Graduate School Teaching Certificate
Penn State graduate students wanting recognition of their commitment to college teaching may now earn the Graduate School Teaching Certificate. The Graduate School Teaching Certificate was developed to provide graduate students with an avenue to enhance their teaching skills. The certificate is self-directed and available to all Penn State graduate students who fulfill the following requirements:
- Attend the Schreyer Institute New Instructor Orientation or an equivalent teaching orientation that includes lesson planning, teaching methods and strategies to encourage student participation.
- Complete one semester of SUBJ 602 Supervised Experience in College Teaching under the direction of a mentor.A grade of B or higher is required.
- Complete the Schreyer Institute Penn State Course in College Teaching or HI ED 546 College Teaching.
- Complete another semester of SUBJ 602, to include either a block of lectures prepared and presented by the student, or total responsibility for a lab or recitation section.A grade of B or higher is required.
- Develop a Web site that includes a statement of teaching philosophy and demonstration of the ability to develop a PowerPoint presentation. To help students complete this requirement, Quick Skills courses are available through Information Technology Services' Web-Based Training Web site. These free courses are not required for the Teaching Certificate, but are available if needed.
It is recommended that the Penn State Course in College Teaching precede the second semester of SUBJ 602.
In order for the certificate to be issued, the program chair or department head, in consultation with the student's advisor, must verify completion of the requirements in a letter to the Graduate School. Notice of completion of the Graduate School Teaching Certificate will not appear on the student's transcript.
Graduate students wanting recognition of their commitment to college teaching are encouraged to speak to their advisors about this opportunity. Questions about the program should be directed to Rhonda Perryman, at rdp3@psu.edu or to Mark Wardell, at mlw9@psu.edu. Please note that this is not a teacher certification program.