Elementary Education - Programs | Geneva College

BS Major

Early Childhood/ Special Education

Shape the next generation with a dual certification PK–4 / PK–12 special education degree

Teachers shape the future. How do you shape the future faithfully and with excellence? Learn what it means to educate and teach school-age and special needs children with your head and your heart. Geneva’s dual certification PK-4th grade / PK-12th grade provides a unique and cohesive education program that shapes the hearts and minds of students.

Geneva prepares you to make a meaningful impact in your career, community and life.

Hands On Approach

Field experience starting Freshman year

College of Distinction

Geneva has been recognized as a College of Distinction in the Elementary Education Program

Certification Reciprocity

Through inter-state certification agreements, certification is readily achieved in many other states

Key Courses

Social and Philosophical Foundations of Modern Education

Explore social and philosophical ideas in American education from a Christian perspective.

Meeting the Instructional Needs of PK-4 English Learners

Support and assist real, English-learning students in schools.

Student Teaching

Observation and pre-service teaching under the direction and supervision of a cooperating teacher and a student teaching supervisor from Geneva College.

Survey of Disabilities

Provides aspiring teachers with a survey of the characteristics of special needs students.

Experienced & Accomplished Faculty

Teachers make a great impact on the social, personal, and intellectual development of individuals, and Geneva students learn to cultivate their passion to teach in a variety of educational settings. Education is a mission field and at Geneva our graduates are prepared to teach redemptively in both public and Christian schools, or wherever they are called.

Grounded by a Christian worldview, the mission of the education department is to prepare professional teachers committed to excellence and integrity in:

  • Content knowledge and pedagogy
  • Responsive differentiated instruction
  • Respectful collaboration
  • Continued professional growth

The learning objectives for early childhood/special education majors are: 

  1. The teacher candidate understands the content knowledge of the various disciplines, plans meaningful instruction to meet the diverse needs of the students and the curriculum, and continually assesses to evaluate learner growth.
  2. The teacher candidate knows and applies theories of learning and development to create a learning environment that will accommodate a diverse student population.
  3. The teacher candidate understands and uses appropriate instructional strategies and effective communication supported by technology to foster critical thinking and collaboration in the classroom.
  4. The teacher candidate develops reflective professional practices based upon current educational research to improve opportunities for student learning.
  5. The teacher candidate identifies and analyzes educational processes and issues from a Christian perspective.

Career Outcomes

Graduates who aspire to have an impact in their communities and their careers through a Geneva Education gain expertise in this field enhanced by academics rooted in Christian values and ethics in Geneva’s program.

89%

Of Geneva's education students passed certification exams upon their first try (2020-21)

Programs lead to certification in PA through the PA Dept of Ed. Through inter-state certification agreements, certification is readily achieved in many other states

“The professors in the education department provide us with more than just book knowledge - they give us real world experience and advice that I know I will be able to use and can't wait to use in my future classroom.” - Sarah Stover ‘18, English with Secondary Education Major

Be prepared for careers such as...

  • Special Education Teacher
  • Elementary Teacher
  • Pre-School Teacher

Further your impact...

  • Graduate degree in Education
  • Publications within your field
  • Response to Intervention (RTI) Certification

Tell Me More

Discover more about our Early Childhood/ Special Education program

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