All those considering advanced provisional certification in Massachusetts in either Early Childhood, Elementary, or Secondary Education must fulfill the requirements as specified by state regulations, and the interdisciplinary and General Studies requirements as specified herein. Students must also schedule a meeting with their Department advisor as soon as possible in the Freshman year to formulate their program. The Department offers four programs. For those students who wish to increase their knowledge of children and how they learn, but who do not seek advanced provisional certification to teach in the public school classroom, the Department offers major and minor noncertifying programs in Education. Professional training is based on a liberal arts education which demands that the rigorous study of teaching methodology be balanced with a dedicated study of human values.
Problem solving and critical thinking are integral parts of the educational process.
Teacher preparation at Stonehill College emphasizes field-based experiences to assist students in developing pedagogical skills and discovering their courage, flexibility, sense of humor, emotional and cognitive strengths. While teacher preparation involves learning theories, techniques, and methodology, as stated previously, it also retains a constant emphasis on self-awareness and humanism. A meeting with the Department Chairperson must be scheduled at the time a student chooses any Education program. Students can begin their professional preparation in the Freshman year. Those undecided as to the area of specialization are encouraged to take ED 102.