Education Department

The Education Department Mission
The mission of the Lebanon Valley College Education Department is to develop, in a liberal arts environment, teachers of high moral and ethical character, who are highly effective, capable, and knowledgeable of teaching methods that reflect current research and best practice. We firmly believe that prospective teachers must possess effective communication skills, a love for learning, a sense of responsibility and service to their school and community, and a genuine respect for those with whom they work.

Curriculum
At Lebanon Valley College, we believe that a well-prepared student becomes the best teacher. Students learn not only how to teach, but also how to use teaching to make a difference in the lives of their students.  Our curriculum certifies students in:

  • Early childhood education (PreK-grade 4)
  • Special education (PreK-grade 8)
  • Art education (K-grade 12)
  • Biology (grade 7-grade 12)
  • Chemistry (grade 7-grade 12)
  • English (grade 7-grade 12)
  • French (K-grade 12)
  • German (K-grade 12)
  • Mathematics (grade 7-grade 12)
  • Music education (K-grade 12)
  • Physics (grade 7-grade 12)
  • Social Studies (grade 7-grade 12)
  • Spanish (K-grade 12)
  • Post-baccalaureate certification is also available in these areas at the undergraduate level

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.

The June Herr Resource Room, located in Lynch Hall, contains an extensive collection of current materials, supplies, journals, and curriculum tools for student use.  An interactive white board, computers, and educational software are also housed here.  These resources support our curriculum and can be signed out and used in the field.

Lebanon Valley College's education program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Faculty
The education department faculty keep current with the research and best practices through membership and leadership in state and national organizations.  We hold membership in the Council for Exceptional Children, The National Association for the Education of Young Children, the International Reading Association, the Pennsylvania Association of College Teacher Educators, to name a few.  As active members of these organizations, we offer presentations at their conferences and publish our works in their journals.  Often our students are included in these presentations.

Currently, Dr. Kline is a board member of the Pennsylvania Science Teachers Association, Dr. George is the Regional Services and Membership Chair of the Council of Children with Behavioral Disorders, and Dr. Walker serves on the executive and regional boards of the Pennsylvania Middle School Association.  Dr. Yingling, Dr. Summers and Mrs. Summers will give presentations at the 2010 annual conference of the National Association for the Education of Young Children held in November.

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 challenges our teacher candidates to grow professionally and personally by providing them with the necessary coursework and practical experiences required for a successful teaching career.

Here is what some of our recent graduates have to say about our program:

“Going to LVC was the best decision I’ve ever made. I developed lifelong relationships with my classmates and professors and the education program prepared me for the classroom, especially in meeting the diverse needs of learners.”

- Amanda Pone, Class of 2010


“My experience at LVC was wonderful. I feel very prepared for a career in teaching.”

- Katie De Mario, Class of 2010


“I was exposed to the latest in technology, reading and math programs as well as methods and practice teaching. Leaving LVC, I’ve never felt more prepared for the next step.” 

- Leah Worrell, Class of 2010


“In my interviews I found myself answering questions with so much confidence. The material I learned at LVC had become second nature, so I felt like I was having a conversation rather than an interview. I had an amazing experience at LVC and am proud to be a Dutchman!”

- Lauren Evans, Class of 2010


“I feel very prepared as a first year teacher. The field experience was helpful as we learned from experienced teachers.”

- Kristyne Wagner, Class of 2010


"I feel confident going into the working world because of the constant support and teaching you provided over the last four years. Your classes gave me knowledge, your field placements gave me experience, but most of all your love gave me a model of what I strive to be - an outstanding teacher. So, thank you."

- Kate Sereno, Class of 2010

 

Title II
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.