Elementary Education

Offered by the Department of Education and Special Education
Professors: Benjamin, Cleland, Straub
Associate Professors: Carico, Floyd, Hammann, Lucero (chairperson), Smith, Werner-Burke
Assistant Professors:  Gambill, Moore, Ribble

Certification Requirements: Mansfield University teacher education programs are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and nationally accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Candidates for teaching certification in Pennsylvania must meet state requirements described in Chapter 354 regulations. A description of requirements, policies, and procedures for teacher certification can be found in the catalog section entitled, “University Policies.”

The elementary education program at Mansfield prepares students for teaching in the elementary grades. The program is organized around the teacher education theme, “Teacher as Reflective Decision-Maker,” and students learn to make instructional decisions that are grounded in accepted educational theory, research and practice. Students in the program learn to plan instruction based on knowledge of content and on the diverse abilities of their students, design classroom environments that promote learning, deliver instruction in effective and varied ways, and fulfill the professional responsibilities of teachers. The elementary education program features field experiences in schools throughout all four years of study culminating in student teaching in the senior year. A particular area of emphasis in the elementary education program is on the uses of children’s literature to enhance elementary teaching in all curricular areas. The use of instructional technology is integrated throughout the program. Many education majors also pursue graduate studies after graduation.

Three program options exist within the elementary education major. Students may elect to complete the elementary education degree program (120 credits) or complete the elementary education degree program with second certification in early childhood education (126 credits) or special education (135 credits). In addition to the courses of study, students must also complete all state required testing and other certification requirements in order to be recommended for teaching certification. See the catalog section entitled, “University Policies” for further details.

THE LEFT COLUMN BELOW CONTAINS REVISED COURSE LISTINGS THAT REPLACE OLDER COURSES BEGINNING FALL 2009. STUDENTS MAY TAKE EITHER THE OLD OR THE NEW COURSE, DEPENDING UPON WHAT IS SCHEDULED. STUDENTS SHOULD NOT ENROLL IN ANY TWO COURSES THAT ARE LISTED ON THE SAME ROW IN THE TABLE BELOW.

THESE ARE COURSE TITLES THAT ARE CHANGED BEGINNING FALL 2009. THEY ARE THE SAME COURSE AND COURSE NUMBER. STUDENTS SHOULD TAKE COURSES ACCORDING TO THE NUMBER ON THE REQUIRED COURSE LIST FOUND ON THEIR PROGRAM OF STUDY, EVEN IF THE TITLE IS DIFFERENT.