Classes generally are small with several seminars being offered each semester. These courses can serve to prepare students for the civic responsibilities they encounter as voters and community leaders. Education courses are offered as social science electives and as such may serve to complete the general studies requirements of the undergraduate curriculum of Trinity College. These courses may also be useful as an introduction to special areas of graduate study in related social science disciplines. Independent studies and education seminars serve to meet the undergraduate requirement for small group learning experiences.
Most education courses offer supervised field experiences which are related to academic coursework.
Through the cooperation of local public and independent schools, a wide variety of experiences is available. Students who are interested in education either as an area of general studies, as a possible career, or as preparation for graduate work may benefit from participating in a school-based field experience. Starting as early as the first year, opportunities exist for field work including individual and group tutoring, work with special children, and career apprenticeships in the schools. Interested students should contact the Program in Education. The Program in Education offers two teacher preparation programs leading to eligibility for certification to teach on either the elementary or secondary school level, as well as an interdisciplinary program in early childhood studies which does not offer certification eligibility.