Elementary Education

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

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Janice Glunk, Ed.D.

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.

Bethel 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

Amanda Trainor '11

"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."

Michael Suppa '10

"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

Point Park Launches Scholarship Program for High School Students Who Visit Downtown Campus

Monday, August 7, 2023 The Point Park University Visit Scholarship — valued at $4,000 — aims to recognize and reward the enthusiasm of prospective students who take the time to experience firsthand the unique educational environment and rich cultural offerings of the Downtown campus.

Photos: School of Education Recognizes Graduates at Celebration of Student Teaching

Friday, June 9, 2023 The family-like atmosphere of Point Park University's School of Education is exemplified each spring at the Celebration of Student Teaching, an end-of-year tradition that brings together all undergraduate and graduate degree recipients to cheer their accomplishments and share the meaningful experiences they've enjoyed in their programs.

School of Education Students Gain Classroom Experience Through Faculty's Maker, STEM Research

Wednesday, May 17, 2023 "Point Park's emphasis on non-traditional teaching styles and methods beyond the typical landscape prepared me to serve a wide variety of learners. It made me flexible and understanding of the fact that my students will have different backgrounds, needs and motivations. That student-first ideology sets Point Park apart from everyone else."