The department believes that the building of effective teaching practices is a continuous process that includes direct experience in learning situations, analysis, reflection, and a commitment to life-long learning and to the profession. The elementary education program qualifies graduates for the B.S. in education and the Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificate to teach kindergarten through grade six. Teachers with this certification also may teach in Pennsylvania middle schools. In addition to teaching in Pennsylvania, graduates of the Department of Elementary Education have obtained teaching assignments in schools across the nation, in the Peace Corps, and in American schools abroad. The Pennsylvania teaching credential is widely respected and reciprocally accepted by many states.
Many graduates pursue advanced degrees.
They are well prepared to enter institutions with strong graduate programs in education and related fields. Undergraduate Degree Bachelor of Science in Education Elementary Education. This program is designed to provide a broad education, an understanding of children, and the knowledge, skills, and strategies to teach all aspects of the elementary school program. Graduates qualify for a Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificate, which is valid for six years of teaching grades kindergarten through six and middle school. The program includes field experiences and a full semester of student teaching during the senior year.