Education - Early Childhood, PK-4

Overview

At Saint Joseph's University, education is approached as a vocation rather than a career. Aspiring teachers learn how to manage a classroom and effectively teach, as well as how their role as educators make a difference in their communities.

What is the Early Childhood Education Major (PK-4)?

Early childhood education at Saint Joseph's encompasses pre-kindergarten through fourth grade. In-class coursework is combined with weekly field experiences in local classrooms from the first year of study through the fourth, and graduates move forward with a strong teaching background and hands-on experience.

What Can You Do with a Degree in Elementary Education (PK-4th)?

After graduating from Saint Joseph's University with an early childhood education degree, you will take the Praxis exams to earn Level 1 certification. From there, you can go on to become a PK-4th grade classroom teacher, helping to shape young minds and positively impact the next generation. Your education from Saint Joseph's University will prepare you to teach in private, public or parochial school settings.

Earn Your Teacher Certification

Students who successfully complete the program, maintain a GPA of 3.0 and pass the required PRAXIS exam (a knowledge and skills assessment exam required for certification) can apply for Pennsylvania Level 1 teacher certification. This certification is good for six years of teaching before renewal.

How will Saint Joseph’s University Prepare You for a Career in Elementary Education (PK-4th)?

FIELD EXPERIENCES AND STUDENT TEACHING

The Office of Student Teaching and Field Experiences coordinates field placement in K-12 schools, as well as full-time, 14-week student-teaching placement.

Many education courses at Saint Joseph's University involve a field component to prepare you for your student-teaching experience. In these courses, you will spend three hours per week in an elementary school classroom. Field experience requirements increase in responsibility from first observing teachers in their area of study, then assisting with small group work and finally preparing and teaching lesson plans.

Participating in a field experience in a local Philadelphia school or a lab exposes you to a variety of classroom experiences and teaching styles. Saint Joseph's teacher education and special education departments have strong relationships with local public, charter and private schools and manage this field component for students. These departments emphasize a strong commitment to urban education and a preferential option for low-income families.

SERVICE LEARNING

As an education major, you will have the option to take service-learning classes. These classes combine academics with experience and reflection. Lectures, textbook reading and tests are augmented by service practice with schools and non-profit agencies in the Philadelphia area.

STUDY ABROAD

The education department has a strong commitment to study abroad. Many of our students have the opportunity to study student education in an international context in such locations as Denmark, Ireland and Spain.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Kappa Delta Pi - The Saint Joseph's chapter of the international honors society in education
Student Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA)
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)

Continue Your Study in Education

Saint Joseph's offers a variety of advanced degree options to help graduates advance their careers, including:

Course Catalog Information

Childhood Studies

The role of parents, educators, doctors and others in the development of children is crucial to their success. Saint Joseph's University's childhood studies major is designed for students looking to specialize in the care and development of young children and youth. Through your coursework and field experience as a childhood studies major, you will learn how to better serve your community, starting with our youngest generation.

Education - Elementary/PK-4 & Special Education Dual Major

The dual Education PK-4 and Special Education program will prepare you to teach pre-kindergarten through fourth grade, serving classrooms of all abilities. You will learn how to manage a classroom and effectively teach but also learn how your role as an educator can make a difference in the community. In-class coursework is combined with weekly field experiences in local classrooms from the first year of study through the fourth, and graduates move forward with a strong background of hands-on experience. This program leads to Level 1 Teaching certification in Pennsylvania. With Level 1 certification in elementary education, teachers can test into teaching at other grade levels. You will move forward with a strong background in PK4 education and hands-on experience working with young students.

Education - Secondary Education (Grades 7-12)

The secondary education major at Saint Joseph's prepares future high school teachers (grades 7-12). Earn a dual major and become a teacher of English, biology, chemistry, history, mathematics, physics, French, Italian, classical studies (Latin) or Spanish. This program leads to Level 1 Teaching certification in Pennsylvania.