La Salle University
What You’ll learn
This major prepares students to teach in regular education. Given that schools are in need of highly qualified educators who can work with students in regular education, inclusion, and special education classroom, this major makes graduates highly desirable candidates for schools both locally and globally. Teachers in the early grades have the opportunity to impact the lives of children by setting a positive tone for later educational experiences. Early elementary majors are also required to major in American Studies. Successful completion leads to recommendations for Instructional I certification in early elementary education (PreK–4).
Why Study Early Elementary Education at La Salle?
In our education program, we focus on laying the groundwork for bigger connections. We strive to not only prepare the best teachers, but to instill within them a commitment to social justice and equity grounded in the Lasallian mission. This means privileging the linguistic and cultural resources of students and communities; valuing engaged scholarship and advocacy practices; and seeking leadership opportunities to make transformative change. You’ll graduate prepared for state certification, graduate school, the workforce, and the world.
Highlighted Courses
EDC 104 – Educational Diversity in America
From both developmental and ecological perspectives, this course explores the diversity of individuals in society and schools, including race, ethnicity, regional background, exceptionality, socio-economic status, gender, sexual orientation, age, and religion. Personal beliefs and attitudes surrounding issues of human diversity and its impact on the family, community, and society are examined. The course provides an understanding of the legal and ethical issues in educating students from diverse backgrounds and with disabilities. Additionally, the course highlights the characteristics of students with special needs and ways to accommodate their needs in the classroom setting.
EDC 120 – Foundations of Literacy
Foundations of Literacy is a course designed to help preservice teachers understand and promote literacy development of students in preschool through eighth grade. Emphasis is placed on providing rich and meaningful literacy experiences that invite engagement and that help children develop skill, confidence, and enjoyment in the processes of listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and visual representation.
EDC 218 – Physical and Cultural Geography
This course provides prospective Education majors with increased knowledge and understanding of the world in geographical terms, relating especially to physical landforms and structures, maps, human impact on and interaction with the environment, population, and political and economic systems. The course will place special emphasis on cultural geography, that is the variation of human systems from location to location. In addition, this course highlights the role of economics and trade in our expanding global market economy, including the study of comparative economic systems and the distribution of natural and man-made resources.
Meet the Faculty
Career Opportunities
A degree in education offers more career options than teaching. A background in education can prepare you to take a leadership role in many other education-related jobs. Consider being a:
- Teacher
- Administrator
- School Superintendent
- Secretary of Education
- Curriculum Specialist
- Instructional Coach or Leader
- Outreach Specialist
- Non-profit Program Coordinator
- Student Support Specialist
- Community Liaison
Accreditation
La Salle University’s program of study is accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
I feel as though all young children, at some point, go through a phase of wanting to be a teacher: playing school, pretending to be the teacher, “grading papers.” I see myself as the girl who really never grew out of that phase. Since I can remember I have wanted to be an elementary school teacher.