In today's multi-cultural society, teachers often work with students and children from a variety of ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds. As minority populations continue to rise in many parts of the United States, it is imperative that teachers with a background in early childhood education establish rapport with a diverse student population. The University of Scranton encourages a strong college preparatory program in high school with a minimum of four years of English, three years of mathematics, social science and science, and at least two years of a foreign language with additional units taken in acceptable academic areas. If you are planning to major in early childhood education, we recommend that you observe students at early childhood educational settings and talk to people and teachers who work with children on a daily basis. The goal of the University's department is to prepare teachers as facilitators of learning in developmentally appropriate settings.
Students conclude their program in their senior year by student-teaching.
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the overall employment of kindergarten, elementary and secondary school teachers is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2006. The handbook also states that teachers who are geographically mobile and who have obtained licensure in more than one subject should have a distinct advantage in finding a job. However, one course in Art or Music History can be used as one of the four courses. All students take two courses designated as writing intensive and two courses designated as cultural diversity. Where possible, at least one of the writing-intensive courses should be in the major.