Education
Teaching is one of the noblest professions and a successful career takes life-long dedicated professionals. Alumni of Clarion University's Education Programs have enjoyed success as teachers across the globe. Currently, Pennsylvania and many other states are experiencing a teacher shortage, so career possibilities are increasing dramatically. Our education programs provide unique opportunities to work with students in urban and rural settings, with students with special needs, with non-native English-speaking students overseas, and to conduct and present research at state and national conferences.
The A.S. Early Childhood Education Program at Clarion University of Pennsylvania is
accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education
Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The accreditation term runs from March 2019 through March 2025. To view the program's
outcome data, click here.
Programs of Study / Continuing Education
- Early Childhood / Elementary Education - Grades PreK-4
- Middle Level Education
- Middle Level Education with Special Education
- Secondary Education
- B.S. Liberal Studies: Education Concentration
- Post-Baccalaureate Certification
- Graduate Degrees
- Online Instruction Endorsement
Federal TEACH Grant
This federal grant provides up to $4,000 per year. Financial need is not a requirement of this grant. Students who are interested in the TEACH Grant should print the Teach Grant Preliminary Application and return it to the Student Financial Services Office located on the first floor of Becht Hall.
Career Outlook
Teacher shortages continue to build across Pennsylvania and the nation. Over 90% of the states report teacher shortages, with the most dire needs in:
- Math
- Science
- ESL
- Special Education
According to the Education Commission of the States May 2016 Report, enrollment in teacher preparation programs continues to decline. Now is the time to join the ranks of teachers, as the Pennsylvania Department of Education continues to report dramatic needs in teacher certification in:
- Secondary Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Science
- Special Education
Clarion graduates in these certification areas are experiencing nearly 100% placement upon graduation.
In addition, our Early Childhood/Special Education dual degree provides elementary schools with teachers in high demand, certified in both Elementary and Special Education.
Internships
Internships and student teaching opportunities are provided within a 70-mile radius of Clarion University in:
- rural
- culturally diverse
- socio-economically diverse settings
Online field experiences with non-native English speaking students are continuing to expand into countries like Spain, Morocco, and Korea.
Our nationally accredited School of Education offers PA Teacher Certification Programs in:
- Early Childhood / Elementary Education (PreK-Grade 4)
- now offering coursework in Grades 5-6 for the PDE Add-on test - Dual Early Childhood/Special Education (PreK-Grade 4/PreK-Grade 8/Grades 7-12)
- Middle Level Education (Grades 4-8)
- Secondary Education (7-12)
and each of these programs can be combined with special education.
We also offer an online Associate Degree in Early Childhood, that is NAEYC accredited, and online courses for the PA Director Credential.
The Education Department also offers a graduate program leading to a Master's Degree in Education with concentrations in:
- Curriculum, Instruction and Teacher Leadership
- Early Childhood
- Mathematics
- Reading Education (K-12)
- Science
- Special Education
- Technology
A PDE-approved Online Instruction Endorsement is offered for current teachers as a component of the Masters of Education Degree or as a stand-alone non-degree program. Read about how our Online Instruction Endorsement is helping educators during the pandemic.
Each curriculum meets:
- Graduation requirements of the university
- Certification requirements of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- Accreditation standards of professional groups such as the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.
You can join our programs at the beginning of your college career or join us as a transfer student. If you already have a degree, perhaps a post-baccalaureate plan is the right option for you.
questions?
Dr. Jesse Haight
Department Chair
125 Stevens Hall
Phone: +1 814 393 2404
Fax: +1 814 393 2558
Success Stories
Social Studies Students
Read about Clarion University students presenting at the National Council for Social Studies Conference!
Chris Albrecht
Christopher Albrecht teaches 4th grade Language Arts, sciences, and technology, and has remained consistent finding pleasure in being a catalyst for children to find joy and happiness in learning. (more)
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION SOCIAL MEDIA
