Palm Beach Atlantic University

About the Department of Education (FAQ)

The Department of Education has been offering state-approved programs in education since 1977 and is an integral part of the PBA community.

Section 207 of Title II of the Higher Education Act mandates that all colleges and universities with Teacher Education Programs publish the pass rates of their program completers on teacher tests mandated for state licensure.

The Title II Institutional Report Card shows a 100% passing rate on the Florida Teacher Certification Exam for all Teacher Education Program Completers at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Majors

Art Education (K-12)

Biology/Secondary Education

Elementary Education (K-6 with ESOL)

English/Secondary Education

Mathematics/Secondary Education

Music Education (K-12)

Minors

Education

Exceptional Student Education (ESE)                                     

PreK/Primary Education

Secondary Education

Quick Facts

APPROVED PROGRAMS

• Are your programs state-approved?
  All of the Education programs at PBA carry state approval.

FIRST SCREENING

• What is First Screening?
  First Screening is making an application to the Teacher Education Program. It is a separate application from the application to Palm Beach Atlantic University and is completed typically while taking Classroom Management, Ethics and School Law, which is taken in the second year. It's the means through which students interview to be officially accepted into the Teacher Education Program.

FIELD EXPERIENCE

• What is "field experience?"
  Field experience is authentic experience in the K-12 classroom setting where you will have the opportunity to observe best teaching practices, as well as gain on-the-job training learning and teaching experience in the classroom setting.

• How many field experience classes should I take in a semester?
  No more than two field experience courses per semester are recommended.

• Where do I do field experience?
  All field experiences are done in Palm Beach County Schools, public and private.

• When can I do field experience?
  After you pass First Screening and with the proper completed documentation that the schools require (such as fingerprinting), you may start your field experiences.

• How many hours does field experience take?
  The number of hours depends on the course. Typically, field experience courses require between 12 and 20 hours in a K-12 classroom setting. Planning time and driving time to the school(s) is extra and needs to be accounted for in your schedule.  

• Are there opportunities for experience abroad?

             Qualified students can serve one semester of their student teaching year at an international location.

STUDENT TEACHING AND SECOND SCREENING

• What is Second Screening?
  Second Screening is the application process that allows you to begin your student teaching experience. You must attend the Second Screening meeting the semester prior to when you want to student teach to receive the packet that must be filled out and turned into the Supervisor of Student Teaching.

• Where do I do my student teaching?
  All student teaching is done in Palm Beach County Schools.

• How long is student teaching?
  Student teaching is for the full semester.

• How do you choose where I get to student teach?
  Students may select a general location (e.g., north area or south area) where they would like to student teach. The Supervisor of Student Teaching works with the school district in obtaining a student teaching placement.

• What if I want to student teach (or teach/work) only in a private or Christian school?
  Students who want to student teach in a private, Christian School should minor in Christian Education.

GRADUATION

• When do I apply for graduation?
  You should apply at least two semesters before you plan on student teaching. This allows time for making any modifications in your degree plan in order to ensure that all requirements for application for student teaching are met.

• What happens if I decide to go to another state to teach after graduation?
  It is strongly suggested that you apply for a teaching certificate in the State of Florida because many states have a reciprocal agreement with Florida to grant certification for those educators that hold a valid teaching certificate.

• Is it possible to graduate in four years?
  Yes, especially if you meet with your advisor and follow the prescribed degree plan.

MINOR IN EDUCATION

• Is it possible to have education as a minor?

Secondary students may complete a minor in Secondary Education, which will include all elements of certification except student teaching. Upon graduation, the student is eligible to receive a Temporary Teaching Certificate. After two years of successful teaching, the graduate may apply for a Professional Certificate.