The Master of Education with Pennsylvania – PreK-4 Teaching Certification is designed to prepare individuals with undergraduate degrees in non-education areas for PA state public school initial teaching certification. Successful completion of this program and passing of state-required competency tests will enable graduates to teach all subjects in grades PreK-4 in PA public schools.
In addition, with completion of additional credits, students have the option of adding the PA Special Education PreK-12 certificate to their initial Early Childhood PreK-4 certificate. A non-degree, certification only track is available for applicants with prior credits in the field of early childhood/elementary education.
Through a program of study that utilizes a rigorous Christian perspective, students will build knowledge and skills in educational foundations, curriculum theory and design, assessment, PreK-4 subject content and pedagogy, and teaching in the inclusive classroom. Students will put theory into practice through field experiences and a culminating student teaching semester.
This degree consists of 39 credits: 33 credits in coursework and six credits in student teaching. Up to nine credits may be waived for applicants who have completed undergraduate coursework that meets PA early childhood teaching competencies.