Master s Degree & Teaching Certification Program. The University of Pennsylvania GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION & TEACH FOR AMERICA

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1 Master s Degree & Teaching Certification Program The University of Pennsylvania GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION & TEACH FOR AMERICA

2 AGENDA: 1 overview of PennGSE 2 program options 3 teaching certification 4 master s degree (MSED) 5 plan (s) of study 6 why PennGSE? 7 applying to the program 8 frequently asked questions 9 tuition & financial aid Director s Welcome: Congratulations on your acceptance to the 2016 Teach For America Corps! We re excited that you re interested in learning more about PennGSE s Urban Teacher Master s and Certification program. We expect that you ll have many questions as you transition to Philadelphia. Please do not hesitate to reach out. We are happy to help and we hope to get to know you soon! A very warm welcome, Mary Del Savio (Houston, 03) Program Director Phone: mary1@gse.upenn.edu

3 Program Overview: Penn GSE s Partnership with Teach for America launched in 2004 and is the only TFA program at an Ivy League Institution. The program is renowed for expertise in teacher development and centers on: 1 Teacher inquiry and reflection 2 Broad understanding of education 3 Commitment to equity and social justice 4 Unwavering focus on children Program Options: Master s Only Track Exclusively for students who are already certified to teach and who wish to pursue a MSEd while completing their commitment to TFA. Certification Only Track Persue a PA teaching certification. Master s & Certification Track Work towards a PA teaching certification while simultaneously completing coursework required to earn a master s degree in education. Please note: students interested inearning the MSEd must opt into this track by the first add/drop period oftheir first year in the program.

4 Teaching Certification: PennGSE provides coursework and supervision required to obtain a Pennsylvania teaching certification. Additionally, some students may be eligible to earn eitherprek-8 or 7-12th Special Education (dual) certification in Pennsylvania. PRAXIS EXAM(S) & INTERN CERTIFICATE SCHOOL PLACEMENT UNIVERSITY COURSEWORK TEACHING FIELDWORK Master s Degree: Master s of Science (MSEd) Urban Education Past master s capstone courses include: 1 Legal Advocacy (in partnership with the Education Law Center) 2 Financial Advocacy (in partnership with Wharton School) 3 Digital Media Advocacy (in partnership with GSE Films) 4 Health Advocacy (in partnership with the Children s Hospital of Pennsylvania) 5 Classroom Inquiry to Practice 6 Policy & Education reform

5 Plan of Study: GENERAL EDUCATION TRACK FALL TERM SPRING TERM Year 1: Content Area Methods Content Area Methods II Issues in Urban Education A Issues in Urban Education B Child & Adolescent Development Master s Reserach Methods Year 2: Advanced Content Area Methods A Advanced Content Area Methods B Perspectives Elective I Perspectives Elective II Master s Capstone Research Seminar Master s Capstone Writing Seminar 7 Courses required for the certification 10 Courses & Capstone Required for the MSEd plus certification SPECIAL EDUCATION TRACK FALL TERM SPRING TERM Year 1: Content Area Methods Content Area Methods II Issues in Urban Education A Issues in Urban Education B Special Education Law & Processes Language & Literacy Aquisition Educating Students: High Incidence Disabilities Year 2: Child & Adolescent Development Advanced Content Area Methods B Educating Students: Perspectives Elective II Low Incidence Disabilities Master s Capstone Writing Seminar Master s Capstone 10 Courses required for the certification 10 Courses & Capstone Required fore the MSEd plus Certification Year 1 classes meet August 3-6 and Tuesdays. Year 2 classes meet Tuesdays, and one weekend a month.

6 Penntoring at PennGSE: ALL STUDENTS RECEIVE A PENN MENTOR IN THEIR FIRST YEAR OF TEACHING. Penn Mentors are the bridge between the important theoretical learning that happens in the methods and foundation courses and the practical classroom teaching experiences. Penn Mentors engage with students in the classroom and in person, providing valuable guidance, feedback, and support. Access to the University: Penn s Libraries & Labs Graduate & Professional Student Associations Pottruck Student Gym Penn Transit System Alumni Network Penn Museum Sports events Annenberg Theater Access to Professional & Academic Conferences Career Services Much more

7 Why PennGSE? Before having any knowledge that TFA existed, and while working as a long term substitute in a New Jersey urban school, I thought I was alone in thinking that all students deserved a high quality education and needed teachers that cared. When I discovered TFA and read its educational mission and goals, I was ecstatic to have discovered that I was not alone and immediately sat down to apply. Nearing the close of my two year commitment I see that joining the movement to help ensure that all children receive the education they deserve has been one of the best decisions of my life. I will continue to teach well beyond the required two years because I feel my job is not yet done, and because I see that the education I have been providing my students, aided and supported by TFA s dedicated alumni s, is truly making a difference. I am also supported by the experience and expertise of the PennGSE faculty, who assist me in elevating my practice as a student and teacher alike.i see that I am positively affecting and improving in the lives and education of my students like few others have before, and it is Teach For America that I have to thank for preparing, motivating, and supporting me. Join the movement and allowpenngse/ TFA to not only help you to change and improve the life of your students, but you as well. Joseph 2014 Corps Member PennGSE MSED & Certification Program

8 Applying to the Program: Application: Must first be accepted to Greater Philadelphia Teach for America Personal statement 3 letters of recommendation Transcripts from all schools attended No GRE or application fee required Fall 2016 Penn enrollment requirements Successful completion of TFA Institute Submission of final transcript with degree conferred (3.0 GPA minimum) Pass all exams (Praxis, PECT) required to obtain highly qualified status Receive and maintain a teaching placement (via TFA)

9 Frequently Asked Questions: How much will the program cost? The tuition for each program are featured on the Tuitioin and Financial Aid page. Please note that each program has a different cost. Is this the right program for me? The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education is one of the nation s best education schools. At Penn GSE, you will enjoy an Ivy League environment that supports both practical knowledge building and high-quality research, all while complementing your full time teaching experience. Our alumni are recognized as some of the world s most influential education leaders, and our distinguished professors are pioneers in their fields. The PennGSE/TFA Urban Education Master s program is catered specifically for full-time, TFA teachers. Only you can decide if the program is right for you. A graduate degree from Penn GSE opens up whole new worlds, intellectually as well as professionally. If you are a passionate, innovative, impactful leader or aspire to be one Penn GSE is the place for you. Will I be a UPenn Student? Yes! All students in the GSE/TFA Program have full access to all University resources. You receive a PennID, which gives you full access to The University of Pennsylvania s campus, facilities, and events. What financial aid is available to me? When beginning your financial aid search, make sure you start with the FAFSA. This must be filled out every year, and is necessary in receiving any type of financial aid. More information concerning financial aid and loans is featured on the Tuition and Financial Aid page. Can I use my AmeriCorps Segal Award towards my tuition bill? Yes, but not righth away. Your Segal Award is given to you each summer, after one completed year in good standing with Teach for America (reach out to TFA for details.) You must take out a direct loan to cover your tuition at the beginning of each semester. Then, you may choose to have the Segal Award applied towards your bill at the end of the year. You may apply the Segal Award towards your bill retroactively, but you must pay the bill first. Contact Information: Mary E. Del Savio Program Director University of Pennsylvania GSE/TFA mary1@gse.upenn.edu office: Rebecca Macy Program Coordinator University of Pennsylvania GSE/TFA mmacy@gse.upenn.edu office:

10 Tuition & Financial Aid: TFA General Education Certification Program Academic Years *Total Direct eligibility by term is $10,250 ($10,147 after taxes). This figure represents the recommended amount needed to cover tuition for the program. Students are ineligible for any aid in the second year. It is recommended students borrow the full amount for the entire program in the first year and use the credit balance to pay the second year s tuition. Figures above include the 1.068% loan origination fee. TFA Special Education Dual Certification Program Academic Years *Total Direct eligibility by term is $10,250. This figure represents the recommended amount needed to cover tuition for the program.

11 TFA Master s & Certification Program Academic Years *Direct Loan Offered by the U.S. Department of Education to students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The Direct Loan is a low-interest federal student loan for which interest accrues during the in-school period. Total Direct eligibility by term is $10,250 ($10,141 after taxes). This figure represents the recommended amount needed to cover tuition for the program. It can be used to replace students' and parents' contribution. There are no credit or need-based qualifications necessary for this loan. All Master s & Certification Program students are eligible to apply for this loan. To apply: 1.Fill out your FAFSA- 2.Complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN), unless you filed one last year. You will receive a notification in May with further instruction on filing an MPN. 3.Visit for more information. **Direct GradPLUS loans For qualified U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled at least half-time in a graduate degree program. They are federal loans, not based on financial need. You may borrow up to your cost-of-attendance budget less any other aid. This loan requires that you pass a basic credit review conducted by the Department of Education. To apply: 1.Complete a Direct PLUS application online at

12 Other Loan Options AmeriCorps Segal Loan Your Segal Award is given to you each summer, after one completed year in good standing with Teach for America (reach out to TFA for details.) You must take out a direct loan to cover your tuition at the beginning of each semester. Then, you may choose to have the Segal Award applied towards your bill at the end of the year. You may apply the Segal Award towards your bill retroactively, but you must pay the bill first. US Department of Education Full-time, full-year teachers in public or private non-profit elementary or secondary schools may be eligible for forgiveness of some of their original Direct loan balance and cancellation of their Perkins Loans if they are teachers serving in a low-income or subject-matter shortage area. More information is available at the U.S. Department of Education website. Private Loans A number of private lenders and other financial institutions offer education loans to students. These loans are referred to as private alternative loans. Before applying for any private alternative loan program, be sure to get free copies of your credit reports at and clean up any errors that may be listed. Lenders to start with: o Citizens Bank Student Loan: o Custom Choice Loan, Suntrust Bank: o Discover Certified Private Loan: o PNC Solution Loan: privateloans/default.html o Smart Option Loan, SallieMae: o Wells Fargo Private Loan: