University of Pittsburgh School of Education
 

Instruction & Learning

The University of Pittsburgh offers various teaching certification programs specializing in early
childhood, elementary, secondary, special education and more.

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Inspiring and Preparing the Next Generation of Educators

“The School of Education master’s program was such an excellent experience for me, and the instruction and the strategies we were exposed to have shaped everything I have done and do in the classroom.” - Steve Vayanos, MAT Program Graduate

The Department of Instruction and Learning (DIL) in the School of Education unites educational theory, research, and practice, preparing you to enter the classroom ready to engage and support students in their learning. Our core belief is that by providing students with best practices in subject-specific instruction and a foundation in critical educational issues, they can become highly accomplished teachers who meet the challenges of today’s classrooms.

To achieve this goal, we feature a group of dedicated faculty members, who are active contributors to their professional organizations, and leaders in the fields of educational research and teacher development. This expertise provides you with a competitive edge in your career and the foundation to become a teacher leader after graduation.

The end result is a unique class of graduates committed to making a difference in the lives of all students by transforming their experiences in school and influencing their futures. The three pathways we offer for pursuing careers in education are:
  • Initial teacher certification (for individuals who wish to earn an initial instructional certificate in Pennsylvania)
  • In-service professional development (for current teachers looking to earn an MEd and deepen their knowledge of instruction and learning, or students looking to earn additional certification)
  • Doctoral education (for those interested in research on classroom learning or providing professional and curriculum development)

Department Contact

University of Pittsburgh
School of Education
Department of Instruction and Learning
5300 Wesley W. Posvar Hall
230 S. Bouquet St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
PHONE: 412-624-7254
FAX: 412-648-7081

Latest News

School of Education Awarded $1.25 Million to Support Early Intervention Autism

Published on 2/19/2012 10:30:00 AM

The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education was awarded $1.25 million to support 40 early intervention/early childhood master’s degree students over the next five years. Principal investigator Louise Kaczmarek, PhD, CCC-SLP (associate professor), and project coordinator, Diana Knoll, MEd (res... Read More...

Christopher Lemons Featured on Kidsburgh.com to Discuss $4 Million Special Ed Grant

Published on 2/2/2012 7:00:00 AM

"In the next five years, 60 to 70 percent of [special education teachers] are predicted to retire, so we won't have the leadership capability to continue preparing quality special-ed teachers," says Christopher Lemons, assistant professor in the University of Pittsburgh School of Education. "There ... Read More...

Collective Bargaining - PA Strike Free Education Legislation Seminar

Published on 1/18/2012 2:26:00 PM

Public employee collective bargaining is a highly charged issue in many states, including Pennsylvania. What legislation could affect collective bargaining for teachers in Pennsylvania? What are the issues that school leaders may face in the near future? Are there opinions that need to be heard? Wh... Read More...

Memorial Scheduled for School of Education Staff Member Shawn Davis

Published on 1/17/2012 9:30:00 AM

Shawn Marcus Davis, a 34-year-old research specialist in the School of Education’s Department of Instruction and Learning, died suddenly on January 1, 2012, while visiting family members and friends in Denton, Texas. He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Renee Cox; his mother, Jean Davis; his sist... Read More...

Early Reading Intervention Project Featured in Institute of Education Sciences News

Published on 12/1/2011 8:00:00 AM

University of Pittsburgh School of Education faculty member Christopher Lemons is developing a project on early reading intervention to enhance the skills of children with Down syndrome. His co-investigators includes Cynthia Puranik, also of the University of Pittsburgh, Stephania Al Otaiba from Flo... Read More...

Drew H. Gitomer Lecture - Improving Teaching through Better Evaluation Measures: Lessons from Algebra Classrooms

Published on 10/7/2011 9:29:00 AM

Rose and Nicholas DeMarzo Chair in Education, Graduate School of Education, Rutgers University Presents LRDC/SOE Alum and University of Pittsburgh 2011 Legacy Laureate Drew H. Gitomer Improving Teaching through Better Evaluation Measures: Lessons from Algebra Classrooms Current policy initiatives f... Read More...

Alumni Bobbie Gaunt: A Passion for Education

Published on 6/7/2011 3:18:00 PM

Pitt Trustee Bobbie Gaunt (EDUC '72) learned the value of education from her parents. A trailblazer for women executives in the automotive industry, Gaunt is co-owner and president of Capitol Holdings LLC, a small collection of automotive dealerships. In an effort to provide Pitt students with simi... Read More...

SOE Alum Named MCPS Teacher of the Year

Published on 5/2/2011 3:47:00 PM

The School of Education is excited to announce that alumnus Brian Freiss has been named Teacher of the Year for Montgomery County Public Schools (Maryland) and will now compete for Maryland Teacher of the Year. Freiss is a 2001 graduate of the Professional Year Certification program. While at Pitt,... Read More...

Faculty Members Receive Promotions

Published on 4/27/2011 3:49:00 PM

Associate Professor Linda Kucan Associate Professor Heather Bachman The School of Education is pleased to announce that two of its faculty members have received promotions from Chancellor Nordenberg. Dr. Linda Kucan, full time faculty in the Department of Instruction and Learning, has received appo... Read More...

Seniors Display Internship Projects

Published on 4/19/2011 4:36:00 PM

Leanne Pinski (right) talks about her internship and the 'All About Me' project to a fellow student. In the beginning of April, students in this semester’s class of Child and Youth Work Practice 2, showcased their senior projects in the hall outside of the Dean’s Office. The class is a senior works... Read More...
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