Why major in Elementary and Early Childhood Education?
Penn State Altoona's bachelor of science degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education prepares undergraduate teacher candidates to earn Pennsylvania level I certification to teach in preschool to fourth-grade public school classrooms.
The Elementary and Early Childhood Education teaching option at Penn State Altoona is designed to support the development of teachers of young learners through fourth grade. This program views education as much larger than standards or performance-based assessments and is designed from research on teaching and teacher education. At Penn State Altoona, we see teaching and learning as a collaborative process among faculty, teachers, students, parents, and communities. We seek to prepare teacher leaders and advocates not only for children and schools but also for the profession of teaching.
As a student in this program, you will work closely with faculty leaders in teacher education and education research and experience high-quality mentoring and supervision in classroom/school field experiences. We coordinate in-depth observation and teaching experiences with our partner schools to provide you with as many hands-on experiences in PK-4 classrooms as possible during your four-year program.
Request Information About the Elementary and Early Childhood Education Major
Create Your Professional Identity
Penn State Altoona offers teacher candidates many opportunities to build their professional identity, develop leadership skills, and cultivate their passion and advocacy for children and schools. Students in the program will complete multiple local internships throughout different years. They will work with high-quality mentor teachers to observe teaching, apply proven methods and strategies, and collaborate with administrators and other professional colleagues.
Penn State Altoona education majors may join the college’s award-winning and nationally recognized chapter of Kappa Delta Pi (KDP), an international educational honor society, and our student PSEA group. Both groups actively engage with local children, schools, and community resource centers.
Special Education Master of Education 4+1 Program
Students who have completed (or who are currently enrolled) in an undergraduate teacher certification program at Penn State have the opportunity to complete the M.Ed. in Special Education (and earn special education teacher certification in Pennsylvania) through the “4+1” program at the University Park campus.
Learn More about the Special Education Master of Education program
Elementary and Early Childhood Education Degree Contacts
Contact Stacey Corle or Kristen Pearson, the Elementary and Early Childhood Education Degree Program Coordinator, or reach out to any of our Elementary and Early Childhood Education faculty and staff.
