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The Department of Elementary Education provides programs that prepare teachers to serve the needs of diverse populations of children through the development of active, constructive, and collaborative approaches to teaching and learning.

Many graduates of the Department teach in Pennsylvania. In addition, graduates have obtained teaching assignments in schools across the nation and are well prepared for teaching in American schools abroad, with organizations such as the Peace Corps, and for rewarding careers in a variety of settings that include work with children. The Pennsylvania teaching credential is widely respected and reciprocally accepted by many states. Many graduates pursue advanced degrees. They are well prepared to enter institutions with strong graduate programs in education and related fields.

Undergraduate Programs in the Department include:
» An undergraduate major that incorporates course work and extensive field experience to prepare graduates to teach children in kindergarten through grade six plus middle school. Successful completion of the program qualifies the graduate for the B.S. in Education and K-6 Pennsylvania Instructional I Certification.

» An undergraduate "dual major"(elementary/early childhood education), offered in conjunction with the Department of Early Childhood and Special Education, that prepares graduates to work in preschool settings as well as kindergarten through grade six. Successful completion of the program qualifies the graduate for the B.S. in Education and both the N-3 and K-6 Pennsylvania Instructional I certifications.

» An undergraduate "dual major"(elementary/special education), offered in conjunction with the Department of Early Childhood and Special Education, that prepares graduates to support the educational, emotional, and physical needs of students with disabilities as well as kindergarten through grade six. Successful completion of the program qualifies the graduate for the B.S. in Education and both the Birth-21 and K-6 Pennsylvania Instructional I certifications.

Questions about the undergraduate programs should be directed to the Elementary Undergraduate Coordinator, Dr. Lynda Baloche ( lbaloche@wcupa.edu).

Graduate Programs in the Department include:
» A master's degree program that is designed for students who have already obtained an Instructional I certificate or its equivalent and have completed one year of satisfactory teaching experience. (The certificate does not necessarily have to be in elementary education.) Successful completion of the program qualifies the graduate for the Masters in Education (M.Ed.).

» A graduate option of Professional Growth courses.

» A post-baccalaureate K-6 PA Instructional Certification Program designed for individuals who have a bachelor's degree or higher who want to obtain PA Instructional I Certification. The number of additional courses will vary for each individual, depending on how many program requirements are met by courses taken as part of the bachelor's (or higher) degree.

Questions about the graduate programs, including initial certification at the post-baccalarreate level, should be directed to the Elementary Education Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Connie Dilucchio ( cdilucchio@wcupa.edu).

Best of luck with your academic and career pursuits.

Sincerely,

Martha Drobnak, Ed.D.
Chairperson