PreK to Grade 4 Education
With the anticipated retirements of millions of public school teachers, the future looks bright for those students interested in a professional career in early childhood and elementary education.
The Department of Early, Middle and Special Education offers students a certification in either early childhood or middle-level education. Accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), our goal is to prepare you with the knowledge, skills and disposition essential to becoming a successful educator.
Our program is rooted in the standards of the Association of Childhood Education International (ACEI), the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Upon successful completion of this program, you will earn a Bachelor of Science in education degree and will be eligible for a Pennsylvania teaching certificate.
Students who do not pursue certification at the undergraduate level may later choose to pursue certification in Pre-K to 4 in either the post-baccalaureate certificate program or the master's degree program.
Students have two certification options:
We also offer an Associate of Science in early childhood education program. In addition, students may choose a dual certification program in Pre-K to 4 and K to 8 special education.
For more information about any of our teacher's programs, see the student handbook.
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Success Stories
Bobbijo Miglioretti (Elementary Education ’08) was a nontraditional student. Although it took her a long time to realize what she wanted to do, she is now passionate about her position as a 3rd grade Literacy Teacher with the Pittsburgh Public Schools. “My field experience and especially my student teaching experience substantially prepared me for my teaching position. “My advice is to find your passion and never give up! Strive to complete what you have started. Nobody can fulfill your dreams except you!”
