Elementary Education
Teacher education is a traditional cornerstone of Bloomsburg University. For more than a century, BU has been bringing talented and well-trained individuals into classrooms across the nation. Facilities are modern and up-to-date technologies are available, including a course in educational computing. A state-of-the-art computer laboratory enables students to learn current advances in computer-assisted instruction.
The teacher education program at Bloomsburg University is committed to improving the field of education through a comprehensive program, which recognizes its unique contribution to society, both as a reflection of that society and as an agent for the improvement of society. To meet this obligation, the programs draw upon the knowledge and understanding of general as well as professional education. It strives for a blend in preparing a person to fulfill a role in society as an informed, inquiring and skilled professional.
Elementary Education (B.S.Ed.)
The major in elementary education leads to a Bachelor of Science in Education and Instructional Level I certification to teach kindergarten through sixth grade (K-6). (The major in early childhood education provides a Bachelor of Science in Education with certification to teach nursery through third grade, N, K-3). Students are required to spend time observing and assisting in actual classroom settings through two field studies courses offered in the sophomore and junior years. These courses prepare students for the actual student teaching experience. Students may select an internship which provides a work-study program in an education-related setting. Overseas student teaching opportunities are another available option.
To begin your studies in elementary education, you'll take an array of general education requirements, including English composition, public speaking, general and child psychology, sociology, exceptional individuals, theory of arithmetic and courses in mathematics and science.
Professional education courses include educational computing and technology, psychological foundations of education, principles of teaching, classroom measurement and assessment, social foundations of education, diagnostic and inclusionary practices for literacy and then specific courses in teaching science, environmental education, fine arts, reading, social studies, language arts, mathematics and literacy and literature in diverse classrooms.
You'll work with your adviser to choose electives that can include fitness and recreation skills, workshops in mathematics, methods and materials in elementary school physical education, health and safety, literature for children, children's art, music in elementary school, classroom management, and early childhood education,
Field experiences include practicums in nearby school districts, an internship, and student teaching under the supervision of a BU professor and school district personnel.
To teach, you'll need FBI clearance, a criminal record background check, a child abuse check and testing for tuberculosis. To obtain certification, you'll have to take and pass pre-professional Praxis tests in reading, writing and mathematics, then exams in fundamental subjects and curriculum, instruction and assessment.
Many students take supplemental courses to be certified in early childhood education (N-K-3) or to obtain certification in special education. This signficantly expands career opportunities.
Dual Certification - Early, Elementary Education (B.S.Ed.)
The dual certification program leads to a bachelor's degree and Instructional Level I certificates for teaching K-6 and nursery school/kindergarten through third grade, N, K-3. Elementary and early childhood education majors must complete the general education requirements and 54 credits of academic background courses. Elementary education majors are required to take 62 credits of professional education. Early childhood education majors take 74 credits of professional education and early childhood education specialization. Students are required to spend time observing and assisting in actual classroom settings through two field studies courses offered in the sophomore and junior years. These courses prepare students for the actual student teaching experience. Students may select an internship which provides a work-study program in an education-related setting. Overseas student teaching opportunities are another available option.
Area of Concentration in Education of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Special education students may choose to take an area of concentration in education of the deaf/hard of hearing. The undergraduate curriculum in education of the deaf/hard of hearing lays the foundation for the training and education needed to prepare classroom teachers and itinerant hearing therapists to work in educational settings with deaf/hard of hearing children and adults. Students supplement the curriculum for their majors with an area of concentration in education of the deaf/hard of hearing that requires a minimum of 24 semester hours.
Certification to teach deaf/hard of hearing students in school programs is granted by the Pennsylvania Department of Education upon completion of a related graduate program.
All applicants to the graduate program in Education of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing must have completed a specific set of undergraduate courses. Students without an education background will need to take five education courses agreed upon by the curriculum coordinator in education of the deaf/hard of hearing.
Elementary and Special Education (Dual Certification)
A dual certification in Elementary Education and Special Education leads to elementary education certification to teach kindergarten through sixth grade (K-6) and special education certification (N-12).
The number of students accepted into the dual certification program is limited. Students may not declare a dual certification as an entering freshman, but must apply for admission after meeting minimum requirements. To apply, students must have 15 to 54 credits, a Bloomsburg University GPA of 2.8 in Fall 2002 and 3.0 thereafter and a completed admission packet from elementary or special education. An interdepartmental admissions committee reviews applications and selects the most qualified applicants. Admission into the dual certification program is completed twice during the academic year (October and March). Students accepted into the dual certification program are advised by faculty in the Special Education Program. Student teaching is supervised by faculty in the Special Education program.