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Teacher Education Programs @ Penn GSE
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s a PennKey and how do I get one?
A PennKey is an individual's username within the PennKey authentication system. Paired with an associated password, a PennKey is required to authenticate your identity for access to many of Penn's networked systems and services. Anyone who needs access to PennKey-protected electronic resources (e.g., library databases, access to BlackBoard, email etc.) must register a PennKey and password. Everyone must establish a PennKey to register for courses.
You establish your PennKey and password online using a PennKey Setup Code. If you are a new student, a PennKey Setup Code will be automatically mailed to you. For details on how to register your PennKey and password, please visti the Penn Computing website: http://www.upenn.edu/computing/pennkey/
2. What’s a PennCard and how do I get one?
The PennCard is the official University of Pennsylvania identification card for students, faculty, staff, and other members of the University community. The number on your PennCard consists of three parts: 123456 12345678 00 The underlined portion of the numbers represents your ID number. The PennCard ID number replaces the Social Security Number (SSN) as your identification number. We've made this change for your privacy and security. Students may obtain their PennCards from the PennCard Center located on the 1st floor of the Franklin building (suite 150) on Walnut Street, between 34th and 36th streets. Important: A valid, government issued photo I.D. will be required in order to pick up your PennCard. You must have a PennCard in order to set up your email account.
3. I already have an email account – do I need to get a “dolphin” account?
YES, you MUST have a valid dolphin account and you must check it regularly. It is the primary official means of getting in touch with you regarding important information about registration, graduation, class cancellation, weather emergencies etc. Once you have your PennCard and PennKey, you may create your dolphin account:
- Go to the following url to prove your identity and begin to create your account.
https://rosetta.upenn.edu/cgi-bin/websec/websec_authform?app=acctsrvcs
- This brings up the dolphin’s Automated Account Services program. Follow the on-screen instructions, which will prompt you for the PennKey you created.
- Enter your PennKey and password. NOTE: the password is NOT the PennKey Setup Code from the CampusExpress mailing, it is the password you came up with when you created your PennKey.
- Later you will be prompted to set your dolphin password. Note that this is not your PennKey password, although many individuals choose to make the PennKey and dolphin passwords the same.
- Congratulations! Your dolphin e-mail account is now active. Your e-mail address at Penn is: user@dolphin.upenn.edu where "user" is your own dolphin username.
You may link your dolphin account to your primary email account (e.g., hotmail, gmail, etc.) by visiting the GSE Computer Help Desk, room 010, M-F, 10-6 PM. Phone is 215-898-1847 or see website: https://www.gse.upenn.edu/computing/email.php
4. Do I need a computer?
PennGSE is a very tech-friendly environment. We have a computer lab on the first floor of the GSE building that is open Mon - Thur; 9am - 10pm, Fri 9am - 5pm.After 6:00 PM, a Computing Services Assistant is available at the Lab Help Desk. During the day, students should get help from regular help desk staff in room 010. Here is the website for computer lab policies: https://www.gse.upenn.edu/computing/lab.php
There are many computer labs on campus, some of which are open 24 hours. See the website: http://www.upenn.edu/computing/view/labs/lablist.html
5. What is a Computer Lab Account?
A computer lab account is a separate account that is needed so you can use the computers in the GSE Computer Lab. Go to GSE room 10 in order to have your account created. The process only takes 2-3 minutes. You should already have created your PennKey before getting your lab account.
6. I already have health insurance through my parents/spouse.
What does Penn require?
All full-time students at the University are required to carry health insurance, either through Penn or other carriers. If you have insurance through other carriers, you may need to pay a “clinical health fee” that covers emergency health care. Here is the website with information: http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/shs/shi.html
7. Why do I need to submit proof of immunizations? What happens to me
if I cannot get my doctor’s signature right away?
You will also be asked to provide information on your medical history. The immunization form requires a physician’s signature. If you cannot obtain a physician’s signature right away, keep trying. You will be unable to pre-register for classes in mid-October if your immunization record is not up-to-date.
8. How do I register for my classes?
As a teacher education student, you’ll be required to complete 2 course units (cus) during the summer, 5 cus in the fall, and 4 cus in the spring, totaling 11 cus. For the most part, each course you take is 1 course unit. We will register you for the summer term; you will register yourself, using Penn-In-Touch, for the fall and spring terms. Students in the elementary education program take no electives; students in the secondary education program will choose 1 elective in the fall term.
9. What will my schedule be like? Will I be able to work part-time?
The teacher education program is a full-time program in a short amount of time: you can expect to spend significant amounts of time in both GSE courses and your student teaching placement. Many of the courses involve group projects, and there are special topics seminars that are scheduled around classes and student teaching commitments. Our program assumes that you will be able to meet your responsibilities with respect to all program requirements. That said, if it is possible to identify work opportunities that have flexible time commitments, we do understand student’s need to generate some income. However, your primary responsibility must be your graduate education. We cannot excuse students from participating in the required components of the program so as to meet outside work obligations.
10. How do I purchase my books?
Books and bulk-packs are selected by each instructor who will advise you where they have been ordered.
11. Do I need a car?
All public schools are accessibly by public transportation. That said, oftentimes it is more useful to carpool to a particular public school. If you have a car and can help your fellow students out, it would be much appreciated, but you do not need to bring a car to Philadelphia if you are comfortable with public transportation.
12. What do I do with the criminal background check and child abuse
clearances I’ve received from the Commonwealth?
You’ll need to keep the originals that were mailed to you by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Bring them to Pat Friess (on the 4th floor) and we’ll make a copy for our records and for you. You may be asked to present a copy in your school office or summer placement site. Remember, all three clearances are required: the PA criminal history record, the FBI criminal history report and the child abuse report.
See this website for more informaton:
13. When do I find out about our placements?
We’ll provide general information at Orientation, July 11; specific placement assignments will be emailed to each student during the first week of classes.
14. What if I’m having problems with my bill or financial aid?
Whenever you deal with folks in financial aid, it is useful to tell them your name and ask for their name. Make a record of it. If you have a question about your tuition bill, the first thing to do is to call the number on the bill. If you don’t receive a useful answer, speak with Maureen Cotterill ( MaureenC@gse.upenn.edu) in room 416. If you have a question about your financial aid package, call the financial aid office at 215-898-1988. Here is their website: http://www.sfs.upenn.edu/
If you were awarded a scholarship, please know that the scholarship will be applied directly to your fall and spring tuition (50% each term). The scholarships will be posted to your account by mid-July. If you have a question about any part of this, Maureen Cotterill is happy to help you.
15. How do I get certified?
We will help you with the steps required to get certified. All of the information you’ll need is in your student handbook, which you will receive at orientation. Our certification assistant, Mrs. Elizabeth Deane (215-898-7370) processes your applications for certification and your Praxis exam scores. When you take the Praxis exams, be sure to send the scores to Penn/GSE (code RA 2926) as well as to the Penn. Dept. of Education (PDE) (code R 8033). If you take your Praxis exams in Pennsylvania, the scores will automatically be sent to PDE. Mrs. Deane can answer any questions that you have.
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For Questions About |
Talk with, room # |
Email |
Phone | |
Certification |
Elizabeth Deane, 4th floor |
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215-898-7370 | |
Classrooms |
Pat Friess, 4th floor |
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215-898-7381 | |
Computer Help |
Help Desk, 010 |
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215-898-1847 | |
Director of Teacher Ed. |
Kathy Schultz, 439 |
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215-573-2990 | |
Placements: Elem. |
NancyLee Bergey, 436 |
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215-898-5690 | |
Placements: Second. |
Michelle Loucas, 435 |
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215-898-5186 | |
Registration/Bills/Admin. |
Maureen Cotterill, 416 |
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215-898-7364 |
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