SS 212 - Introduction to the Teaching Profession

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides an overview of the history, philosophy and sociology of American education. Topics covered in this course include: the nature of the teaching profession, the history of American education including gender and ethnic history, major educational philosophies/theories and the application of these philosophies and theories in the classroom. Classroom organization and management techniques are emphasized as well as legal issues involving teachers, students and parents. Students will be introduced to New York State learning standards and will be involved in the reflective writing process. Each student is required to participate in a 15-hour observation/field experience.

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

identify the nature of the teaching profession;
demonstrate knowledge of the development of the distinctive features of the history of education in the United States;
demonstrate knowledge of the major educational concepts, models and issues;
identify educational trends and leaders in curriculum and instruction;
understand developmentally appropriate practices;
design instruction and assessment consistent with the New York State Learning Standards;
develop a philosophy of education to use in the classroom;
understand diversity and the impact of this in the classroom;
analyze a variety of classroom organization and management techniques;
evaluate technology and its appropriate uses for education; and
enhance his/her written communication performance.

Prerequisites: EN 110 or permission of the department chair or the coordinator of a teacher preparation program.
F/S (C, N, S)