Teacher Education
Teaching is a work of heart. a heart for God, a heart for students, and a heart for the subject. At Lancaster Bible College our education programs prepare teachers to have their hearts engaged in the theory learned on campus as well as in field experiences in the local public and private schools. The college offers bachelors programs in early childhood, elementary education, health and physical education, Bible, music, and a graduate program in consulting resource teacher and reading specialist.
Philosophy of Teacher Education
The teaching profession is a key element in the development and education of a society and its culture. In the twenty-first century, teachers must be prepared to be the leaders in their classrooms where this education will take place. The preparation of these teachers must include instructional skill development, information literacy, and interpersonal skill development and application. The teacher education programs at Lancaster Bible College provide this type of academic and practical preparation. It is expected that teachers certified through LBC will be able to demonstrate all required competencies through their field experiences and standardized assessments.
Both instructional and practical experiences are integral parts of professional training for teacher education students at Lancaster Bible College. The purpose of these experiences is to provide for the breadth of professional development needed in all prospective teachers. Involvement in appropriately sequenced activities is stressed throughout the programs with a variety of experiences insuring multiple learning opportunities and reinforcement of that learning. Because of the incremental nature of these learning opportunities, teacher education students are sufficiently prepared for each new teaching skill and for increased responsibilities. Observations and teacher-aide assistance precede work with student groups and lesson presentations. Observation and analysis of group dynamics precede actual group work. Peer teaching precedes the teaching of children. Small group management precedes large group management. Single lesson presentations precede full-day teaching responsibilities.
Training under these conditions can positively influence the students' realization of their full potential and can foster the confidence necessary to enable ultimate involvement in their desired field of teaching.
Programs
The specific programs in the department are:
Forms
The following forms are available for this department:
Objectives
Students who complete a Teacher Education Program will be able to demonstrate the following objectives:
- The ability to utilize learning theory in the instruction of students in the classroom and to plan and prepare instruction in accord with the lesson's behavioral objectives.
- The ability to utilize a variety of instructional materials, teaching techniques, and resources.
- The ability to plan and present subject matter with a depth of understanding and a wide scope of information and implications.
- The ability to use classroom and instructional management skills and to use time effectively and efficiently.
- The ability to pose questions which require students to analyze, synthesize, and think critically.
- The ability to establish rapport with students and thereby motivate and enlist student participation and cooperation.
- The ability to communicate effectively with verbal and nonverbal skills, including handwriting, written language, spoken language, and listening skills.
- The ability to integrate biblical values into the arena of the classroom in a private religious school.
- The ability to select and develop assessment techniques and instruments for determining pupil achievement of learning objectives.
- The ability to utilize a variety of teaching strategies and methods to meet the needs of all students.
- The ability to work effectively as a member of an instructional team.
- A knowledge of the current innovations, trends, and issues in education.
- The ability to analyze and evaluate his/her own planning, implementing, personal teaching, strengths, and weaknesses.
Admission, Retention, and Certification Policies and Procedures
Acceptance into a bachelor degree program at Lancaster Bible College with a major in education is consistent with the general admissions policy at the College. Individuals requesting entrance into any of the education programs must fulfill all the college admissions requirements. Preliminary admission to the Teacher Education programs is available to all entering freshmen.
In order to gain formal admission to all PDE certified programs in Teacher Education, the student must submit an application and achieve passing scores on Praxis I. There are three tests in the battery: Reading, Writing, and Math. Passing scores may be achieved by either the minimum scores in each test Reading (172), Writing (173) and Math (173) for a composite score of 518, OR a composite score of 521 with the lower minimums of Reading (171), Writing (170) and Math (171). In addition, the students must successfully complete six credits each of English and Math courses before 48 credits are accumulated.
Individuals transferring with some credits or a bachelor degree from an accredited institution who wish to obtain certification through Lancaster Bible College must follow the standard admissions policies of the college and consult with the Chair of the Teacher Education Department to establish a course of study that will result in the faculty being able to recommend the individual for certification.
In order to be retained in a teacher preparation program and maintain eligibility for taking TE courses, the student must meet the required cumulative GPA and professional GPA designated for each Teacher Education program at the conclusion of every semester:
| Cumulative GPA | Professional GPA | |
| Elementary Education | 2.80 | 3.00 |
| Health & Physical Education | 2.80 | 3.00 |
| Music Education | 2.80 | 3.00 |
| Early Childhood Education (current) | 2.25 | 2.50 |
| Bible Education | 2.25 | 2.50 |
During the freshman year, all education students must request a Criminal Record Check from the Pennsylvania State Police and a Child Welfare Review from the Department of Public Welfare to verify the nonexistence of a police record. Copies of these requests must be on file in the Teacher Education Department office during all field experiences. A second set of checks must be requested prior to Student Teaching. In addition, prior to the first Internship placement the student must have an FBI Fingerprint Record Check for a background check. This check will be valid during the entire period of your continuous enrollment at LBC. Directions and forms for these processes are available in the Teacher Education office.
In order to be recommended for teacher certification at the conclusion of the education programs, the student must meet the following requirements designated for each program.
The student must have completed all the required courses for each of the certified programs as stipulated in the LBC catalog and must achieve the required minimum GPA for each program.
Students seeking Pennsylvania Instructional I certification must meet the minimum scores set by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for each of the required tests in the Praxis II: Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge (150), and the respective specialty test of Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (168), Music Content Knowledge (158) or Health and Physical Education Content Knowledge (146).
The Music Education student must demonstrate proficiency in keyboard skills before accumulating 120 credits. This performance competency will be determined by adjudication. Prior to student teaching, the music education student must meet the minimum score on the Praxis II: Music: Content Knowledge (158)
The Coordinator of Field Placements will place all student teachers in local schools. The Elementary Education, Music Education, and Health and Physical Education student teacher must complete two placements, each seven weeks in length in a public school and a private Christian school. The Early Childhood student will be placed in a private nursery or preschool for the entire semester of Directed Teaching. The Bible Education student teacher will be placed in two private Christian schools. An international placement for one school is available through a special application process.
Students must complete the appropriate application for certification and submit the stipulated fees.