain 3: Learning Experiences, Domain 4: Principled Teaching. Students will participate in learner-centered strategy demonstrations and actively practice strategies discussed in the readings and in class. Their practice in these domains will culminate in a classroom management plan, a backward design unit plan, and a teaching philosophy essay. This course is part of the Secondary Education Teaching and Learning Laboratory. Students will collaborate with a mentor teacher to create a backward design unit plan and attend a local school district for practicum work. Personal transportation is required. This course will cover 100 hours of PDE Stage 3 - Pre-student teaching.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

Prerequisite

Cumulative GPA: 3.0, including major GPA: 3.0 and education courses GPA: 3.0. Completion of EDU 351. Current PDE Clearances: PA Criminal History, Child Abuse History, FBI Criminal History, and PPD Testing.

Student teaching is the capstone of the professional secondary education certification program. The course provides teacher candidates the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills from core education coursework, focusing on differentiated instructional practices, multiple learning environments, professional collaboration, school policies and procedures, and reflective practice. Experience includes directed activities in Local Education Agencies and on-campus seminars. Personal transportation is required. EDU 452 requires a student teaching fee in addition to the regular Westminster tuition and fees.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

12

Credits (max)

12

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

Prerequisite

Approved all Basic Skills Assessment tests and secondary certification teacher candidacy courses. PDE Stage 4 - Student Teaching: 16 weeks or 640 hours.

Experimental course.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

This course is an off-campus field experience in a PreK-8 Local Education Agency (LEA) intended to provide the student with opportunities to participate with teachers and children in classrooms. For Early Childhood PreK-4/Special Education PreK-12 majors. Personal transportation is required. PDE Stage 2 - Exploration: 40 hours.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

Prerequisite

Must have completed at least one semester and one education course at Westminster College and have a GPA of at least 2.800. Current PDE Clearances: PA Criminal History, Child Abuse History, FBI Criminal History, and PPD Testing.

This is an off-campus field experience in a secondary Local Education Agenciy (LEA) with opportunities to participate with teachers and adolescents in grades 7-12. For secondary education minors. Personal transportation is required. PDE Stage 2 - Exploration: 40 hours.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

The student teaching seminar is a required course that is concurrent with the student teaching semester. Its purpose is to provide opportunities for the student teacher to process the experiences that are occurring in the classroom and to strengthen professional growth. Students will assemble a senior teaching-candidate portfolio. Broad topic areas for seminars include design of instructional material, behavioral management, assessment, and professional tools for exploring the job market. Emphasis is placed on guiding students from theory to the world of the professional, practicing educator.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

This course serves to strengthen the understanding of family function and dynamics while critically examining issues relating to family systems, education agencies, and community organizations for education specialists in the Child and Family Studies major. Students are required to participate in weekly seminars and a chosen 140-hour field experience during the semester. Related assignments are aligned to the field experience, including an internship project which will be developed and conducted during the internship under the supervision of the on-site and college supervisors. Personal transportation is required.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

Prerequisite

Completion of major requirements. Current PDE Clearances: PA Criminal History, Child Abuse History, FBI Criminal History, and PPD Testing.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

Prerequisite

Honors status and departmental approval.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

Prerequisite

Honors status and departmental approval.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

Prerequisite

Honors status and departmental approval.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

Prerequisite

Honors status and departmental approval.

This course equips education majors with the knowledge and skills to effectively integrate technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and virtual learning tools into the classroom. Participants will engage in professional collaboration, assess digital resources, implement innovative teaching strategies, and design assessments using digital tools. The course will focus on fostering equitable and ethical digital learning environments, empowering learners through technological engagement, and enhancing digital competence.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

This course equips teacher candidates with dynamic instructional tools for studying and teaching various assessment frameworks. Teacher candidates examine how educational assessments impact the teaching and learning process in the early childhood classroom. The role of assessment including assessment creation, data analysis, and student progress reporting is studied.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

This course explores effective classroom and behavior management strategies for elementary educators, focusing on creating a structured, supportive, and engaging learning environment. Using Elementary Classroom Management by Carol Weinstein as the primary text, students will examine theories and practical applications for managing student behavior, fostering positive teacher-student relationships, organizing instruction, and responding to misbehavior. The course will emphasize research-based strategies that promote self-discipline, motivation, and an inclusive classroom culture.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

This course provides an in-depth exploration of trauma-informed school practices, emphasizing the impact of trauma on students, educators, and the school community. Participants will examine trauma prevalence rates, the neurological and behavioral effects of trauma, and strategies for creating a supportive learning environment. The course integrates best practices for implementing trauma-informed policies, social-emotional learning, alternative discipline approaches, and educator self-care strategies. Through case studies, research, and application-based assignments, students will develop the competencies necessary to foster resilience and promote student wellness in a trauma-informed school system.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

This course studies the teaching and learning process for students preparing to teach children and adolescents . The course units include learning, instruction, human development, motivation, classroom management, and assessment of learning and the learner. A practicum with children and adolescents is included in which candidates are observers in various education and education-related settings so that students have a broad experience and learn as much as possible about the learner and educational philosophy. Current PDE Clearances: PA Criminal History, Child Abuse History, FBI Criminal History, and PPD Testing are required

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

This is a seminar course with off-campus field experience in a PK-12 Local Education Agency (LEA) intended to provide the candidate with opportunities to participate with teachers and students in classrooms. For Early Childhood PK-4 and Special Education PK-12 certification candidates. Personal transportation is required

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

Prerequisite

Must have completed at least one graduate level education course at Westminster College and have a GPA of at least 3.00. Current PDE Clearances: PA Criminal History, Child Abuse History, FBI Criminal History, and PPD Testing.

This is a seminar course with off-campus field experience in secondary education 7-12/PK-12 Local Education Agencies (LEA) with opportunities for the candidate to participate with teachers and students in the classrooms. For secondary education certification candidates. Personal transportation is required

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu

Prerequisite

Must have completed at least one graduate level education course at Westminster College and have at least a 3.0 GPA. Current PDE Clearances: PA Criminal History, Child Abuse History, FBI Criminal History, and PPD Testing.

The student teaching seminar is a required course that is concurrent with the student teaching semester. Its purpose is to provide opportunities for the student teacher to process the experiences that are occurring in the classroom and to strengthen professional growth. Students will assemble a senior teach er candidate portfolio . B road topic areas for seminars include: (a) the design of instructional material, (b) behavioral management, (c) assessment, and (d) professional tools for exploring the job market. Emphasis is placed on guiding students from theory to the world of the professional, practicing educator.

Subject

EDU

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Semester Hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Westminster College Catalog

Source

catalog.westminster.edu