Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. School of Education
Overview
Michael W. Wischnowski, Dean
James Schwartz, Associate Dean
Katrina Arndt, Chair of Undergraduate Programs in Inclusive Education
Michelle Erklenz-Watts, Lucia Guarino, Susan Hildenbrand, Jeffrey Liles, Whitney Rapp, Linda Schlosser, Susan Schultz
Dean’s Message
Welcome to the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. School of Education at St. John Fisher College. Our curriculum is grounded in inclusive practice comprised of theoretical and experiential learning that prepares teacher candidates to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions essential to teach all children. All coursework and fieldwork move candidates toward the attainment of learning objectives based on a conceptual framework dedicated to the achievement of social justice through the central tenets of teaching: respecting and addressing the diversity of all learners, promoting achievement for each individual, developing compassionate practice, pursuing knowledge continuously, and providing comprehensive service to the communities and individuals we serve. All undergraduate programs are registered with the New York State Education Department and are nationally accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Our high-quality programs of study incorporate the liberal arts with professional preparation in the science, craft, and art of teaching. All programs embed curriculum in practice situated in schools. The School of Education and its related educational programs are located in the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Building, a state-of-the-art facility with advanced technological capacity.
Admission to the School of Education
Candidates are expected to formally apply to a teacher education program in their sophomore year. Transfer students who are interested in a teacher education program should apply upon being accepted to the College. For admission to all teacher education programs, candidates are expected to provide evidence of the following:
- A cumulative GPA of 2.75
- A completed School of Education application form
- A goal statement addressing the desire to enter the teaching profession
- Two professional references
- Acceptable or target rating on key assessments in foundational education courses
- Grades of “C” or higher in all foundational courses