Education with Teaching Certification in Grades PreK– 4 (B.S.)

Program Overview

The PreK-4 Education Program prepares students to teach pre-school, kindergarten, and grades 1 through 4 in public or private institutions. The major emphasis is on the growth and development of “the whole child” with developmentally appropriate instructional activities.

Through the academic program, faculty advising, and extensive field experiences, students are broadly prepared for effective teaching in elementary schools and early childhood settings. Thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities are developed in critical areas such as instructional planning, instructional delivery, assessment, and classroom management. Particular attention also is given to subject matter preparation.

Effective early childhood and elementary school teaching requires an extensive knowledge base that represents many curricular domains. Students develop this knowledge base by studying a wide variety of subjects such as English, psychology, sociology, history, philosophy, biology, fine arts, mathematics, physical science, language arts, health, social studies, and geography. In addition, students have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of a particular subject of their choice by completing a 12-credit disciplinary focus.

The Early Learning Center on campus provides an authentic classroom setting that allows students to gain valuable experience teaching preschool age children. Field experience students will become knowledgeable in the utilization of The Project Approach, an inquiry based teaching practice. During this placement, students will further develop behavior management strategies, hone classroom management skills, gain experience with various forms of assessment, and deepen their understanding of the whole child as it pertains to preschool age children. While serving in this co-teaching environment, field experience students will assume the responsibility of developing and implementing lessons and activities, documenting the development of children, and conferencing with parents.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Education program can:

1. Use a theoretical framework to articulate their philosophy of Education
2. Explain and/or apply core information, concepts and principles in their academic content area(s).
3. Identify, assess, and synthesize research in the field of Education, including evidence-based practices
4. Demonstrate proficiency in pedagogical and assessment skills in working with a diverse group of learners.
5. Identify personal options for employment, voluntary service, and/or graduate education in the field of education based on knowledge of the field and one’s own strengths and interests.
6. Articulate how faith connects to one’s specialized area of study and to potential career options in that area of study.

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

Three credits from the following:

Note: All students who major in PreK– 4 must complete a twelve-credit Disciplinary Focus to provide depth in an academic discipline other than Education. Students elect twelve credits from a single academic discipline (or two closely related disciplines) other than Education. The twelve credits may not overlap with any other QuEST or major Requirements. Course selections must be approved by the advisor and the Department of Education chair. Students who wish to complete a college-approved minor will need to take additional courses.

QuEST Requirements

*The non-western requirement is only waived if students take ENGL 160.