Woodrow Wilson Pennsylvania Teaching Fellowship

Duquesne's Program Course of Study Overview

This program infuses Pennsylvania state requirements to become a certified math, biology, chemistry, or physics secondary education teacher. The course curriculum was approved by the state of Pennsylvania on May 6, 2019. The program will admit between 10 and 12 Fellows each academic year.

Duquesne University Fellows are involved in a systematic sequence of didactic courses, applied courses, a summer field experience, and student teaching residency. The sequential plan of study is designed to prepare Fellows for the professional practice by developing foundational knowledge, instructional skills, and professional dispositions required for successful teaching in urban environments. A brief, narrative overview of Duquesne's WWTF course of study follows.

During the first semester of the program (Summer I), Fellows are enrolled in foundational courses designed to provide knowledge regarding learning and developmental theory, pedagogy and classroom management skills, and the education of students with disabilities. Fellows also engage in coursework and a field experience that allows Fellows to work with local children within the community.

The second semester of the program (Fall) builds on the Fellow's knowledge and skills by providing coursework in either secondary math or science pedagogy (depending on the content area of focus) and 5 foundations of classroom assessment practices. Fellows begin the full-time teaching residency this semester.

The third semester of the program (Spring) builds on the Fellow's knowledge base by providing coursework in how to promote inclusive school environments and educate English learners. Fellows complete the full-time teaching residency this semester.

The fourth semester of the program (Summer II) concludes the program with a "Capstone" course that integrated knowledge learned from coursework with the full-time teaching residency. An electronic portfolio is required as part of the Capstone course.