Master of Education in Elementary Education with Teacher Certification

 

Make a Change, Change a Life

Whether you’ve always thought about teaching but took a different path; want to help with the teacher shortage; or are looking for a career change that will have a positive impact on the next generation, West Chester University has a program for you!

Specifically designed for college graduates with degrees outside the field of education, our Master of Education in Elementary Education with Teacher Certification will provide you with a direct pathway to teaching in Pennsylvania schools.

WCU's M.Ed. in Elementary Education with Teacher Certification is a 45-credit, hybrid program with in-person field placements and a full semester of student teaching.

With a focus on grades PK-4, the M.Ed. in Elementary Education with Teacher Certification will prepare you to teach and support the youngest students in our schools with additional grade certifications available through Praxis testing options.

 

Benefits of Earning Your Graduate Degree at West Chester University

Flexible Coursework

The Master of Education in Elementary Education with Teacher Certification is available as a hybrid program. The flexible combination of in-person and online coursework will help you manage your studies and your schedule. Online coursework may be synchronous or asynchronous depending on the class, allowing you to login live or on your own time. Students will complete this program as a cohort.

Accomplished Faculty and Small Classes

WCU has an outstanding faculty with decades of experience and connections to schools locally and regionally.

Each professor brings their own expertise and interests to the classroom from technology integration and positive classroom design environments based on personality style to STEM education and self-care for teachers. Many of our faculty were long-time elementary and middle school teachers and administrators prior to joining WCU. They are frequent presenters at home and abroad and have published studies, chapters, and books based on their areas of interest.

At WCU, our small graduate classes mean you’ll receive personalized attention and an individualized program experience with faculty who are deeply committed to providing mentorship and support to each student.

Affordable Tuition

Affordability is part of WCU’s mission. Thanks to several years of frozen tuition, WCU is among the most affordable options in the region. To help put your graduate studies within reach, WCU also offers financial aid, employee reimbursement options, payment plans, and graduate assistantships.

Personalized Career Advising

As a graduate student at WCU, you’ll have full access to the Twardowski Career Development Center (CDC). The experts at the CDC will help you explore career options, write your résumé, perfect your interviewing skills, and create a job search strategy. The CDC also hosts employment fairs on campus throughout the year.

Additional Grade Certification Options

The M.Ed. in Elementary Education focuses specifically on grades PK-4 and will prepare you for the elementary grades PECT PK –4 certification test. With additional preparation, it’s possible to take the Praxis tests for both grades 5-6 and 7-8 for a full certification of grades PK-8.

Student Teaching

Student teaching is required for teacher certification. WCU’s program will pair you with an experienced classroom teacher who will serve as a supervisor and mentor. Student teaching is a full-time, five days a week, for a 15-week experience during the final spring semester in the program. During this time, you’ll learn about classroom management, lesson planning, and student assessment, all while applying your knowledge in a real-world setting.

WCU has both student success coordinators and field placement coordinators to help ensure you’re successful academically and personally during your studies.

 

What Can You Do with a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education with Teacher Certification

Our students are career changers, innovators, and difference makers. They come to our program to be a positive force in the lives of school children and gain in-depth understanding of teaching practices, assessment, and advocacy skills.

Upon successful completion of this cohort program and passing the PECT PK-4 testing, you will be eligible to apply for initial certification to teach grades PK-4 in Pennsylvania. Additional Praxis testing can lead to certification in additional grades (5-6; 7-8).

Graduates from the program have gone on to become classroom teachers, curriculum specialists, and private tutors. Others have pursued additional education to become school counselors, administrators, and literacy specialists.

Our program can increase your confidence in the classroom, your leadership opportunities and pay scale, and will provide you with a support network of local educators.

 

What Will You Study as a Student in the Master of Education in Elementary Education Program?

The master’s + certification program consists of 45 credits, including student teaching.

You’ll learn best practices in teaching PK-4 students:

• Reading
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies and Health

You’ll also take courses in assessment and creating inclusive classrooms.