Saint Joseph's University Saint Joseph's University

Education & Special Education– Elementary/PK-4 (Dual Major)

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Overview

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.

Field Experiences and Student Teaching

In addition, the Office of Student Teaching and Field Experiences helps you coordinate the three required field experiences or labs, as well as their full-time, 14-week student-teaching placement. 

Certification 

Students who successfully complete this dual major program, maintain a GPA of 3.0 and pass the required PECT exams - knowledge and skill assessment exams required for certification - can apply for Pennsylvania Level 1 teacher certification (certification is good for six years of teaching before renewal). With level 1 certification in elementary education and special education, certified teachers can test into teaching any other grade level and teach in traditional education or special education classrooms. You cannot test into certification for reading specialist or health and physical education unless you complete the respective programs. 

Study Abroad

The education department also has a strong commitment to the study abroad program here at Saint Joseph’s University. Many of our students have the opportunity to study student education in an international context in such locations as Denmark, Ireland and Spain.

Service Learning

As a dual education and special education major, you'll have the option to take Service-Learning classes. These classes combine academics with experience and reflection. Lectures, texts, and tests are enhanced by weekly service engaging schools and non-profit agencies that are making a difference in the Philadelphia area.

Student Organizations

The education-focused student organizations are a great way to engage with others on campus and grow as a future educator.