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Inspire Young Minds

Our elementary education degree program prepares students to teach children from Pre-Kindergarten through fourth grade in Pennsylvania’s public school systems — and beyond.

Students become eligible to apply for the Instructional I Certificate, issued by the Department of Education of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, if they have:

  • Successfully completed the program leading to certification;
  • Passed the required PRAXIS exams, which measure academic skills; and
  • Demonstrated competence in student teaching.

Special Education Dual Certification Option

In addition to the initial certification program, our elementary education students can choose to simultaneously complete the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s requirements for special education certification. Learn about the degree requirements required to obtain the dual certification.



 

Courses & Topics

You will receive a well-rounded education through our core curriculum and classes in the elementary education major. Courses in the program include:

  • Family and Community Diversity
  • Reading Methods I and II
  • Methods of Language Arts
  • Educational Theories and Practices
  • Integrating Curriculum and Instruction
  • High Incidence Disabilities/Autism Spectrum Disorders (dual certification only)

Faculty bring industry experience and expertise to the classroom

Courses are taught by faculty who have years of real-world experience both as teachers and administrators in the education field.

Meet the faculty
Pictured is Janice Glunk, Ed.D., associate professor of education. | Photo by Chris Rolinson
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
  • Served as both a superintendent and director of curriculum and instruction
  • Developed the first school-wide Title I programs in Western Pennsylvania
  • Speaker at the International Reading Association National Conference
Pictured are Point Park elementary education majors in the classroom.

Freshman elementary education majors taking the “Introduction to the Teaching Profession” gain hands-on teaching experience in the classroom, thanks to a partnership between Point Park University and Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania.

Student Teaching/Field Experience Sites

Our School of Education's Downtown Pittsburgh location brings real advantages. Our students are able to conduct observations at local schools that are within walking distance of campus. We also place student teachers in local schools, including those listed below, so transportation to and from those schools is convenient.

  • Wee-Care_800.jpgBethel Park School District
  • Canon-MacMillan School District
  • Diocese of Pittsburgh
  • Fox Chapel School District
  • Franklin Regional School District
  • Gateway School District
  • Mt. Lebanon School District
  • Montour School District
  • Peters Township School District
  • Pine Richland School District
  • Pittsburgh Public School District
  • Propel Schools
  • Shaler Area School District
  • Winchester Thurston

Alumni Success

Learn where our elementary education graduates have gone on to build their teaching careers.

More news & features
Pictured is elementary education alumna Amanda Trainor. | Photo by Chris Rolinson

"Point Park’s education professors really care about their students. Because the class sizes are smaller, they get to know you on a personal level and are there to help you out."

Pictured is education alumnus Michael Suppa.

"Not many people can hit the ground running on their first day in the real world. Point Park made sure I was ready to do so."

News & Features