General Objectives

The Program aims to achieve the following general objectives:

1. Apply, in an integrated manner, theoretical and methodological knowledge to the pedagogical practice in the educational scenario.
2. Use research, the sources of information and technological advances on which to base the development of educational innovations.
3. Show an attitude of acceptance and sensitivity to the educational needs and interests presented by the diverse student populations.
4. Apply the ethical, legal and social dimensions in the processes of problem solving and decision making related to the practice of the profession in the different educational scenarios.
5. Show commitment to the continuous improvement of the required professional competencies in the field of education.

Profile of the Competencies of Graduates of the TEP

This Program is designed to develop the general competencies, tied to the core courses that will permit students to:

Knowledge

To know and understand:

1. The philosophical, psychological and sociological foundations that serve as a base for education and give direction to the pedagogical practice.
2. The processes of construction of cognitive, affective and psychomotor learning through the different stages of human development.
3. The importance of the creation of a harmonious physical and social environment that is adjusted to the diversity of the social groups and to the individual needs and interests of the students.
4. The laws, regulations and procedures of the educational system, as well as the ethical, legal and social implications of their professional performance.
5. The implications and importance of the integration of parents and other sectors of society in the educational task of the school community.

Skills

1. Integrate into the pedagogical practice the theoretical principles that serve as the basis for education.
2. Plan student learning by integrating educational strategies with a scientific base into instructional design.
3. Use a variety of teaching strategies to facilitate the effective learning of the complexity of the concepts, skills and attitudes of the subject matter they teach.
4. Apply the complementary processes of evaluation, assessment and measurement to determine the effectiveness of the teaching-learning processes and make decisions, which facilitate the improvement of all students’ learning.
5. Apply research and the technological advances as resources to expand knowledge and to innovate and improve the pedagogical practice.
6. Use the existing computerized and educational resources to integrate technology in their teaching area or discipline.
7. Use a variety of educational and technological resources to facilitate learning in diverse student populations.
8. Use communication skills in an effective way to develop in the students the understanding of how they learn.

Attitudes

1. Show respect and tolerance to individual and cultural differences of students in the educational scenario.
2. Show a positive and binding attitude between professional development and the academic needs of the students.
3. Show a critical and creative attitude towards the management of information available in different sources related to the teaching discipline and to the field of education.
4. Assume leadership roles and professional responsibility in the different educational scenarios and communitarian contexts to promote learning and the integral development of students.

The University offers study programs for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education: Preschool Level, Elementary Level (K-3), Elementary Level (4-6), Special Education, Secondary Education, Physical Education, School Health, Musical Education and Art Education. These programs meet the requirements for teacher certification granted by the Puerto Rico Department of Education.

Students who have had previous satisfactory teaching experience may be exempt from the teaching internship if they request it. This exemption will be subject to the following conditions:

1. The student has been teaching full time for two academic years within the last four years, in a school accredited by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. Has taught in accredited private schools, Head Start Centers, or in the accredited school system of the United States. A written certification issued by the Office of Teacher Certification of the Department of Education is required.
2. The student pays 50% of the registration cost of the courses Experiences in Educational Environment I and II for the final validation of the credits.
3. The experience to be credited by the University corresponds to the requirements for the degree that the student hopes to obtain from the Institution.

Public as well as private schools serve as daytime laboratories for the students to acquire experience in the area of teaching and learning.

COMMENTS & FEEDBACK: For comments, feedback or complaints press the link below. Please provide your full name and contact information. scorrea@ponce.inter.edu