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Elementary, Early Childhood, and Special Education

An outstanding feature of Gannon University’s education program is the extensive and diverse field experience component.  Elementary, Early Childhood, and Special Education majors complete five supervised practicums with the first experience usually scheduled in the second semester of a candidate’s freshman year. This first placement consists of observation and experiential learning for two half days or one full day for ten weeks. Candidates perform routine tasks assigned by their cooperating teachers. The second through fifth placements are the last three weeks of the semester.  A supervised summer practicum is also available to our students.  In addition to the five required practicums, students have the opportunity for experiential learning through such courses as:

• Planning the Learning Environment
• Concepts and Methods: Science
• Expressive Arts
• Physical Well-Being of a Child
• Early Reading and Literacy

These experiences are integral to the understanding and application of the subject matter of each course and provide our students with meaningful learning opportunities.

Secondary and K-12

Secondary and K-12 Education majors complete three supervised practicums usually beginning with the second semester of a candidate’s freshman year. Due to the heavy concentration on content for these majors, the three placements are all two half days or one full day for ten weeks. Students may choose to complete a full two week practicum during the University’s summer session. In addition to the three required practicums, students have the opportunity for experiential learning through such courses as Methods and Materials of Instruction, the Teaching of Mathematics, and Reading and Literacy across the Secondary Curriculum. 

Practicum Sites

All candidates have the opportunity to work with diverse populations in a variety of educational and geographical settings.  Gannon’s urban location is in walking distance of several public, private, and parochial schools, as well as several child-care centers.  Suburban schools are within ten minutes of the University and rural schools are within twenty-five minutes. The School of Education has developed partnerships with:

• nine public school districts
• the Erie Roman Catholic Diocesan Schools
• the Barber National Institute including:
• the Elizabeth Black School
• several charter schools
• child-care centers
• alternative education sites

This variety allows us to provide opportunities for our teacher candidates to work with diverse learning needs. 

University Supervisors

The University’s Director of Practicum Placements works closely with principals/ directors to identify qualified cooperating teachers who must have two or more years of experience. Once placements have been arranged, cooperating teachers are provided with a written explanation of the program and documentation forms. University supervisors are expected to visit the candidate’s assigned classroom a minimum of three times during the experience. The initial visit takes place within the first two days of the placement in order to establish a working relationship with the cooperating teacher and to exchange contact information.