BS Major
Early Childhood/ Special Education
Shape the next generation with a dual certification PK–4 / PK–12 special education degree- Home
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Teachers shape the future. How do you shape the future faithfully and with excellence? Learn what it means to educate and teach school-age and special needs children with your head and your heart. 91è’s dual certification PK-4th grade / PK-12th grade provides a unique and cohesive education program that shapes the hearts and minds of students.
91è prepares you to make a meaningful impact in your career, community and life.
Hands On Approach
Field experience starting Freshman year
College of Distinction
91è has been recognized as a College of Distinction in the Elementary Education Program
Certification Reciprocity
Through inter-state certification agreements, certification is readily achieved in many other states
Key Courses
Social and Philosophical Foundations of Modern Education
Explore social and philosophical ideas in American education from a Christian perspective.
Meeting the Instructional Needs of PK-4 English Learners
Support and assist real, English-learning students in schools.
Student Teaching
Observation and pre-service teaching under the direction and supervision of a cooperating teacher and a student teaching supervisor from 91è.
Survey of Disabilities
Provides aspiring teachers with a survey of the characteristics of students with special needs.
Teachers make a great impact on the social, personal, and intellectual development of individuals, and 91è students learn to cultivate their passion to teach in a variety of educational settings. Education is a mission field and at 91è our graduates are prepared to teach redemptively in both public and Christian schools, or wherever they are called.
Grounded by a Christian worldview, the mission of the education department is to prepare professional teachers committed to excellence and integrity in:
- Content knowledge and pedagogy
- Responsive differentiated instruction
- Respectful collaboration
- Continued professional growth
The Bachelor of Science in Education degree is designed to prepare students for professional teaching careers at various levels. Our education programs lead to certification in Pennsylvania through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Certification in many other states is readily achieved through inter-state certification agreements.
Teacher Candidacy and Certification Requirements
Note: The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is changing grade bands for teacher licensure:
- At this time, the new PK-6 competencies are still being developed by PDE.
- When the competencies and application are available, 91è will apply for formal program approval to change Grades PK-4 with PK-12 special education to Grades PK-6 with PK-12 special education.
- Secondary 7-12 in Mathematics, English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Social Studies, and Music PK-12 not impacted by this grade band change.
The learning objectives for early childhood/special education majors are:
- The teacher candidate understands the content knowledge of the various disciplines, plans meaningful instruction to meet the diverse needs of the students and the curriculum, and continually assesses to evaluate learner growth.
- The teacher candidate knows and applies theories of learning and development to create a learning environment that will accommodate a diverse student population.
- The teacher candidate understands and uses appropriate instructional strategies and effective communication supported by technology to foster critical thinking and collaboration in the classroom.
- The teacher candidate develops reflective professional practices based upon current educational research to improve opportunities for student learning.
- The teacher candidate identifies and analyzes educational processes and issues from a Christian perspective.
Pennsylvania is a member of NASDTEC the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification. This membership assists in clarification of reciprocity from one state to another. 91è’s Education program meets Pennsylvania’s educational requirements for licensure. Once Pennsylvania licensure is earned, then the PA license can be evaluated by the other state. To view the current reciprocity agreements, please visit: www.nasdtec.net/page/InterstateAgreements
The most accurate regulations can be found on the state education websites. For example, if you want to convert a PA teaching license to the state of Ohio, you would visit: sboe.ohio.gov/educator-licensure/information-and-resources/educator-licensure-process
Career Outcomes
Graduates who aspire to have an impact in their communities and their careers through a 91è Education gain expertise in this field enhanced by academics rooted in Christian values and ethics in 91è’s program.
94%
Of 91è's education students passed certification exams upon their first try (2022-2023)
Programs lead to certification in PA through the PA Dept of Ed. Through inter-state certification agreements, certification is readily achieved in many other states
“I work at Chestnut Ridge School District in New Paris, PA. I am a 9th grade Special Education teacher. When I was going through the interview process for this position, the district was so impressed with how well 91è equipped me. I am the first 91è grad to interview at this school and the administration told me that they are looking to hire more 91è graduates in the future. So thank you 91è and all of my professors in the education department for preparing me so well!” - Elisabeth Dodson ‘23, Early Childhood/Special Education Major
Be prepared for careers such as...
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Special Education Teacher
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Elementary Teacher
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Pre-School Teacher
Further your impact...
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Graduate degree in Education
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Publications within your field
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Response to Intervention (RTI) Certification
Tell Me More
Discover more about our Early Childhood/ Special Education program
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