Education Department
At Lebanon Valley College, we prepare our education majors to change lives through teaching. Students learn not only how to teach, but also how to use teaching to make a difference in the world.
Our curriculum certifies students in elementary, special education, English as a second language (ESL), and secondary education. Post-baccalaureate certification is also available.
Beginning with the incoming class of 2009, the current elementary (K-6) and special education (K-grade 12) certifications will no longer be issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. We are planning to replace elementary certification with two new certificates; Early Childhood Education (PreK-grade 4) and Middle Level (grade 4-grade 8). Early Childhood Education will be available starting in fall 2009, pending approval by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). The middle level major will be available starting fall 2010, pending approval by LVC faculty and PDE. The Special Education Certification will be split into two new programs; special education (PreK-grade 8) and the special education (PreK-grade 8 major) that will be available in fall 2009 subject to PDE approval. No plans are currently in place to offer the special education (grade 7-grade 12) major.
Regardless of your certification program, you will learn how to put educational theory into practice using the latest teaching methodologies. Beginning in your freshman year and continuing through your senior year, you will observe talented teachers at work in a variety of classroom settings with all types of students. After observing classes, you will go from tutoring individuals to actually planning and teaching lessons. By your senior year you will begin practicing your profession as a full-time student teacher.
At Lebanon Valley College, we believe that a well-prepared student becomes the best teacher. Join us for an educational experience that will help you change the world!
Lebanon Valley College's education program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Why Major in Education?
Dedicated and highly competent teachers are always in demand. The teacher education programs at Lebanon Valley College prepare our graduates for the competitive job market in the teaching profession.
The faculty challenge our teacher candidates to grow professionally and personally by providing them with the necessary coursework and practical experiences required for a successful teaching career.
From your freshman year on, your academic adviser will work with you to select the appropriate courses which will prepare you for field practica, student teaching, and a professional teaching position.
In accordance with state and federal regulations, Lebanon Valley College regularly reports the aggregate student data to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The HEA - Title II 2006-2007 academic data (the last year of available data) shows the Aggregate - Basic Skills institutional pass rate for the 97 students taking the assessment to be 96/97 or 99 percent, the Aggregate - Academic Content Areas (math, English, biology, etc.) pass rate for the 96 students taking the assessment to be 93/96 or 97 percent, and the Aggregate - Teaching Special Populations (special education, ESL, etc.) pass rate for the 34 students taking the assessment to be 34/34 or 100 percent. Many factors, such as the number of students in the program, number of tests required for licensure, the number of licensure candidates who complete all required exams before graduation, and the number of teacher certification candidates who actually take the licensure exams, affect the overall College scores.